Preservation as Memory: Hometowns and Family Histories
South of Midnight (Compulsion Games)
Stop-motion animation, blues music, and magical adventure abound in South of Midnight. Set during the aftermath of a hurricane, players follow Hazel as she searches for her missing mother. Inspired by Southern Gothic folklore and mythology, Hazel uses her magical abilities to battle creatures born from trauma, cleanse stigma, mend broken spirits, and defeat Haints, the physical manifestations of festering sorrows. South of Midnight—which is recommended for players aged 17 and up—is a standout for those interested in creative storytelling that centers cultural heritage, generational trauma, and emotional healing.
What Remains of Edith Finch (Giant Sparrow)
The last living member of her family, Edith is determined to learn more about her relatives’ premature (and often unusual) deaths in What Remains of Edith Finch. Players follow Edith as she returns to her ancestral home for the first time in seven years. The labyrinthine Finch house is essentially an archive, with each sealed room preserving a different family member’s life and memories. If you’re looking for an atmospheric story that invites you to explore a sprawling family home in Washington state, you’ve found it! Note this game is recommended for players aged 13 and up.
