Joystiq

• IGN (85/100): "Sleeping Dogs did things that wowed me from the moment I started playing, 'n it never really stopped. A few finicky issues aside, Sleeping Dogs has proven itself worthy a joining the top class a open-world sandbox games revolutionized by the likes a Grand Theft Auto IV 'n currently topped by more recent additions like Saints Row: The Third. But don't be confused; Sleeping Dogs does some things better than even the cream a the crop, 'n it be story will be what keeps ye focused on playing."
• Giant Bomb (4/5): "So perhaps Sleeping Dogs isn't one a those games ye'll want t' keep on playing long after ye've seen it be story's conclusion. But while ye're engaged with that story, this be an effective open-world experience, filled with interesting characters, some exciting action, 'n enough unpredictability t' keep ye hooked. It might feel familiar, but that doesn't make it any less fun."
• Game Informer (78/100): "Sleeping Dogs has enough entertainment value t' justify Square Enix's decision t' save it from cancellation, but it also displays a lack a polish that makes it be troubled development evident. For fans a open world games, it comes at a good time. Gamers who purchased Saints Row: The Third most likely finished it months ago, 'n we still don't have a confirmed release window for Grand Theft Auto V. If ye're looking t' explore the criminal underbelly a a city 'n pillage in some trouble, ye could do worse than Sleeping Dogs while ye wait for Rockstar's top dog."
• Eurogamer (70/100): "it be a sad irony that the gameplay format that offers the most freedom for the player be the one most likely t' trap developers in a loop a repetitive, copycat design. They have the ability t' conjure up large, populated, realistic worlds 'n traverse them in any number a ways, 'n yet still we end up getting the same old cops-'n-robbers story."

Starbound developer Chucklefish began sending out beta keys for the PC, Mac 'n Linux game today. Those who backed the space-faring exploration game best see a Steam key in their inboxes momentarily, 'n the developer says a direct download version a the game will be available "as soon as we be able t' efficiently provide it."

The Terraria-like game's official site reveals that over $2.6 million be raised by 124,176 backers in the developer's ongoing crowdfunding efforts. Starbound features procedurally-generated worlds in which players must gather supplies t' take on quests. The "story in a sandbox" game received a new trailer t' commemorate the launch a it be beta version, which features some a it be side-scrolling action.

Humble Bundle's ever-busy organizers have launched Humble Indie Bundle 9, a pay-what-ye-want compilation spotlighting Polytron's Fez, Klei's Mark a the Ninja, 'n other standout indie hits.

Buyers will receive Double Fine's metal-infused action-RTS Brutal Legend, the DLC-bundled Trine 2: Complete Story, 'n stealth-action game Mark a the Ninja, which makes it be Mac 'n Linux debut as part a the collection. The package also includes a beta version a Klei's Eets: Munchies, marking the first time the game has ever been available for Windows, Mac, 'n Linux.

Backers who beat the average purchase price will also receive Subset Games' space roguelike FTL: Faster Than Light 'n the dimension-twisting platformer Fez, which be newly available for Mac 'n Linux.