In a delightful turn of events, the PC Gamer team is taking a moment to celebrate the games that have captured their hearts this year, in addition to their main Game of the Year Awards for 2025. Each day throughout the month, a new personal pick will be unveiled, showcasing the diverse experiences that gaming has to offer.
Rediscovering South of Midnight
Among these cherished selections is Complusion’s gothic action-adventure game, South of Midnight. It’s a rarity for me to revisit a game more than once, as my gaming time is often limited. However, I found myself drawn back to this title not once, but three times over the past eight months, a testament to its captivating nature.
Initially, I played South of Midnight for our review, but soon after, I returned to it for my own enjoyment. The third playthrough was a shared experience with a friend, and each time I pressed ‘new game,’ I discovered subtle details that reignited my affection for Hazel’s journey through the American South.
Chickasaw County court, a small locale in northeast Mississippi, is not a name one would typically encounter outside of its native context. Yet, it struck a chord with me, reminiscent of my childhood summers spent in nearby Leake and Leflore counties. These areas share a common thread of decay and hardship, yet they are home to resilient individuals and families grappling with generational poverty.
As I delved deeper into the game, I was often taken aback by the authenticity woven throughout its narrative. A poignant moment occurs when Hazel reunites with her neighbors seeking hurricane relief at a local church. The vessel that brought them there is crudely marked with the words Cajun Navy. This term, which gained prominence following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, refers not to an organized group but to the informal network of individuals determined to assist one another in times of crisis.
While my ties to Louisiana may be limited, the spirit of the Cajun Navy resonates throughout the Deep South. I recall my grandfather, who once “borrowed” a neighbor’s boat to rescue those stranded during a flood. This sense of urgency and community support is echoed in both the real world and in South of Midnight.
Hazel’s neighbor, who orchestrates a makeshift rescue operation, embodies this spirit, and the sight of that little boat labeled Cajun Navy struck a chord I wasn’t prepared for. Such details may go unnoticed in a hurried playthrough, but they reveal the game’s earnest portrayal of a region marked by its history and resilience.
Beyond these smaller nuances, the game also showcases larger cultural elements, such as the blend of Mississippi Delta and Southeastern Louisiana dialects that come alive with each character interaction. The humor found in casual references to local establishments like the Piggly Wiggly further enriches the experience.
While I could attribute my emotional connection to homesickness, I believe that Compulsion’s thoughtful homage to the rich tapestry of Southern culture warrants multiple visits. As for my own gaming journey, I find myself contemplating a fourth playthrough, eager to explore the themes of turnip greens and Dolly Parton—both deserving of their own narratives. Until then, I look forward to sharing more about these Southern gems in the near future.
