The Sinking City 2 ditches the thinky stuff for classic survival horror, but I'm yet to decide if it's truly better for it
There's a bit, early on in The Sinking City 2 , where you enter the waterlogged Miskatonic University. As you teeter around toppled shelves and slalom through sodden tomes, a siren begins to blare. It's the last call for survivors hoping to flee the doomed city of Arkham, after which only a few determined souls remain. It feels like a world in the process of transition as we join it, and that's…
The Sinking City 2 takes a step away from its predecessor's detective roots to focus on classic survival horror gameplay. The game introduces a new protagonist, paranormal detective Calvin Rafferty, as he investigates cosmic horror in the 1920s city of Arkham. While the sequel retains the moody atmosphere and Lovecraftian setting, it drastically alters the gameplay to emphasize combat and action.
From the outset, The Sinking City 2 impresses with its stunning visuals, showcasing Arkham's 1920s architecture, flooded streets, and eerie sights. However, the game quickly shifts to a more linear and action-packed experience, abandoning the open-world exploration of its predecessor. Players traverse the flooded city, solving puzzles and gathering resources to craft items, but the experience is heavily action-oriented.
Combat, while not groundbreaking, is responsive and effective, though the limited inventory space and scarce resources can lead to frustration. The game's strengths lie in its atmospheric worldbuilding and immersive setting, with well-designed locations and a strong sense of dread. While the early stages may feel somewhat clunky and unforgiving, the game eventually finds its rhythm, delivering a more polished and engaging experience.
Despite early setbacks, The Sinking City 2 ultimately offers a compelling and atmospheric survival horror experience, with a focus on action and a strong sense of place.
Written by urgent.news from Eurogamer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
