'Sleeping Dogs'

Square Enix

Sony PlayStation 3 (Xbox 360, PC)

$59.99

ESRB rating: Mature

Review rating: 4.0 stars

Activision's "True Crime" series was fun, but it never emerged from the shadows cast by bigger and better games like "GTA" and "Saint's Row." Now Square Enix has revived the dying series under the name "Sleeping Dogs," and just like the fabled phoenix, it has become bigger and better than it ever was!

Players assume the role of undercover cop Wei Shen, whose worldly experience is needed to eliminate the Triads from Hong Kong. To do this, Shen must go undercover and investigate the dirty subculture of the city. While getting his hands dirty as a typical thug, Shen becomes increasingly embroiled in the seedy underworld, and his loyalties come into question. It's up to the player to decide which direction Shen will follow.

I love how players aren't punished for making good or bad decisions. Instead, they simply get to customize their character however they choose. The unusual leveling system lets players build experience points in three areas: Cop, Triad and Face. Points are gained in Cop by doing good deeds and following the law, which net deadly new gunplay abilities. Triad points are gained by breaking the law and making brutal kills, and this results in handy new melee skills. Lastly, Face points are gained through reputation with Hong Kong citizens, and they give players access to cool cars and stylish clothes.

Gamers looking for an open-world title that actually features sweet kung-fu combat will be thrilled with the combat system found in this game. It's possible to throw numerous different attacks as well as performing blocks and various counters. Additional variety comes from using weapons like knives and pipes and also using environmental objects such as tables and trash dumpsters. A useful cover-based shooter system is also available that works fine, but it pales in comparison to the awesome hand-to-hand combat.

My biggest complaint is the unpredictable camera system, but that isn't enough to make "Sleeping Dogs" sleep with the fishes!

'Hybrid'

5th Cell Media

XBLA download

$14.99

ESRB rating: Teen

Review rating: 3.0 stars

Just like the gamers who play them, online multiplayer shooters used to come in many shapes and sizes. Sadly, it seems like most current developers are only interested in spewing out military shooters or "Halo" wannabes. Not so with 5th Cell Media, because "Hybrid" is unlike any shooter I've ever played!

This game doesn't have much of a storyline, but that's OK because most gamers only need to know which direction to shoot. In this case, a global conflict over dark matter pits the Variant species against humanoid Paladins. Players choose their side and then fight on one of ten maps in six different match types that include standard death matches as well as new modes like Tactics.

One feature that really sets "Hybrid" apart from other shooters is the unusual mobility, or lack thereof. Instead of being able to freely move around, players must fly from cover to cover using their jet-pack. Thankfully, it's possible to shoot while moving and also dodge projectiles while in the air. In addition, players can also 'retreat' back to their starting point if they don't like where they're heading, but the retreat ability can't be spammed. It's also possible to hop over walls to take cover from the other side.

This cool move is not only handy but also extremely necessary for survival. You see, players can stand on the ground as well as walls and ceilings, so enemy fire can come from any direction and any angle. The resulting unpredictability is not only exciting but also helps make "Hybrid" a unique experience.

I also like the ability to customize my character with everything from weapons to armor to special abilities, but I can do without the micro-transactions. It's also disappointing that matches are limited to 3 vs. 3 and that "Hybrid" is an online-only game, but it's still a fun and unique experience!