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The choices we face in life can have deep-seated ramifications. So much so, that ill-made decisions can haunt us forever. However, this doesn’t mean we regret what we’ve done. No, instead, we will always wonder about our alternative paths, and what could have been. This is the wonderfully deep narrative of South of the Circle. It is a cinematic experience that will melt the iciest of hearts.
Developed by State of Play and published by 11 Bit Studios, this is a cinematic adventure that’s driven by your decisions. What’s more, it highlights the painful choices we make in life and the consequences that follow. Its plot is dark and melancholy, but bittersweet at the same time. The slow-paced storytelling balances heartwrenching drama with uncomfortable and tense moments.
South of the Circle is historic and relevant.
South of the Circle splits its narrative across two distinct chapters of one man’s life. You play Peter, a Cambridge academic who has a brilliant mind. A chance encounter on a train ensures the protagonist’s existence will never be the same again. Here, he meets Clara, a young Scottish academic who has a zest for life. The two instantly hit it off, and a friendship and possibly more start to unfold. However, this is only one part of the tale.
Desperate to complete his paper, Peter charters a plane to a base in Cold War, Antarctica. Sadly, an accident occurs and the plane crash lands miles from the nearest outpost. Bruised but otherwise unscathed, Peter begins his journey on foot to save his and his pilot’s life. However, as he makes his arduous trip, his past decisions haunt him in the form of vivid cinematic experiences. Here, you understand what makes the man tick, and why he finds himself in a cold wintry hell.
An immersive title.
Whenever a game splits its focus between two distinct elements, it can be off-putting. What’s more, it can feel punctuated and the action splutters and fails. Luckily, though, this isn’t the case in South of the Circle! Instead, you enjoy a truly immersive title that wonderfully blends the past and present. Subsequently, every flashback flows from the now into a relevant object or structure within the cinematic.
This was exceptionally well delivered, as the plot flowed seamlessly from one moment to the next. What was equally good, was the core decision mechanics. With a range of emotions to pick from, such as assertive, passive, aggressive, and confusion, you can tailor Peter’s answers to each situation. What was better, still, was how poignant moments drove the key areas in the plot. For example, will you focus on your career, friendships, or romancing Clara? Whatever you decide, it has a bearing on the relationships that form and the way the story unfolds.
This was truly fascinating as the developers hid curveballs within the plot to keep you thinking. Furthermore, there were moments when certain emotions weren’t available, so tough and often unfair decisions had to be made. This was excellent, as it highlights that life is often unfair. What’s more, it is these poignant moments that often stand out against the positive and rewarding choices.
South of the Circle is beautifully delivered, but also cold and haunting.
The simple art style worked wonders with the haunting storyline. Moreover, I adored how the rich colour palette of the hazy memories juxtaposed the cold and dangerous present day. Though much of the imagery was rudimentary in design, its minimalist approach was brilliantly understated. What’s more, the tight camera angles and often fixed perspective added an element of tension to the dramatic moments. Then there was the incredible merging of each era of Peter’s life. The seamless transition between memory and real life sucked you in and captured your attention.
Further to this, the audio was captivating. I adored the excellent acting and the environmental sounds. The cold and callous world was filled with daunting and aggressive noises. Whereas the safer and pleasant times with Clara were upbeat and jovial. This combination of music and sound effects enhanced the incredible story alongside the well-written narrative.
Basic controls.
The controls and key mechanics are a little confusing, to begin with. Accordingly, the opening scenes may not develop as you wish. However, once you get to grips with the emotions and the relevant buttons, it is plain sailing. Alongside this, there are some open-world moments that require a keen eye for detail. Yet, this isn’t challenging, nor is it time-consuming. As such, it keeps the story flowing nicely.
The pivotal moments in the plot alter the course of the game. Consequently, this adds to the replay value and longevity. Furthermore, the characters evolve based on your choices. Therefore, you’ll enjoy unique moments whenever you try a new playthrough.
South of the Circle is a touching and melancholy experience.
South of the Circle used some risqué mechanics at its core. Subsequently, plenty of things could have gone wrong along the way. Luckily, though, the excellent story, brilliant acting, and seamless transitions create a touching, yet melancholy experience. Accordingly, I admire its approach and I recommend you to buy it here! The past holds you back and endangers your life. Focus on the here and now and survive this horrific ordeal.
