Hazel’s adventure in “South of Midnight” begins dramatically when a powerful storm sweeps away her mobile home with her mother still inside. Determined to find her, Hazel sets out on a challenging quest through the mythical landscapes of the Deep South, where she encounters creatures steeped in local folklore.
Among the first hurdles Hazel faces is Two-Toed Tom, an enormous albino alligator sporting a small island on his back. This creature is the game’s initial major boss. To confront this formidable opponent, players must first unlock Tom’s past memories, discovering a distressing backstory that might tug at the heartstrings of those who care for animals.
Tom’s origin is as haunting as the tales surrounding him. Born into captivity, he lived shackled to the whims of his master, whose daughter, Jolene, left to chase her dreams of singing. She found success, much to her father’s dismay. Meanwhile, Tom endured starvation, his diet dictated by a bell his master rang to signal feeding time.
One day, driven by Sophia’s defiance towards her father and her desire for freedom, she rang the bell when no one else was around. With no other food in sight, Tom turned on his abuser, changing both of their fates forever.
Inspired by genuine Southern myths, Two-Toed Tom’s legend tells of a fourteen-foot gator terrorizing farms and citizens in Florida and Alabama. His infamous two-toed condition came from a trap set by hunters, yet in folklore, no weapon could kill him.
Tom eventually returned to the wild, but his past left an indelible mark. Discovering a farm teeming with pigs, Tom fed until he became a behemoth feared by all in the fictional town of Prospero. His insatiable hunger grew with each meal, consuming livestock and homes alike, a creature driven by a deep-seated fear of hunger never leaving his psyche.
As players navigate South of Midnight, they experience the rich narrative and complex character arcs, making it a captivating addition to the gaming landscape.