Keeping your head above water
I missed playing the original Sinking City game that originally launched back in 2021, but kind of serendipitously I recently started playing it at the behest of my podcast partner Anthony. What I have played if the game thus far has really scratched that investigative itch, if a little bit rough around the edges. Since its release developer Frogware has had to endure quite a bit including the on-going war in their home of Ukraine. When I tell you that it feels absolutely incredible that the team has been able to keep work up on The Sinking City 2 and that what they have so far feels really great!
In the original game players were taken to the sinking city of Oakmont with protagonist Charles Reed who uses his combination of detective skills and combat to fight off some Lovecraftian monstrosities who have attacked the city. The sequel changes everything up and this time the adventure takes place in Arkham. No, not where Batman takes his rogues, but instead the city from Lovecraft lore. And with a new location comes a new hero; Calvin Rafferty, who also is an investigator but of the occult. Calvin has come to Arkham in hopes to find the means to free his girlfriend who become trapped in another realm during a failed ritual.
I was a little disappointed because seemingly the investigation bits take a back seat to the more traditional survival horror type combat. I only played two sections of the full game but I am curious how this change will affect things; I haven’t completed the original but the investigation is at the forefront with combat taking a more backseat. With that being said combat has been massively overhauled and if you have played the Resident Evil Requiem, particularly the Leon sections; then you will be at home. Enemies are aggressive and will require players to target specific weak points to put them down for good. There are quite a few guns which all felt good in the heat of battle, all in all the combat so far, feels like a big upgrade.
The other area where developer Frogware has improved the game is in the visuals. Lighting is much improved making creepy areas like the hospital even more so. It really helps the game push the survival horror vibe that the sequel seems to be going for. The preview build that I was allowed to play contained two areas, a hospital and a church location. There was also an opportunity to drive the boat, which I can confirm controls much more smoothly than in the first game.
I am cautiously optimistic about The Sinking City 2; I think the team has managed to upgrade quite a bit about the experience from the original game. I am intrigued about the story but as a fan of the Mind Palace from the original game when it comes to the investigative side of things; its absence here is what gives me pause. Nevertheless, I remain excited for The Sinking City 2 I just wish we could get a release date other than summer 2026.
Preview copy of game provided by publisher.
