The Sinking City 2: From Detective Mystery to Survival Horror

On August 18, The Sinking City 2, the latest project from the Ukrainian studio Frogwares, was officially released. The developers have shifted their creative direction: the slow-paced detective investigations of the first game have been replaced by dynamic survival-horror gameplay inspired by genre classics.

The Plot

The new game invites players to immerse themselves in a 1920s Lovecraftian atmosphere within the flooded city of Arkham. The protagonist, detective Calvin Rafferty, is searching for his beloved, Fay Bennett, whose soul is trapped in the “Dreamlands” following a failed ritual. The gameplay is built around exploring locations, interacting with characters, gathering clues, and battling monsters. Throughout the game, players earn “Dream Essence” by completing tasks and solving puzzles to upgrade their skills.

Critical Reception and Expert Opinions

Critics have warmly embraced the series’ transformation. Current scores for the game are as follows:

• Metacritic: 79-84 points depending on the platform.
• Opencritic: 81 points with a 69% recommendation rate.

Reviewers highlight the high-quality graphics, terrifying monsters, and a significantly improved combat system compared to the first installment.

Performance and Technical Details

Despite its success, the game remains an AA-class project with a limited budget. This is evident in the facial animations, voice acting, and inconsistent PC optimization. Players should also note the prevalence of bugs at launch and the linearity of the gameplay—there are no groundbreaking new mechanics, as the focus remains on proven tropes from Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Managing ammunition is crucial, as some enemies are immune to conventional weapons.

Available Platforms

The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series. Three editions can be purchased:

• Standard Edition — $50 (1946 UAH)
• Premium Edition — $55 (2140 UAH)
• Deluxe Edition — $60 (2335 UAH)

This is a clear step forward for Frogwares, though the game is not without its flaws. If you are a fan of Lovecraftian horror and survival gameplay centered on resource scarcity, this project is definitely worth your attention, technical limitations notwithstanding.