The Sinking City: Deluxe Edition

While occasionally frustrating, The Sinking City's compelling stories, exciting environments, and memorable characters make for one of the better Cthulhu lore games around.

Clumsy design, tedious storytelling, and often game-breaking technical limitations sap The Sinking City of any real terror or intrigue.

Frogware's most ambitious title to date sees it take on the Cthulu mythos, but unfortunately it makes for one of its most flawed games too.

An occasionally entertaining detective game blighted by poor writing, rote combat, and a dreary open world.

Great investigations and ancient horrors are hidden by frustrating action

The Sinking City's engrossing premise is ultimately betrayed by counterintuitive systems and bleak monotony.

The Sinking City succeeds at creating a memorable world and twisting narrative that pulls players beyond its mediocre gameplay

Moral dilemmas and gruesome beasts abound in a deliciously gothic and disturbing flooded city

Goodness, I was very interested in The Sinking City. I really wanted to love it. But I’m afraid rain may have stopped play this time.

Overall, as much as I adore the story and atmosphere of The Sinking City, it definitely feels like a budget title at times. If you can get past the weak combat, harmless jank, and enjoy a solid detective experience that won't hold your hand and throw tough choices your way, you shouldn't pass up on it. Even more so if you're a fan of Lovecraft. Because as the Old Ones were, the Old Ones are, and the Old Ones shall be and that's a good enough reason for me!