What do reviewers say about The Sinking City 2?

Metascore 79 — Generally Favorable

Based on 34 critic reviews (27 positive, 7 mixed, 0 negative). Steam user reviews are 84% Very Positive (941 positive reviews out of 1,124 total, retrieved August 25, 2026). Critics generally call it a superior sequel that trades the original's open-world detective format for a tighter Resident Evil-style survival horror.

• Atmosphere and world-building. The flooded 1920s Arkham is consistently cited as The Sinking City 2's greatest strength (Bloody Disgusting, Wccftech, PlayStation Universe).
• Puzzle design and resource management. Push Square highlights “preposterous puzzle design and tense resource management.”
• A faithful Lovecraft adaptation. Bloody Disgusting calls it “a superior sequel and compelling love letter to H.P. Lovecraft.”
• The genre shift works. PC Gamer describes it as “Resident Evil: Roaring ’20s Revelations” and “an improvement over the original.”
• Value pricing. At $49.99 the standard edition launches below typical AAA pricing.

• Combat impact and enemy variety. Gunplay feels muted and human enemy models repeat (Push Square, PlayStation Universe).
• Performances. Stiff facial animation and voice acting undercut cutscenes (Push Square).
• Technical polish below AAA. Occasional visual hiccups and janky cutscenes (Bloody Disgusting).
• A short, rushed finale. PC Gamer notes the story “ends in a rush.”

Frogwares has not published an official playtime estimate. Reviewers who finished the campaign report roughly 7 to 16 hours depending on playstyle — most landed around 8 to 12 hours, with completionists reaching 16+. Full breakdown by playstyle: how long is The Sinking City 2?

New Game+ is confirmed: Frogwares identifies Ex-Oblivione as the mode and confirms secrets and lore. The source-checked New Game Plus guide separates that direct confirmation from broader pre-launch claims.

The consensus: yes for survival horror and Lovecraft fans. Reviewers agree it is a meaningful improvement over the 2019 original, with atmosphere, puzzles, and story carrying the experience; combat polish and enemy variety are the main compromises. Players wanting a longer or more action-polished game may prefer to wait for a sale — or check the current demo status and official store listing before buying.