The Sinking City

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 209 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 115 out of 209
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 209
  3. Negative: 45 out of 209
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  1. Lekhter
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    Just finished the game. For me it is best game implementation of Lovecraft's universe. Feels even better then Dark corners of the earth.
  2. Aryann
    Oct 16, 2019
    8
    Game is much better than the rviews tell you. If you like Lovecraft there is nothing to think about -just buy. I had great time with this title and even made a platinum trophy out of it.
  3. apolyakov
    Jul 29, 2019
    8
    Best contemporary Lovecraft game there is, maybe the best one ever.
    This game does not deserve all these low marks.
    Pros: - Close to 8th summit tabletop game with all the investigation mechanics, but deeper - A lot of dialogues that RPG fans will like - Tough plot choices, several endings, different quests outcomes - Not too much combat, almost every encounter is a challenge -    Best contemporary Lovecraft game there is, maybe the best one ever.
    This game does not deserve all these low marks.

    Pros:
    - Close to 8th summit tabletop game with all the investigation mechanics, but deeper
    - A lot of dialogues that RPG fans will like
    - Tough plot choices, several endings, different quests outcomes
    - Not too much combat, almost every encounter is a challenge
    - Strong survival element in the first half of the game
    - Creepy atmosphere that does not get old, lovely town with interesting lore incorporating different Lovecraft stories
    - Really interesting main plot

    Cons:
    - clunky combat and few monster types
    - too much travel between locations (gets better when you get fast travel, but then you wait for load screens)
    - clone sidequests houses
    - open world could be much more rich with just a little effort from developers who could add merchants, more item types, add more exploration incentives, random encounters
    - some sidequests are fetch ones and get repetitive, but there are some absolute gems and unexpected plot twists
    - main character has zero charisma and could use more back story    … Expand
  4. Symbolofdoom
    Jul 13, 2019
    9
    I`m about halfway through the story and i really enjoy this game. The nightmarish, strange game world and lore are amazing.
    The investigation system and moral choice mechanics are very cool.
    Graphics are nice, loading times are ok, there are frame rate drops during daytime, some pop ups, but no game braking bugs/glitches, whats pretty impressive in a open world game from a small studio    I`m about halfway through the story and i really enjoy this game. The nightmarish, strange game world and lore are amazing.
    The investigation system and moral choice mechanics are very cool.
    Graphics are nice, loading times are ok, there are frame rate drops during daytime, some pop ups, but no game braking bugs/glitches, whats pretty impressive in a open world game from a small studio (unlike in some high budget lame "creations" from famous companies *cough* "Anthem", "F76"*cough*).
    Music is nice, fits to games atmosphere. Some voice actors are doing awesome job, like main protagonist Charles Reed or Robert Throgmorton.
    People are complaining about shooting mechanics, iv´e seen worse, like in recent "Left alive". Just play more stealthily, utilize traps and enable strong aim assist if you are still struggling (lol).    … Expand
  5. mp93Wiking
    Nov 30, 2019
    8
    Hatte sehr viel Spaß mit diesem Spiel, auch wenn es noch viele Ecken und Kanten hat. Man sollte hier nicht vergessen, dass dieses Spiel von einem relativ kleinen Entwicklerstudio gemacht wurde.
  6. Dantheman69
    Dec 9, 2019
    9
    Amazing journey and extremely open-ended, sinking City has many secrets and places of interest to discover. The characters are wild and odd, story keeps you entertained and the atmosphere is like no other I've experienced. A little clunky game controls, but overall a great game .
  7. Nikita20
    Oct 25, 2019
    9
    Good good good good Good good good goodGood good good good Good good good good Good good good good Good good good good Good good good goodGood good good good Good good good good Good good good good
  8. Naxil
    Sep 7, 2020
    8
    Hi, I'm playing it and I don't find it bad. I don't understand why the fighting industry hasn't been developed more. Like the npc in the map. If the game had a reputation and the characters had behaved accordingly in the city, it would have been a masterpiece... A "different" game and at least it's not so obvious. The atmosphere is there and you feel it. The story is there and it isHi, I'm playing it and I don't find it bad. I don't understand why the fighting industry hasn't been developed more. Like the npc in the map. If the game had a reputation and the characters had behaved accordingly in the city, it would have been a masterpiece... A "different" game and at least it's not so obvious. The atmosphere is there and you feel it. The story is there and it is beautiful and structured. Graphically it's not anything but graphics aren't everything. Take, for example, darksouls every Cm of map is important and is considered because the game does not tell us where to go (while in other games with the map that tells us everything becomes important only the arrival). Here we are in the middle map tell u some info but not take your hand And it accompanies you to the finish line. Io lo consiglio questo gioco.… Expand
  9. TheQuietGamer
    Oct 6, 2021
    8
    It's been evident for a while now that the people at Frogwares are really big Lovecraft fans. Something that can be seen in the crossover they made with their long-running Sherlock Holmes series and the cyberpunk-infused Magrunner. The Sinking City stands as their deepest dive into the Cthulhu mythos yet, and right from the get-go you can see what a marked improvement it is over theirIt's been evident for a while now that the people at Frogwares are really big Lovecraft fans. Something that can be seen in the crossover they made with their long-running Sherlock Holmes series and the cyberpunk-infused Magrunner. The Sinking City stands as their deepest dive into the Cthulhu mythos yet, and right from the get-go you can see what a marked improvement it is over their previous works. Presentation is something the developer has often struggled with and for the first time a game of theirs actually looks pretty great. It also represents an evolution in their approach to gameplay as they branch out into the realm of open-world survival-horror, while still retaining the sleuthing mechanics they've built their reputation on.

    There certainly isn't any handholding going on here. The title forgoes a lot of the comforts of modern day gaming in favor of a more realistic approach. The only way to restore your health or refill your guns is to craft first aid kits and bullets yourself, making searching every container you come across for supplies an absolute must. You also often have to figure out where your next objective is by looking up street names on the map and combing the area for the right building when you get there. It's decidedly old-school in a very charming way that also serves to up the challenge. You can even disable helpful icons in the character's journal to make things require further deciphering on your part.

    Not all of the ways it hearkens back to the PS1/PS2 era of horror are great however. Expect a lot of backtracking to and fro between a few key locations without so much as a mini-map to help you get your bearings, forcing you to constantly bring up the pause menu. Fast travel points do alleviate some of the tedium, but they must first be discovered and even then there's still a fair amount of distance you have to cover on foot most of the time. The real annoyance with this though is that it reveals the game's technical limitations. You'll frequently run into random loads when walking around or entering a building. That's because sections of the city are regularly only spawning into existence as you approach them. The latter of which is especially surprising given how often the mere handful of interior layouts are reused.

    I think the real dated aspect the majority of people are going to take the most issue with though is the combat. Just like protagonists from previous console generations, our leading man is slow and somewhat clunky to maneuver. This of course makes aiming at the fast moving enemies when shooting rather unreliable, and your only melee attack option is an awkward swipe of a shovel that also runs into trouble when foes begin to circle you. You're given tools like traps, molotovs, and homemade explosives to help out, but they take a second to use. As someone who's introduction to the genre largely consisted of the original Silent Hill titles none of this was too big of a problem for me personally, but at the same time I would be lying if I said there weren't a few tedious encounters as a result of all this.

    Luckily, just about everything you do grants you experience that unlocks "knowledge points," which in turn can be spent on new abilities. I'm hesitant to call this a true RPG as while there are side-quests, story decisions that give a whole new meaning to the term "morally grey," and skills to invest in it honestly just never truly feels like one. You're not really increasing stats so much as you are just gaining the ability to carry more items or use weapons more effectively. So these systems come off as being implemented solely as a way of adding a little extra depth as opposed to anything else.

    It's the writing and setting that ultimately make this worth playing. The team at Frogwares didn't just focus on the tales of the Great Old Ones alone, but actually pulled from the wider array of Lovecraftian fiction and the contributions made by other authors to the universe as well to create something truly unique. It contains all of the themes you would expect and implements them in interesting ways, such as the creative visual effects that appear onscreen any time your character's mental state begins to slip which I don't think I've ever seen another game try before. I don't know what it is about this mythos, but as with Cyanide's Call of Cthulhu before it I once again jumped right back in after completing it the first time to see all the other outcomes. The amount of freedom you have is genuinely surprising. There are some options tied to the trophies that you could only find out on your own if you were some kind of sadistic weirdo. Or CallMeKevin (kudos if you know who that is). Sure it's not exactly scary in the traditional sense and some of the original creature designs are more Silent Hill than Lovecraft, but faults aside this is a standout piece of cosmic horror that is sure to be a treat for anyone who knows their Dagons from their Idh-yaas.    … Expand
  10. safcgac
    Mar 30, 2020
    8
    I like it. Creepy, need to use your brain. A bit like LA Noire with monsters. Sometimes graphics need to catch up with the game but it’s not unplayable.
  11. Sklizverg
    Feb 11, 2021
    9
    Oh, i've enjoyed this so much! If you are into plot and atmosphere - go get your copy:) It's kinda reminded me of The Secret World - same dark, mysterious atmosphere. Don't expect this to be an AAA qame, it has it's flaws, but the story kept me engaged till the end. And, to be honest, i liked the gameplay too, especially detective part.
  12. Rabensblut
    Jan 21, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I bought the Necronomicon edition with dlcs)

    +Great detective system (Frogwares did Sherlock holmes games)
    +A lot of references to H.P.Lovecraft, Clark A. Smith, R.E.Howard, Chambers and other Cthulhu mythos writers
    +Different city quarters look differently from each other.
    +A lot of sidequests with great stories
    +Atmosphere of the game
    +Innsmouthers look like I immagined them in the story (Shadows over Innsmouth)

    -Graphics could be better on PS4
    -Some houses look completely the same inside like other houses (generator of the city)
    -The monsters could be more Lovecraftian, like a fully developed Deep ones. These look more like from The Thing movie...
    -Melee fighting is a bit clunky when trying to hit a monster
    -framerates
    -loading times    … Expand
  13. turansoylu
    Sep 16, 2020
    8
    Evil within oynayanlar için oyun mekaniklerin basitçe amatör bir evil within oyunu diyebilirim. Oyunun Türkçe menü ve altyazıları yanı sıra en son skyrimde görev yaparken çok bağlantılı farklı olaylarla karşılaşmamda yaşadığım tatmin hissini yaşadım. Hikaye ve derinlik çok güzel. Dedektifliği sevenler göz atmalı.
    Yükleme ekranları bazen gereğinden uzun sürüyor, açık dünyada ilerlerken    Evil within oynayanlar için oyun mekaniklerin basitçe amatör bir evil within oyunu diyebilirim. Oyunun Türkçe menü ve altyazıları yanı sıra en son skyrimde görev yaparken çok bağlantılı farklı olaylarla karşılaşmamda yaşadığım tatmin hissini yaşadım. Hikaye ve derinlik çok güzel. Dedektifliği sevenler göz atmalı.
    Yükleme ekranları bazen gereğinden uzun sürüyor, açık dünyada ilerlerken bazen kasmalar yaşanabiliyor.    … Expand
  14. FORREST_006
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    It's best detective open world game . And one of best cthullu game . Love this game
  15. xilef2007
    Mar 6, 2021
    9
    The story 10/10, gameplay 8/10, soundtrack 7/10, characters 9/10, world 10/10, atmosphere 10/10.
    It is a very good game but the graphics are not so good but the story is fantastic. I think it is the best Lovecraft game ever.
    Hours played: 27
  16. fleshgakker
    Mar 15, 2021
    10
    Decent and atmospheric detective game. Best lovecraft based game for sure..
  17. Narbo
    Nov 21, 2020
    9
    Tecnicamente scarso ma a livello di ambientazione e immersione molto bello.
  18. trevor1981
    Jul 5, 2019
    8
    Do not listen to the negative reviews. This is one of the best game I have ever played. It's so good that even after playing Resident Evil 2 remake it took me only 20 minutes or so to be completely absorbed by the mesmerizing atmosphere and excellent writing.
    63% and 6.4 user score??? Are you kidding me??? After Sekiro and Resident Evil 2 remake this is the 3rd best game I have played    Do not listen to the negative reviews. This is one of the best game I have ever played. It's so good that even after playing Resident Evil 2 remake it took me only 20 minutes or so to be completely absorbed by the mesmerizing atmosphere and excellent writing.
    63% and 6.4 user score??? Are you kidding me??? After Sekiro and Resident Evil 2 remake this is the 3rd best game I have played this year. Spend the entire weekend without getting bored or tired. Go get this game, do yourself a favor, you'll love it. People who are downgrading this game, have mostly stopped playing early on feeling somewhat disappointed with not very polished graphics and mechanics, but those flaws are not a big problem. You'll get past them very quick and start enjoying the story and suspense. Awesome Lovecraft game. We need more.    … Expand
  19. Daniel0809
    Jun 30, 2019
    8
    Very interesting game. Good sound effects and great graphics on the PS5. The old lore and run down city is fun to explore but I wish I could go into more buildings and interact with NPC's but you very limited what you can do. Im actually playing the game again on the PS5 and enjoying it.
  20. Snail_king_08
    Jul 10, 2019
    8
    Oozes atmosphere. The story is captivating. Allows you to become a real detective. Has some bugs that need to be patched, but i was able to look past them. There is a good game here
  21. Dalmane
    Dec 1, 2019
    8
    This is NOT a shooter.
    This is NOT a fighting game.

    The Sinking City is an investigation game, and it does it extremely well. You have to use your brain more than R2. The environment and story are creepy, and the insanity system adds another layer to the game play. If you want a game that rewards intellect and the ability to connect abstract ideas, then look no further.
  22. Strangedoc22
    Jul 2, 2019
    8
    While not being a seamless experience, The Sinking City manages to bring a unique setting within the Cthulhu mythos and an interesting investigation system that does not hold your hand.
  23. Hologram
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Sinking City takes steps into genre-refreshing territory in order to set it apart from its Lovecraftian peers. Where 2018’s Call of Cthulhu tries to carve out a small space to tell its own stand-alone story that tucked itself into the already existing cosmic lore, The Sinking City feels like it’s picking up eight movies into a Lovecraft cinematic Cthu-niverse, delivering a concentrated dose of its distinctive flavor. The first five minutes introduce the protagonist, Charles Reed, to Mister Robert Throgmorton, an important character who appears to be half-ape, half-human. That’s a deep-cut reference to Lovecraft’s short story, "Facts Concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family." This is quickly followed up by a run-in with the Innsmouthers, who are basically fish people from another novella. It pulls from so many of Lovecraft’s plots, quotes, and themes that it reverently captures the intrigue and interest from these pulpy stories while combining them in a new way. It inspires political and criminal intrigue amidst its true-to-genre story.… Expand
  24. Spmillican
    Jun 26, 2019
    10
    I can’t believe how low the reviews are for this game! I have played it, non-stop, for the last three days, and I popped on here to see how close to 100 it was. I love this game!! I am not a huge Lovecraft fan, but I am very thankful I bought this game without looking at the reviews. This game takes chances, and it definitely takes some getting used to, but I am so glad to see a game thatI can’t believe how low the reviews are for this game! I have played it, non-stop, for the last three days, and I popped on here to see how close to 100 it was. I love this game!! I am not a huge Lovecraft fan, but I am very thankful I bought this game without looking at the reviews. This game takes chances, and it definitely takes some getting used to, but I am so glad to see a game that doesn’t just copy Far Cry or The Last of Us.… Expand
  25. ADorMouse
    Jun 28, 2019
    9
    Definitely has it's bugs and flaws, especially in the graphics side of things, but the game is a load of fun, and I honestly think some of the bugs add to the horror.
    I enjoy the deduction, even if it's a bit straight forward (still early in the game). The way your "madness sight" works is brilliant, sometimes forcing you to lean towards insanity just to figure out what is going on.
  26. Wackaloon
    Feb 3, 2020
    8
    Interesting detective mechanic, not so bad action part. Really cool stories and quests. Worth checking if you like other Lovecraftian games and stories, this one has really good Lovecraftian atmosphere.
  27. Sad_Max
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    Amazing game, even the city being too big, its a great title.
    I am a huge lovecraft fan and this was what i needed! Way better than the "Call of Cthulhu" from Cyanide, its even comparable to Silent Hill
  28. proudbandito
    Jun 27, 2019
    10
    For a Lovecraft and murder mystery fan, this is everything I like in a game! It has it's issues sure, but I feel that a lot of people really over exaggerate the problems that they have with this game. And talking a game down or giving it a bad review because it doesn't hold your hand seems kinda weird to me. I know this game isn't really a ten not even a nine, but I feel like I have toFor a Lovecraft and murder mystery fan, this is everything I like in a game! It has it's issues sure, but I feel that a lot of people really over exaggerate the problems that they have with this game. And talking a game down or giving it a bad review because it doesn't hold your hand seems kinda weird to me. I know this game isn't really a ten not even a nine, but I feel like I have to give this score, because a lot of reviews have been dragging this game far too down so that people that might like this game are gonna be put off by this low score! So even when I give this a ten it's more a 8/10 for me!… Expand
  29. surtor
    Jun 26, 2019
    10
    Good game, good story. Overpriced a little bit. I totally recommend to buy it.
  30. Keresh
    Jun 26, 2019
    10
    This is good, interesting game. With great story. Maybe it is a little bit long. But this game cost to play it.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
71
#71 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 35
  3. Negative: 3 out of 35
  1. IGN Japan
    Nov 27, 2019
    77
    What makes The Sinking City unique is that it really feels like you’re investigating while struggling with hallucinations and madness as you step foot inside the world of Cthulhu mythos. If that sounds like your cup of tea, definitely give it a chance. However, after you get used to the gameplay you will notice that as a game, The Sinking City feels like too much of the same. An open-world design was not the ideal direction to take for this developer specialized in a specific genre.
    Read full review
  2. PlayGround.ru
    Aug 1, 2019
    50
    I would recommend this game only to true Lovecraft’s fans. Follow the story and don’t step aside – otherwise, due to a large number of side quests, you may completely lose the thread of the story. You won’t find interesting gameplay mechanics, gloomy atmosphere or something like that in this game. All I managed to find was a simple detective story with elements of mysticism and a bunch of controversial design solutions. I definitely do not advise you to spend money on The Sinking City.
    Read full review
  3. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jul 30, 2019
    60
    Weaves Lovecraftian mythos into an interesting setting. But it frequently veers into being dull and repetitive, which isn’t what you want from dreamlike horror. [Issue#165, p.89]
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