In South of the Circle, players are introduced to Peter, a Cambridge academic who finds himself in Antarctica after a plane crash. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, with its inherent tensions, Peter emerges from the wreckage unharmed, but his pilot is seriously injured. He must embark on a perilous journey across the icy terrain to seek assistance. As he navigates this challenging landscape, Peter reflects on his life and past decisions. Player choices made throughout the journey will ultimately shape the narrative’s conclusion, presenting dilemmas between love and career aspirations.
South of the Circle immediately thrusts the player into the heart of the action following the crash, emphasizing the urgent need to find help. The game employs straightforward mechanics, presenting players with dialogue choices at key junctures that influence the unfolding story. Strategic thinking is required, as interactions with the environment directly impact the narrative’s resolution. While players gain control of Peter’s avatar after exiting the plane, the limited range of movement provides more of an impression of free movement than actual open exploration.
Progressing through the stark Icelandic scenery, the environment gradually reveals itself, creating anticipation of reaching a destination. However, the narrative seamlessly transitions into flashbacks, a key strength of South of the Circle. The transitions between present and past are fluid, uninterrupted by loading screens or other disruptions, preserving the immersive experience. This review was conducted on an Xbox Series S. Given the game’s stylized, yet relatively simple, graphics, smooth performance is anticipated even on less powerful hardware.
The voice acting is exceptionally well-executed, contributing to a deeply immersive experience that blurs the line between gameplay and interactive narrative. However, this highlights the primary drawback of South of the Circle. The game mechanics are notably simple, and the avatar’s movement can occasionally feel cumbersome, particularly within confined indoor spaces. Furthermore, many sequences require only a single button press to advance, limiting player agency.
In conclusion, South of the Circle warrants a strong recommendation. While the core mechanics may lack complexity, the overall narrative experience is compelling and memorable. The game’s accessible price point further enhances its appeal. Players are encouraged to immerse themselves in this unique adventure, the impact of which will resonate well beyond the initial playthrough.
11 Bit Studios provided a review copy for this evaluation. Provision of the material does not influence editorial objectivity.
