In a move that would make even the most inscrutable Elder God raise an eyebrow, Frogwares has surprise launched The Sinking City Remastered.
It’s available right now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. But best of all, and in a grand gesture that defies mortal comprehension (or perhaps just delights loyal fans), this substantial upgrade is completely FREE for all existing owners of the game on these platforms.
The cherished Lovecraftian-inspired open-world detective thriller returns, looking sharper and more unsettling than ever. Frogwares even cheekily noted that despite “secret occult schemes in place to do so from the start, the Eldritch Gods are now likely annoyed that filthy mortals will think they are just copying some ‘other’ remaster.”
A brand new trailer showcasing a comparison between the original and this remastered version has also been unveiled.
What Lurks Within The Sinking City Remastered?
Originally released in 2019 and developed on Unreal Engine 4, The Sinking City Remastered has now been painstakingly rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5. This move brings a significantly upgraded visual experience to the haunted streets of Oakmont, alongside some highly requested quality-of-life features.
Players returning to or visiting Oakmont for the first time can expect a host of enhancements. The game has been fully relit within Unreal Engine 5, breathing new, eerie life into its decaying environments.
Locations now boast additional levels of detail and more objects, further immersing players in the oppressive atmosphere. Visual fidelity is boosted with 4K textures and improved reflections, making the ever-present water and rain even more striking.
A new Photo Mode has been added too, allowing players to go capturing those perfectly unnerving moments, and PC players will benefit from support for DLSS, FSR, and TSR upscaling technologies.
Beyond the visuals, Frogwares has implemented various gameplay adjustments and certain accessibility features to refine the overall experience.
A Delightful Return to a Twisted, High-Scoring World
Having initially launched in 2019, we mostly have fond memories of our time in Oakmont with the Xbox Series X|S version, awarding it a strong 4/5 in our review. We noted then:
“It is always strange to replay a game, especially one like The Sinking City; a game that is quite hefty in terms of the hours required. But with this next-gen edition, this is never an issue and it’s been a delight to head back in to the world it delivers – mostly thanks to the new tweaks making it feel like you are playing a new game at times. From the fast loading times to the texture of rain on a coat, The Sinking City now feels wonderful.”
With the full Unreal Engine 5 remaster, these enhancements are set to be taken to a whole new level. And of course, then we have The Sinking City 2 to look forward to.
Frogwares’ Gift to the Faithful, A Glimpse of the Future
Sergiy Oganesyan, Publishing Director at Frogwares, shared his thoughts on this generous release:
”We plan to do big things with The Sinking City IP, starting with the sequel and then beyond. So, after our rather well-known struggles with the original, it feels amazing to have this positive moment be part of the game’s twisted history and for us to be the ones to fully decide it. Making it free to all our existing fans is our way of giving back to them for having supported us all this time through thick and thin.”
Unspeakable Horrors, Now More Visually Stunning
The Sinking City Remastered is more than just a visual touch-up; it’s a testament to Frogwares’ dedication and a fantastic free gift to its loyal investigators.
With its rebuild in Unreal Engine 5, enhanced lighting and textures, new Photo Mode, and various quality-of-life improvements, delving back into the mysteries of Oakmont has never been more tempting.
It’s available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S (here’s your Xbox Store link) as a free upgrade for all existing owners. If you don’t already own it, get it purchased for £49.24.
The Sinking City Remastered Description
Experience the Lovecraftian horror of The Sinking City in a whole new light. This Unreal Engine 5 remaster brings the game’s eerie atmosphere to life with stunning visuals and enhanced features. Dive into Oakmont’s mysteries and unravel the city’s descent into madness.
