IGN published a review of The Sinking City 2, a 2023 sequel to the 2019 Lovecraftian survival horror game. The game is set in a flooded 1920s version of Arkham, Massachusetts, and follows occultist Calvin Rafferty as he investigates the disaster. The setting provides a detailed backdrop with distinct locations such as flooded streets, an abandoned hospital, and a fish market. Gameplay mirrors modern Resident Evil titles, with over‑the‑shoulder shooting, limited ammunition, and melee combat that is generally ineffective. The inventory system and puzzle design are similar to those found in recent Resident Evil releases. A unique feature allows players to collect written clues and connect them with red strands, creating a board‑like system that provides hints and optional rewards. A quote from reviewer John Borba in 2019 described the first game as having "new Lovecraftian vision paired with compelling stories, exciting environments, and memorable characters" and gave it a score of 7.8. The sequel introduces a perk system with runes that enhance abilities when the flashlight is off, and offers a difficulty option for puzzles that removes highlighted hints. Critics noted that boss fights with respawning loot can feel like a difficulty‑mitigation measure, and that the game lacks a sanity mechanic typical of Cthulhu titles. Overall, the review found the environments and clue system engaging, but indicated that the lack of a sanity system and uneven difficulty affect the experience.