Sleeping Dogs is an action-adventure video game that takes place from a third-person perspective. The player controls Wei Shen, a Chinese-American police officer who goes undercover and infiltrates the Sun On Yee Triad organization.[12][13] The first missions of the game are a linear tutorial for controlling the character.[14] After these missions, the player is allowed to explore the game's world and take part in side missions and other activities.[13] Shen navigates the world by running, jumping, climbing over obstacles, swimming,[15] and driving cars, boats and motorcycles.[16] The heads-up display (HUD) interface features a mini-map that indicates targets, key locations (safe houses and contact points) and Shen's current position. The mini-map incorporates two meters: one shows Shen's health and the other his face. When the face meter fills, upgrades are unlocked such as health regeneration, improved combat abilities and reduced equipment costs. The HUD also displays the weapon carried and its ammunition count.[17]
The game features role-playing mechanics based on three types of experience points (XP): Triad XP, Face XP and Police XP. Triad XP is obtained through melee combat and violent actions such as "environmental kills". Face XP, obtained in civilian side missions, fills Shen's face meter and unlocks cosmetic items such as clothes and vehicles. When it is full, Shen gains health regeneration, increased attack damage and other benefits.[18] Police XP is gained by minimising civilian casualties and property damage in missions and by completing police side missions. Gaining XP unlocks abilities such as hot-wiring cars and disarming opponents.[19] The clothes, accessories and vehicles purchased by Shen affect non-player characters' reactions toward him. Players may also collect jade statues used to unlock melee combat skills.
