Frogwares' latest survival horror outing, The Sinking City 2, has surged to the upper echelons of Steam's top sellers immediately following its release on the 18th. It seems the developer's gamble to pivot genres has paid off, as early player sentiment remains remarkably positive.

The Sinking City 2 transports players to the flooded American port city of Oakmont during the 1920s, a place ravaged by a supernatural deluge. The protagonist embarks on a grim journey to rescue a partner whose soul has been trapped in the 'Dreamlands' due to a botched ritual. True to its roots, the game draws heavily from Lovecraftian Cthulhu mythos, retaining the unsettling, water-logged ruins and grotesque monstrosities that defined its predecessor.

The real shift, however, lies in its gameplay DNA. While the original focused on investigative adventure—piecing together clues to uncover truths—The Sinking City 2 leans heavily into survival horror, forcing players to manage scarce resources while fending off eldritch horrors. The investigative systems haven't vanished, but they have been relegated to optional side quests, serving as a means to earn extra supplies or weapon upgrades rather than mandatory hurdles.

Initial reception is 'Very Positive' (92% positive rating). Many fans are praising the genre shift, drawing favourable comparisons to Silent Hill or Resident Evil. The enhanced graphics have also bolstered the cosmic horror atmosphere. That said, it is not without its teething problems; some players have noted that resources can feel punishingly sparse when faced with overwhelming enemy numbers, and the combat feedback and character animations leave a bit to be desired.

Elsewhere, No More Room in Hell 2 continues its streak in the top charts since its full release on August 11. While early feedback was 'Mixed,' the post-launch reception has climbed to 'Mostly Positive' as players appreciate the improved polish. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, ahead of its public test, has secured the 5th spot.

In the concurrent player charts, Helldivers 2 has climbed to 14th place with 100,931 players following a recent bug-fixing patch. Rainbow Six Siege also maintains its standing, holding steady in the 80,000s following the launch of its new season.