Indie developer Two Nomads Studio has released the first devlog for Sunken Engine, a Lovecraft-themed sim about repairing cursed ships! The update reveals even more details following a promising Early Access roadmap.

In Sunken Engine, players must successfully operate a ship repair business while unsettling events unfold. In addition to genre staples like selling loot and customer management, you’ll also need to keep your sanity in check.

Sunken Engine should launch into Early Access via Steam sometime in Q3 this year. While I haven’t played the full game, you can try the demo and wishlist it on Steam! Here’s the demo trailer from publisher PlayWay:

Sunken Engine grabbed my attention by finding a clever way to combine familiar ideas. I think the everyday setting and tasks create a natural contrast with Lovecraftian horror.

It usually makes a larger impact when it infects the mundane, offering more “rules” and grounded ideas to alter. I’m so curious to see just how the horror affects traditional sim mechanics—and that’s leaving out any potential storytelling!

The setting and its quirky oddities also call to mind hits like Dredge, which is a good thing. Although the visuals do show their budget a bit, Sunken Engine is an indie to begin with, so I’m assuming you’ll go in open-minded regardless.

It’s also worth noting that the new devlog mentions the team “completely redesigned the character art from scratch.” This was surely a huge undertaking, and I do enjoy the designs.

The devlog also mentions a broader range of ships, repairs, and licenses. It’s clear the devs are ambitious, and prepared to take on serious action for worthwhile changes. I can only imagine how much progress they’ll make in Early Access, so be sure to follow Two Nomads Studio’s updates!

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