Lovecraftian horror fans have something to celebrate as Frogwares has unexpectedly released a fully remastered version of their narrative-driven RPG, The Sinking City. This surprise launch comes as welcome news, especially considering the game's troubled history with publishing rights and the developer's ongoing challenges amid the war in Ukraine.
A Surprise Resurrection
In what fans are calling a jump scare release strategy, Frogwares has shadow-dropped The Sinking City Remastered on Steam without prior warning. The remastered version brings significant visual upgrades by transitioning to Unreal Engine 5, enhancing textures, and supporting 4K resolution. Current owners of the original game on Steam will receive this definitive edition completely free of charge, while new players can purchase it at a 50% discount (USD $19.99 / GBP £18.50) until May 19, 2025.
The Sinking City Remastered - Key Improvements
- Upgraded to Unreal Engine 5
- Enhanced textures and visual fidelity
- 4K resolution support
- New photo mode
- Gameplay adjustments
- Additional accessibility features
- Free upgrade for existing Steam owners
- 50% discount (USD $19.99 / GBP £18.50) for new buyers until May 19, 2025
From Legal Troubles to Triumphant Return
The Sinking City's journey has been nearly as tumultuous as its waterlogged setting. The game was previously caught in a legal dispute between developer Frogwares and former publisher Nacon, resulting in a period where the Steam version reverted to an earlier build without critical patches. During this time, Frogwares received no income from sales. Now, with the property fully back in the developer's hands, this remaster represents a satisfying conclusion to years of uncertainty.
Enhanced Gameplay Experience
Beyond the visual overhaul, The Sinking City Remastered includes several quality-of-life improvements. Players can expect various gameplay adjustments, enhanced accessibility features, and a new photo mode to capture the eerie beauty of Oakmont's flooded streets. These additions complement the game's core strengths: its detective gameplay mechanics, atmospheric horror elements, and narrative flexibility that allows players to solve cases through multiple approaches.
Setting the Stage for a Sequel
This remaster serves a dual purpose, both revitalizing the original game and preparing players for The Sinking City 2, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter earlier this year. The timing suggests a strategic move by Frogwares to reintroduce players to their Lovecraftian universe before the sequel's release. For the Ukrainian developer, still operating under the shadow of war, this represents a remarkable achievement and demonstration of resilience.
A Lovecraftian Adventure Worth Revisiting
Set in a twisted version of 1920s America, The Sinking City places players in the role of a private investigator exploring Oakmont, a city slowly being consumed by the sea and supernatural forces. The game combines detective work with survival horror elements, allowing players to piece together clues while confronting monstrous former residents transformed by eldritch powers. While the original release received mixed reviews due to technical issues, this remastered version aims to deliver the definitive experience the developers always envisioned.