Cthulhu Noir
“The Sinking City” is a H.P. Lovecraft inspired open world investigation game by developer Frogwares and published by Bigben Interactive and it looks to be promising. The game takes place in the 1920s and follows private investigator Charles W. Reed in search of his lost memories as he ends up in a unique city named Oakmont.
This is where our hands on demo began: we were tasked with finding a woman’s missing husband and as we took control of the hero we noticed that most things around us could be investigated. This is a key feature of the game as it’s dependent on what they referred to as an “open investigation system”. Meaning that, much like LA Noir, what you choose to investigate will lead you to different outcomes in your cases. We were able to predict a trap simply because we decided to push a little further with our investigation before heading to the objective.
The Strangers get Strange
Once we left the room we started in, we were instructed to talk to the townsfolk and learn more about the missing gentleman. We made our way downstairs and quickly realized why this city seemed so strange – most of the city folk are half-human hybrids with some sort of Lovecraftian twist. For instance, the barkeep we spoke to had gills and the woman who ran the library had her mouth sewn shut for saying something she wasn’t meant to. All these small details add to the the slightly off kilter feel of the city and allows it to feel well thought out and well lived in; perfect for sinking hours into a game that’s about detail. And in a open world game, detail can make or break you.
Stepping out into the city for the first time is truly something magical. Bright neon signs juxtaposed against the cloudy skies set the mood for a dark and gritty monster drama. The streets are mostly flooded and if you’re not walking around looking for clues, you’re driving a boat through canals reminiscent of Venice… only these waters are filled with creatures from the deep that have no problem given your boat a bump.
Children of Cthulhu
Speaking of creatures… HOLY HELL! These things are straight out of my nightmares. Monsters ranged from skin balls held up by long skinny arms to someone who had devolved to run on all fours upside down. This game has something to frighten even the stoutest of hearts. Not only do these creatures terrify you, but they actually feed off your sanity. As you choices may lead you to see terrible things you mind may begin to slip allowing these creatures an opportunity to pounce.
A World Worth Investigating
As our demo came to a close I felt that familiar feeling of wanting more. The Sinking City is a wonderful slow burn investigation story with bursts of adrenaline-pumping survival as you fight to keep your sanity. I, for one, will be picking this game up when it launches next year!
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