Year of the Snake
About Year of the Snake
Year of the Snake is an expansion for the popular video game Sleeping Dogs, developed by United Front Games and published by Square Enix. Released in 2013, the expansion follows the story of Wei Shen, the protagonist of Sleeping Dogs, a cop undercover in the criminal underworld of Hong Kong. The Year of the Snake takes place after the events of the main game and introduces new storylines, missions, and gameplay mechanics.
Plot and Story
The story of Year of the Snake revolves around Wei Shen as he transitions from his work as an undercover cop to becoming involved in a special task force that combats a terrorist organization. The narrative focuses on the threat posed by a group known as the "Red Poles," who are involved in a series of deadly bombings and criminal activity. Wei Shen is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the terrorist plot while keeping his personal history with the Hong Kong Triads in check.
A notable aspect of the story is its connection to Chinese culture and symbolism. The expansion is named after the Chinese zodiac, with the year of the snake being used as a backdrop for the missions, which brings in themes of change, survival, and transformation.
Gameplay Features
Year of the Snake introduces a few new gameplay elements alongside the expansion's story-driven missions:
- New Vehicles and Weapons: The expansion includes new vehicles, such as an armored van and more weapons, such as stun guns and tasers, giving players fresh ways to tackle combat situations.
- New Side Missions: In addition to the main story missions, the game adds side content that involves capturing criminals, diffusing bombs, and dealing with gang-related challenges.
- New Outfit and Gear: Wei Shen can also acquire new outfits and gear that reflect the themes of the expansion and enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Reception
Year of the Snake received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised its ability to expand on the core game of Sleeping Dogs, some felt that the story and missions didn't quite match the quality or depth of the original game. The addition of new weapons and vehicles was generally well-received, but the pacing and repetitive nature of some missions received criticism.
Despite these critiques, Year of the Snake offered additional content that fans of Sleeping Dogs appreciated, especially those who wanted to explore more of the Hong Kong setting and further immerse themselves in its chaotic world.
Overall, Year of the Snake was a solid expansion for Sleeping Dogs, but it didn't completely reinvent the wheel. It gave fans a reason to revisit the game, though it did not reach the same heights as the base game’s acclaim.
