Square Enix’s announced Sleeping Dogs, an open-world cop drama set in the streets of Hong Kong. The title is a rebrand of True Crime: Hong Kong, which Activision yanked from its product lineup last year, selling off the franchise.

Players take on the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, setting out to take down an organization deeply rooted in criminal activity, which is none other than the Hong Kong Triads. The city of Hong Kong is realized through its neon-lit side streets and sprawling street markets. A tale of loyalty and betrayal unfolds during Wei’s investigation, leading him to question his own motives.

Sleeping Dogs features a combat system that allows players to pull off an extensive set of martial arts moves, including “bone-crunching kicks and combos, vicious counters and a cinematic set of environmental takedowns making use of countless real-world items from circular saws to phone booths, incinerators to refrigerator doors.” 

“From the moment you pick up the controller and experience the blend of driving, close combat and shooting you know you’re playing something fresh and a bit special,” said Square Enix GM Lee Singleton.

“Sleeping Dogs has one of the best melee combat systems out there – it’s super brutal with devastating takedown moves, and when added to UFG’s proven heritage in driving games, a first class story and the vibrant backdrop of the Hong Kong underworld we get a fiery recipe with fun written all over it.”

Sleeping Dogs is due out Q2 2012 on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.

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