Developer of Sinking City 2 Discusses Genre Shift and Combat Overhaul

Frogwares, the creative minds behind The Sinking City, are shaking things up with their upcoming sequel, The Sinking City 2. This new installment ventures into third-person survival horror and unfolds within a semi-open world. What’s more, it’s designed so that newcomers can jump right into exploring Arkham’s desolate remnants, unraveling mysteries, and gathering clues without needing a history lesson from the first game. This shift in genre marks a bold departure for a studio primarily celebrated for crafting action-adventure experiences. But there’s more than just a genre shift in store.

Packed with fresh horrors pulled straight from the Cthulhu Mythos, The Sinking City 2 introduces a completely revamped combat system, and it’s all brought to life with the power of Unreal Engine 5. In a recent chat with Frogwares’ publishing director, Sergiy Oganesyan, he shared some insights into the significant transformations players can expect.

Taking the Leap to Secure the Studio’s Longevity

In the gaming industry, it’s a double-edged sword to be typecast into a single genre. While it can establish a strong identity, there’s always the risk of stagnation. Frogwares is acutely aware of this and is eager to keep things exciting for both their dedicated fans and potential new players. They’re eager to expand beyond their usual style, explains Oganesyan:

"We’ve been an independent studio crafting detective games for nearly a quarter of a century. It’s been rewarding, but it also feels limiting at times. As player preferences continue to evolve, we need to innovate. Our goal is to grow our expertise and audience to secure the studio’s future for many more decades. To do this, we must embrace change and take bold risks."

For fans of the original game, the core investigative element remains intact but now comes with a thrilling survival horror twist. The sequel’s design also allows players more freedom, as it doesn’t necessitate uncovering every clue to advance. This newfound freedom not only enriches gameplay but also promises intriguing narrative possibilities.

Revamping Combat in The Sinking City 2

The Sinking City 2’s approach to combat is a complete overhaul compared to its predecessor. Frogwares has reimagined this aspect to deliver a "convincing and satisfying" experience. This involves intricate details such as punchy recoil and believable enemy reactions, enhanced by an innovative "wound-body" system. This system gives players a visual on where and how their attacks affect foes, deepening the player’s immersion. Oganesyan provides more insights:

"We’ve elevated the combat by integrating a ‘wound-body’ system that explicitly shows the impact of attacks. While many games resort to simple blood decals, our approach involves a detailed second layer of bones and muscle beneath the enemy’s skin. This layer covers the entire body, ensuring visually and viscerally impactful damage, no matter where you strike. This realism adds to the gratifying sensation we’re aiming to deliver."

By understanding the specifics of the damage inflected, players can refine their combat strategies, honing in on precision attacks. This feature is likely to resonate with fans of gory experiences and represents just one of the numerous exciting advancements coming in The Sinking City 2.