Just recently, developer Frogwares unveiled the first glimpse of gameplay for The Sinking City 2. The footage showcases an intriguing mix of Lovecraftian cosmic horror with shades of classic Resident Evil. This reveal was strategically released to generate interest for the game’s crowdfunding campaign, and from what we’ve seen, it’s brimming with intrigue and captivating visuals.
Unveiling the gameplay turned out to be a masterstroke, as The Sinking City 2 smashed its crowdfunding goal within merely two hours. Since then, donations have soared past the initial target, with the Kickstarter now showing almost $250,000 raised. This significant milestone is a triumph for Frogwares, and what’s particularly captivating is how The Sinking City 2 is adopting more elements reminiscent of Resident Evil. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a horror game has taken cues from Capcom’s iconic series; last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake did something similar, and this could bode well for The Sinking City sequel.
The Sinking City 2 and Silent Hill 2 Remake are both taking a leaf out of Resident Evil’s book, incorporating some of the survival horror techniques that were originally popularized by it.
The Silent Hill 2 remake initially faced skepticism. Bloober Team, known for games like Layers of Fear and The Blair Witch, dared to remake the beloved psychological thriller. The task was daunting, and many were initially wary that a shift towards a Resident Evil-style approach would overemphasize action at the expense of the story. However, the team struck the right balance. The new over-the-shoulder camera added intensity, and the combat mechanics ensured every shot counted, proving fans’ fears unfounded.
Exciting news also surfaced, announcing that Bloober Team and Konami are set to collaborate once more.
Meanwhile, The Sinking City 2 clearly shows its inspiration from Resident Evil. Branded as a third-person survival horror, this game doesn’t just share a genre with the famous series. The over-the-shoulder camera is in place, and much of the game’s eerie lighting and gruesome body horror harken back to Resident Evil as well. Fans have awaited the sequel eagerly, as the first Sinking City, released in 2019, had a compelling premise. Based on the footage we’ve seen, the follow-up seems to build on that, steering more deeply into horror – a direction that could elevate the series.
Pivoting towards horror might be exactly what Frogwares needs for success. Supporters contributing to The Sinking City 2’s Kickstarter can score an exclusive physical copy of the game. There’s no official release date yet, but backers can expect their rewards by December, according to the campaign.
Initially, the changes made by Bloober Team to Silent Hill 2 were met with doubt, yet they ultimately worked well, and the same could hold true for The Sinking City 2. With the Resident Evil influences aligning well with a Lovecraftian narrative packed with creepy environments and unsettling body horror, it feels like a perfect match.
Although The Sinking City 2 has surpassed its crowdfunding objective, gaming enthusiasts are still eagerly awaiting a release date. There’s no telling when it will be available for fans to dive into, but the gameplay hints at a horror story that will be worth the anticipation.
