The Sinking City

 Switch
The Sinking City Image
Metascore
61

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

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  • Summary: The Sinking City is an action/investigation game set in an open world inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft. In this new type of adventure, you take on the role of Charles W. Reed, an investigator in the 1920s United States. No sooner have you arrived in Oakmont, Massachusetts, than youThe Sinking City is an action/investigation game set in an open world inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft. In this new type of adventure, you take on the role of Charles W. Reed, an investigator in the 1920s United States. No sooner have you arrived in Oakmont, Massachusetts, than you are led to investigate a mysterious flood inundating the city, in the hopes of shedding light on the darkness that has seized the place and corrupted the minds of the inhabitants - and yours...

    * An oppressive atmosphere and story inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft.
    * A vast open world that can be explored on foot, by boat, in a diving suit
    * High replay value thanks to an open investigation system: each case can be solved in a number of ways, with different possible endings depending on your actions.
    * An arsenal of weapons from the 1920s with which to take on nightmarish creatures.
    * Manage your mental health to untangle the truth behind the madness.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. Gaming Age
    Jan 17, 2020
    75
    I’d say pretty much the same thing about the game now that it’s on the Switch as I did back when it came out on PS4: if you’re into slightly janky detective games, you’re going to love The Sinking City (and as someone who does love those games, I mean that with all the affection in the world).
  2. Switch Player
    Sep 25, 2019
    70
    The Sinking City does atmosphere and immersion really well, and we like that a lot. It doesn’t do its combat and handling as well, though, or it would be getting a higher score.
  3. FNintendo
    Nov 1, 2019
    70
    With an exquisite plot, plenty of intrigue and mystery and very detailed scenarios, The Sinking City can however fall short when it comes to some aspects of execution, namely a control system that doesn't quite feel natural and some visual performance issues, which should not stand in the way of those willing to do some Lovecraftian horror detective work.
  4. Hobby Consolas
    Sep 13, 2019
    62
    The Sinking City is a faithful adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft´s universe. As in other versions, some mechanics are pretty interesting and make it an interesting adventure, but this port to Nintendo Switch has many technical flaws and the open world structure feels "empty", long loading times aside.
  5. Critical Hit
    Sep 13, 2019
    60
    The Sinking City both sinks and swims. Delivering a good mystery within a picturesque yet grotesque hellscape, while also held back by visual ramifications and tricky combat engagements.
  6. Screen Rant
    Sep 12, 2019
    60
    The Sinking City reveals itself as a lackluster Lovecraftian tribute that's all wet.
  7. Vooks
    Sep 16, 2019
    40
    I really went into The Sinking City with some hope. The Cthulhu/ancient ones inspired story combined with some interesting mechanics. On paper I can see this game appealing to fans of the ol’ cosmic horror, but you don’t need The Mind’s Eye to see it turned out a big soggy mess. There is still a decent story if you’re willing to persevere all the madness, but personally the cost is too high. The game surrounding it is deeply unfun and a chore to play, and it sucks I can’t find something nicer about it. The developer Frogwares has made some good Sherlock Holmes games and you can see what they wanted to do here, but please for Kay’s sake stay away from Oakmont!

See all 22 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 3 out of 16
  1. FrankBilly
    Oct 31, 2019
    10
    This is a really good detective game, perfect for the Switch, with a lot of cases to solve in the city of Oakmont that are all interesting inThis is a really good detective game, perfect for the Switch, with a lot of cases to solve in the city of Oakmont that are all interesting in their own right. The lovecraftian horror is well-represented while not being a blatant copy of it and definitely adds to the story and atmosphere well. I think the graphics looks pretty good on the Switch, and from the 8 or so hours of gameplay I have put in so far, I can't recall any bugs or glitches other than some clipping of clothing on a few characters. Definitely haven't experienced any game-breaking bugs or issues that made the game unplayable and the game flows well overall. It is a bit on the pricey side, but if you can get it on a sale, like I did, it's worth every penny!… Expand
  2. kklppl
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    This game was more improved such as better shooting mechanics and new visual effects and texures, and the story overall is good along withThis game was more improved such as better shooting mechanics and new visual effects and texures, and the story overall is good along with interesting characters and strong lovecraftian lore. This game also has extra mission and quests so this is overall a good port.… Expand
  4. surtor
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    additional quests, more skins and fixed performance issues!
    Greate game become better and now on Switch!
  5. bergcamp101
    Apr 3, 2021
    9
    Great game in every way! I love the story telling, and quest system is very good. Major side quests are very well written and they add moreGreat game in every way! I love the story telling, and quest system is very good. Major side quests are very well written and they add more atmosphere to this truly dark city. I absolutely loved the combat system, cause every encounter I barely survived, and I haven't had any repetitive sense through all journey. Gray morale is at place and does the job perfectly. And, surprisingly, it looks and feels good at on Switch!… Expand
  6. Williamtkc
    Dec 1, 2020
    8
    Bought it on switch (exclusive now?) at discounted price and it was worth it. No bugs so far, the combat system is not perfect but not as badBought it on switch (exclusive now?) at discounted price and it was worth it. No bugs so far, the combat system is not perfect but not as bad as people said, if you having trouble in actions just turn on the aiming assist and lower the combat level. This is an open world adventure game with ARPG elements, not some serious 3rd person shooter mind you. You can say the game interface is annoying as you have to open the map constantly and find your own way without arrows or gps something like that but hey this is 1920, I think this was made on purpose to give you more
    "adventure " feeling rather than on a "fetch quest".
    The story itself can be ridiculous sometimes but it keeps me entertained and I don't have a problem for that, I hope more people can support games like this because I am really sick of playing games thatr ripling other's limps off for no reason.    … Expand
  7. rbiondi
    Sep 18, 2019
    8
    There are some annoying bugs and steep learning curve in the beginning. After understanding the mechanics, it proved to be an enjoyable game.There are some annoying bugs and steep learning curve in the beginning. After understanding the mechanics, it proved to be an enjoyable game. There is a technical weakness and if it could be correctly polished, would be a great experience, but it doesn't achieve it's true potential. It lacks something, few variability of NPC models, monsters and interior of buildings. Seems that more time of development would be required.… Expand
  8. HyperReal
    Sep 21, 2019
    0
    I played this game on a friend's Switch. Thank God I didn't buy it! I love H.P. Lovecraft and I want to love this game but I just can't. WithI played this game on a friend's Switch. Thank God I didn't buy it! I love H.P. Lovecraft and I want to love this game but I just can't. With a bigger budget and six more months of development, it might have been a gem...maybe. The three reviews that give the game a 10 are total scams. "[F]ixed performance issues." Really? Where? The game's a buggy mess.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

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