A New Direction for the Franchise

As a long-time enthusiast of survival horror—having navigated the tense corridors of Resident Evil, the psychological depths of Silent Hill, and the supernatural mysteries of Alan Wake—I was immediately drawn to The Sinking City 2. Developed by the Ukrainian studio Frogwares, this sequel marks a significant departure from the 2019 original. While the first game prioritized investigative detective work, the sequel pivots sharply toward survival horror, emphasizing combat, resource management, and atmospheric exploration.


Set in a submerged, surreal 1920s version of Arkham, players step into the shoes of Calvin Rafferty. As an occult adventurer, Rafferty must navigate a landscape infested with Lovecraftian horrors while hunting for a way to save his companion, Faye Bennett, from a supernatural, coma-like affliction.


Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game feels like a complete reinvention of the series. The developers have opted to make investigation optional, ensuring it enhances the survival experience rather than obstructing the flow. The combat feels heavily inspired by classic survival horror titles, where ammunition is scarce and every encounter requires a tactical decision: fight or flee?


  • Resource Management: Players must scour rooms for supplies while utilizing safe rooms to save progress and stash items.
  • Combat Depth: With four distinct difficulty levels, players can tailor the challenge of boss fights and creature encounters to their skill level.
  • Gunplay Feel: While the combat can occasionally feel somewhat clunky or stiff, this lack of polish oddly complements the setting, where the protagonist is an ordinary person forced to survive against overwhelming odds.

Atmosphere and Narrative Heart

Despite some minor technical imperfections—such as occasional reused environmental assets and rigid cutscene animations—the game excels at building a sense of dread. The art direction is top-tier; the rain-soaked streets, oppressive fog, and the haunting ruins of locations like the Miskatonic University create a truly immersive and terrifying world.


«The underlying atmosphere and art direction are genuinely good, and you have to give the game serious credit for that.»

The story provides a strong emotional anchor. Through effective use of flashbacks, the game humanizes the relationship between Calvin and Faye, providing a touch of warmth amidst the darkness. Calvin himself carries a distinct charm, occasionally channeling an "Indiana Jones" energy that keeps the linear, tighter narrative engaging from start to finish.


A Testament to Resilience

It is impossible to discuss this title without acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances behind its creation. Development began at Frogwares amid the backdrop of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The team pushed through power outages and dangerous conditions to bring the project to life. Seeing The Sinking City 2 reach completion is a remarkable achievement for a studio making its first foray into full-fledged survival horror.


With a New Game Plus mode, hidden lore, and plenty of secrets tucked away in the corners of Arkham, the game offers much more than a single playthrough. It is currently available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.