Developed by Frogwares, The Sinking City is a detective-based action-adventure game that takes you on a creepy-as-hell journey through the flooded streets of Oakmont, Massachusetts. I’ve been a huge fan of H. P. Lovecraft’s mythos for many years so this game is right up my alley.

The Sinking City is set in the 1920s and revolves around investigative gameplay, where you gather clues, examine crime scenes, stalk the desolate and dirty streets, and interrogate NPCs to uncover the truth behind Oakmont’s mysteries. You assume the role of Charles W. Reed, a private investigator haunted by mysterious visions and tormented by his own sanity. As Reed explores the waterlogged city, he must uncover the truth behind the flood and a series of unexplainable events plaguing Oakmont’s inhabitants. The game stands out from a lot of other detective games by intertwining supernatural horror elements with traditional investigation gameplay. The city of Oakmont is an open-world environment, so you get to explore its flooded streets, buildings, and hidden areas at your own pace. You also have the option to run side quests and interact with the diverse inhabitants of the city to gather information and progress in your investigation.

The Sinking City features a branching narrative with multiple paths and choices that directly impact the story. The decisions you make throughout the game can alter the course of events, leading to different outcomes and consequences for both Reed and the inhabitants of Oakmont.

Mechanics

Mind’s Eye: Charles Reed’s supernatural ability, the Mind’s Eye, allows him to perceive hidden details and uncover secrets that are not visible to the naked eye. You have to activate this ability to reveal hidden markings, traces of the occult, or important objects that will aid in your investigation.

Retrocognition: With the Retrocognition ability, Reed can witness events from the past, providing valuable insight into the history of a crime scene or a particular location. By reconstructing past events, you can unlock vital information and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s dark past.

Sanity Management: Oakmont’s mysterious and disturbing atmosphere takes a toll on Reed’s sanity. You must manage Reed’s mental health by balancing medication and avoiding prolonged exposure to supernatural influences. Neglecting his mental well-being can lead to hallucinations and distorted perceptions, affecting gameplay and decision-making.

Exploration

Because this is the sinking city, as you can expect parts of it are flooded. To traverse these areas you must use small boats dotted around the map, which is a nice touch. Thankfully the little boats are simple to control and the streets are wide so I never grew frustrated with this travel method.

You also have to piece together small fragment clues to create larger clues that help you progress the story. You do this by interacting with data stations (usually found in hospitals, police stations, etc).

Atmosphere & Lovecraftian Influence

There is a heavy, thick atmosphere of drowning despair and this permeates every inch of the city. I’d say the atmosphere is one of the game’s strongest points and if you love creepy horror and lurking evils, it’s worth a play. The oppressive sense of despair and unease is ever-present, immersing you in the world where every corner hides a new horror. The city’s decrepit architecture, combined with the constant threat of drowning, sets a somber and foreboding tone that will send shivers down your spine.

The narrative is deeply rooted in Lovecraftian lore, paying homage to the works of renowned horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. The game embraces the unsettling themes and cosmic horror that define Lovecraft’s stories, with many eldritch mysteries and unimaginable terrors to encounter.

A Twisted Narrative

As Reed uncovers clues and interrogates the citizens of Oakmont, he uncovers a complex web of dark secrets, cults, and otherworldly forces lurking beneath the surface. The branching narrative provides multiple paths, allowing you to shape your own investigations and discover different outcomes. It’s a testament to the game’s storytelling prowess that each revelation pushes the boundaries of sanity and morality, leaving you questioning your own perceptions.

Investigation is Key

Investigation lies at the heart of The Sinking City. You’ll need to examine crime scenes, analyse evidence and connect the dots using Reed’s unique abilities. With his Mind’s Eye, Reed can perceive hidden details and reconstruct past events, leading to essential discoveries. Additionally, his Retrocognition ability allows him to witness events long gone, a fascinating gameplay mechanic that uncovers crucial information.

Survive the Madness

While Reed’s investigative skills are essential, he must also maintain his own sanity. The supernatural forces that plague Oakmont can slowly erode his mind, resulting in hallucinations and distorted realities. Balancing Reed’s mental health by managing medication and avoiding prolonged exposure to the city’s dark influences adds an additional layer of tension to the gameplay, reminding you that even the most hardened detective can succumb to madness.

Recommended

The Sinking City presents a uniquely atmospheric and immersive gaming experience, fusing Lovecraftian horror with the intrigue of a detective story. Frogwares has crafted a world that oozes with mystery and terror, inviting you to unravel the secrets of a city slowly succumbing to its own watery demise. With its dark and twisted narrative, mind-bending investigation mechanics, and the constant threat of losing your sanity, I’d highly recommend it if you enjoy creepy games.

Recommended reading: The Shadow Over Innsmouth, by H. P. Lovecraft.

Have you played The Sinking City? If so, what did you think? Drop me a comment below.