The Sinking City 2 evokes a strong sense of Resident Evil, particularly the 2019 remake, in its mechanics and overall presentation. This comparison serves as a compliment to Frogwares' Lovecraftian survival horror sequel, which builds upon its predecessor's foundation with a detailed 1920s New England setting and a compelling narrative.
The game casts players as Calvin Rafferty, an occultist in 1929 Arkham, Massachusetts, who awakens to find the city facing an apocalyptic flood. Calvin, a pulp fiction-esque protagonist, possesses a bravery that belies underlying complexities. The narrative centers on his quest to save his comatose partner, Faye, after a half-remembered expedition to Lovecraft's Dreamlands. This personal stake provides immediate momentum, propelling players through the initial stages.
The plot effectively weaves in elements of the Cthulhu mythos, with numerous nods to fans of Lovecraft's work. While some cosmic entities are only hinted at, the game skillfully navigates the metaphysical aspects of the lore, presenting beings beyond human comprehension without alienating players with overly convoluted storytelling. The narrative includes emotional beats and twists that keep the motivations of various characters ambiguous, yet the overall story remains accessible.
Arkham itself is a central element, rendered as a gorgeously damp and decrepit environment. The texture work and sound design combine to create a palpable atmosphere of dread. The density of environmental details imbues every location, from dilapidated hotels to terrifying hospital wards, with a lived-in yet ravaged feel. While cutscenes and facial animations occasionally falter, strong voice acting helps to maintain immersion.
Each chapter introduces a new, distinct locale within Arkham. Players begin navigating flooded city streets by boat, eventually exploring ruins and a haunted hotel. The second chapter, set in an abandoned hospital, features an unkillable stalker enemy reminiscent of Resident Evil's Mr. X or Nemesis, making it a particularly tense segment. The third chapter takes players to the Arkham Fish Market, offering a grimly thematic experience.
Mechanically, The Sinking City 2 is a clear homage to modern, over-the-shoulder survival horror. Ammunition is scarce, encouraging players to scavenge diligently. Melee combat is a risky option, often leading to health item expenditure rather than efficient enemy dispatch. Calvin strikes a balance between competence and fragility, avoiding the invincibility of some action heroes.
The inventory system, basic enemy encounters, and puzzle design—requiring the collection of items to progress—are all reminiscent of the Resident Evil formula. The crafting of healing items from collected herbs is also present, alongside a New Game+ perk system similar to that found in recent Resident Evil titles. The game also features a system where loot pick-ups are infinitely respawning during certain large combat encounters, a mechanic that, while explained in-game, slightly undermines the scarcity-driven difficulty. The review notes that some boss fights and arena battles were among the least favorite segments.
Distinctive features include a perk system that allows players to unlock and equip powerful runes, such as those that enhance damage when a flashlight is off, rewarding cautious or stealthy play. These perks, tiered in power, incentivize repeat playthroughs to unlock the most potent abilities.
Another unique element is the clue system, where players can find written notes scattered throughout the environment. These clues can be organized and connected on a virtual corkboard, with correctly linked groups yielding progression points. Some clues lead to plot-critical objectives, while others reveal optional treasures. While the detective work is not overly complex, a challenging optional puzzle is present later in the game.
Interestingly, The Sinking City 2 omits a sanity mechanic, a feature often associated with Lovecraftian horror. Despite moments of reality-bending theatrics, players are not prompted to question their character's perception of reality, which the reviewer notes as a missed opportunity.
Ultimately, The Sinking City 2 succeeds as a commendable imitation of its survival horror inspirations, effectively wrapping them in the dark atmosphere of the Cthulhu mythos.