The Sinking Cityhit the scene back in 2019, and it brought players an investigation-heavy mystery inspired by the works of the master of cosmic horror, H.P. Lovecraft. This open-world detective tale introduced a moody atmosphere and interesting premise that helped it stand out as an indie title.The Sinking Cityhad a lot of potential, but it also struggled with a variety of faults.
From the repetitive gameplay to the open-world feeling unnecessary at many times,The Sinking Citymissed the mark in several ways. Despite its rockier features,The Sinking Citytells a unique story that sets the stage for its upcoming sequel. Its follow-up,The Sinking City 2, recently skyrocketed past its Kickstarter goal, gaining its funding in under two hours. Now that the sequel is in the works, 2025 is the perfect time to jump back into the first game for a refresher.
Despite Its Flaws, The Sinking City Still Has Plenty to Offer
A Great Option For Gamers Who Love Choice-Based Stories
Protagonist Charles Reed can meet several compelling fates at the end ofThe Sinking City’s story, but that isn’t where the importance of a player’s choices ends.This Lovecraftian mysterytakes the same approach to the many mysteries that Reed has to solve throughout the story.The Sinking Cityboasts an “open investigation system” that allows players to solve cases in many different ways, which enhances the immersion of the game’s detective angle.
While some of the combat and scares may be lacking, whereThe Sinking Citytruly shines is in its storytelling. Reed’s journey through madness as he begins to unravel the mystery of what is happening to the flooding East Coast town of Oakmont is the heart of the game, so it’s great that this is what developer Frogwares nails. Stronger combat mechanics and more enemy variety would be great, but thankfully,The Sinking City 2can improve upon that.
Right now,The Sinking City 2’s Kickstarter funding sits at an impressive $400,000 provided by 3,900 backers. The original goal was $109,000.
The Sinking City’s Minimal Scares May Actually Be Great For Horror Rookies
Frogwares may have taken inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft, butThe Sinking Cityisn’t exactly the scariest game around. It has its moments of urgency, but for the most part, it’s usually quite easy to bring Reed back to safety. For gamers who have wanted a story with a hint of horror but aren’t into the more intense scares oftitles likeSilent Hill 2andStill Wakes the Deep,The Sinking Citycould be the perfect game to scratch that horror itch while also avoiding heart palpitations.
Despite its rockier features,The Sinking Citytells a unique story that sets the stage for its upcoming sequel,
Preparing For The Sinking City 2
Based on the announcement trailer and early footage,The Sinking City 2already appears to be a big upgrade from its predecessor. This time around, Frogwares is leaning harder into survival horror aspects. It looks like there has been some inspiration fromResident Eviland possiblySilent Hill 2, which is a promising sign for those who wantedThe Sinking Cityto go heavier on the horror.
Pledging Tier 3 on Kickstarter is the only way to get a physical copy of the sequel.
Now that Frogwares has met its Kickstarter goals,a release date forThe Sinking City 2will hopefully be revealed later this year. So far, the game’s new approach looks incredibly promising. Of course, only time will tell, but as the wait for this sequel continues, revisiting the chapter that started it all is worth the time.
The Sinking City
WHERE TO PLAY
The Sinking City is an adventure and investigation game set in an open world inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft, the master of Horror. The half-submerged city of Oakmont is gripped by supernatural forces. You’re a private investigator, and you have to uncover the truth of what has possessed the city… and the minds of its inhabitants.- An oppressive atmosphere and story inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft.- A vast open world that can be explored on foot, by boat, in a diving suit…- High replay value thanks to an open investigation system: each case can be solved in a number of ways, with different possible endings depending on your actions.- An arsenal of weapons from the 1920s with which to take on nightmarish creatures.- Manage your mental health to untangle the truth behind the madness.
