IGN reviewer Len Hafer describes The Sinking City 2 as a praiseworthy imitation of Resident Evil wrapped in the Cthulhu mythos [1, 2].
The review highlights Frogwares' shift into the survival-horror genre, a move that tests whether the studio can successfully blend Lovecraftian atmosphere with established horror mechanics.
Hafer said the game feels inescapably like off-brand Resident Evil [2]. Despite this comparison, the review notes the title is a solid entry that captures the intended mood of its inspirations [2]. The game is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S [1, 2].
While the atmosphere receives praise, the review points to limitations in the detective elements of the gameplay [2]. These production constraints suggest a tension between the game's narrative goals and its mechanical execution [2].
Other outlets have mirrored some of these sentiments. Tom's Guide said the game is scratching that Resident Evil itch [3]. Meanwhile, DualShockers said Frogwares chose to create a game in a genre they had virtually no prior experience with to craft their greatest work yet [2].
The title focuses on a detective protagonist navigating a world of cosmic horror. By leaning into the survival-horror formula, Frogwares has moved away from the more open-ended investigation style of its predecessor to embrace a more structured, tension-driven experience [2].
“The Sinking City 2 feels inescapably like off-brand Resident Evil”
The reception of The Sinking City 2 suggests that while Frogwares has successfully captured the aesthetic and tension of survival horror, it has done so by adhering closely to the established blueprints of the Resident Evil series. The critique of limited detective depth indicates a trade-off where atmospheric horror was prioritized over the complex investigative mechanics that previously defined the franchise.
