Sleeping Dogs logo whiteSleeping Dogs screen 3 Wei Chen hostageMany fans were hurt when True Crime: Hong Kong vanished into thin air. Fortunately, Square Enix announced today that it would be publishing the game under the new title Sleeping Dogs.

Sleeping Dogs screen 1 Wei Chen bike chaseSet in Hong Kong, this open-world action title is being developed by United Front Games with help from Square Enix London Studios. Set to release in the second half of 2012, Sleeping Dogs will hit the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

Undercover cop Wei Shen has been assigned the dangerous mission of bringing down the Hong Kong Triads from the inside. The story presents challenges with loyalty and motivation, as every turn is a potential hot spot for action.

Sleeping Dogs screen 2 Wei Chen elbow dropSleeping Dogs places a heavy emphasis on hand-to-hand combat, and according to Square Enix London Studios general manager Lee Singleton, “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. 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 screen 4 Hong Kong marketHong Kong’s island city offers players a unique set of backgrounds, from neon-lit streets, to harbors, to skyscrapers. All are a potential for action as Wei Shen attempts to bring down the Triads without getting killed. Players can expect fast-paced chases through narrow streets.

“Working on Sleeping Dogs has been such a huge passion for the team at United Front Games and we’re really pleased to be working with Square Enix London Studios,” said Stephen Van Der Mescht, executive producer at United Front Games. “The extensive experience that both studios have in creating compelling open world gameplay and rich, rewarding combat makes for a perfect partnership. Working together we’re ensuring Sleeping Dogs is the most intense and immersive game it can be.”

Expect more screens and trailers in the months to come. Also, bookmark the Sleeping Dogs website for more information.