Only a couple months after settling its dispute with Nacon over Lovecraft detective recreation The Sinking Metropolis, Ukrainian studio Frogwares has introduced {that a} sequel is within the works. But it surely’s getting in a unique route with The Sinking Metropolis 2: This time round, it is a survival horror recreation.
Revealed at in the present day’s Xbox Accomplice Preview showcase, The Sinking Metropolis 2 is ready within the notorious fictional city of Arkham, and can concentrate on exploration, fight, and the all-important talent of not dying. Investigation and detective work will allow gamers to “uncover secrets and techniques, alternate choices, and extra lore,” however fairly than being the main focus of gameplay as it’s in The Sinking Metropolis, within the new recreation it will likely be completely elective.
“We would like investigation to be a helpful a part of the sport however simply for many who need it, providing tangible gameplay bonuses and ‘eureka’ moments with out it being a requirement to progress,” government producer Denys Chebotarov mentioned. “By taking time to piece collectively clues, you’ll arm your self with extra information and consciousness of your choices vs simply coming throughout them by likelihood.
“We’re additionally doing this for our current followers who’ve come to like this function from us, so they do not really feel unnoticed. For these not eager on fight and survival-horror mechanics, we may also have varied accessibility options to assist.”
Frogwares mentioned it is embracing survival horror for The Sinking Metropolis 2 in an effort to “reinvent” the studio and evolve past the detective journey video games it is identified for. “We have to begin taking bolder strikes,” publishing director Sergiy Oganesyan mentioned. “The business is altering round us and we need to safe the studio’s future.”
Improvement of The Sinking Metropolis 2 might be supported by an upcoming Kickstarter marketing campaign that can allow further options and supply “a security internet” to assist cope with points associated to the continuing invasion by Russia, like energy cuts or the necessity to relocate shortly. Frogwares mentioned the monetary backstop supplied by the Kickstarter for Sherlock Holmes: The Woke up “proved invaluable to us,” and it must do the identical with The Sinking Metropolis 2 “as this recreation is vastly larger and extra advanced.”
The style shift is surprising, however that does not imply it may’t work: Treatment made the same transfer with Alan Wake 2 and that labored out fairly properly. The Sinking Metropolis 2 is being developed for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Collection X/S, and is predicted to be out in 2025. It is up for wishlisting now on Steam.