Released on April 8, 2025, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games brings something refreshing to the gaming landscape. In an era where many big titles prioritize visuals and realistic graphics over storytelling, South of Midnight proves that a well-crafted narrative can and will steal the show. And while the game’s journey through the magical Deep South might not break any new ground in gameplay, it’s the emotional depth, characters, and captivating visuals that make it a must-play experience for those who love fantasy action games.
The Story – Emotionally Resonant, but Not a Game-Changer
From the moment you meet Hazel, the game’s young protagonist, you’re drawn into her world. Hazel’s quest to find her missing mother after a hurricane ravages their home becomes a deeply emotional journey for us. The connection you form with Hazel and the other characters is almost immediate. You’ll care about these characters, not just because they’re central to the plot, but because their pain, hopes, and struggles feel real and tangible. It’s a rare thing in modern games where character development is often sacrificed for realistic visuals or big, huge open worlds.
However, let’s not get carried away. While the story is strong and compelling, it’s not going to have you thinking about it for weeks after you finish. It’s not a mind-blowing tale which stays with you for decades, but it’s an emotional one. The game’s focus on grief, trauma, and healing is evident, with players witnessing Hazel’s transformation as she navigates a world of folklore and family history. But even though the storytelling is decent, it’s the characters, like Catfish (the sidekick who’s somehow both hilarious and grounded) and Hazel’s grandmother Bunny (who plays kind of a villainous role), that truly elevate the story and make us care about it.
Visuals – Pixar Meets Southern Gothic
Now, let’s talk about the visuals. South of Midnight looks like something straight out of a Pixar movie, and we mean that in the best possible way. The game’s art direction is breathtaking, combining hand-crafted environments with a unique stop-motion-inspired animation style. It’s beautiful and vibrant, but it’s also oddly comforting, like stepping into a world that’s both familiar and otherworldly. And this is where the game shines. It proves that you don’t need hyper-realistic graphics to create an immersive, captivating experience. In fact, realism would’ve taken away from the charm here. Games are meant to be an escape, and South of Midnight gets it right by offering a world that feels both magical and grounded, like a fairy tale you’d want to get lost in. And this means that you will not need expensive GPUs to run the game! To be honest, we need more of such games today.
But there’s more to the visuals than just pretty landscapes. The attention to detail is evident in every corner of the game world. Whether you’re exploring a moonlit bayou or walking through a decaying town, every scene feels alive with history, culture, and folklore. It’s an art direction that elevates the experience without relying on the need for cutting-edge realism. 
Combat Falls Flat, but Puzzles and Parkour Keep Things Interesting
South of Midnight had a big potential to lean towards horror but guess that completely skipped the minds of the developers. As for the gameplay, South of Midnight doesn’t really make it that interesting. The combat is… well, let’s say it’s below average. You’re stuck with just one weapon, and the hack-and-slash mechanics quickly become repetitive. The lack of variety here is noticeable, especially when you’re used to games with complex combat systems. But here’s the thing: that doesn’t ruin the experience. The heart of the game lies in its story, not its combat. It’s not about how many enemies you can slaughter, but how you connect with the world around you and the people in it. Still, it would’ve been nice to see a bit more depth in the gameplay department.
What does stand out, however, is the climbing, parkour and puzzle-solving. These sections offer a refreshing break from the combat, providing us with some satisfying moments of exploration and discovery. While these parts are enjoyable, they don’t completely make up for the lack of side content.
A One-And-Done Experience
South of Midnight doesn’t offer much in the way of replayability. With no side quests, multiple endings, or alternative story paths, once you finish the game, there’s not much left to return to. The game lasts around 10-12 hours, which means you can finish it in 2-3 days easily, but for those players who love diving back into a game to explore every nook and cranny, South of Midnight might feel a little too short-lived. Still, given the emotional depth and narrative focus, it’s a journey that’s worth taking, even if it’s only for a single playthrough.
Soundtrack – Decent, but Doesn’t Stand Out
The soundtrack is solid, though not particularly groundbreaking. With influences from blues, gospel, and country, it fits the setting perfectly and provides a subtle backdrop to the game’s narrative. While it enhances the atmosphere, it’s decent, but not remarkable.
A Beautiful Journey with Beautiful Visuals
At the end of the day, South of Midnight is a game that stands out for its emotional storytelling, captivating visuals, and unforgettable characters. Keep in mind that it will not push any boundaries in terms of gameplay or storytelling, but it offers a heartfelt journey about grief, pain, and healing. The combat may fall short but the world the developers have created is one worth experiencing at least once.
If you’re looking for a game that focuses on heart over flashy mechanics, South of Midnight might just be the perfect escape. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind—expect it to pull at least some of your heartstrings instead.
Rating: 8 out of 10 stars
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I play South of Midnight on?
South of Midnight is available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Is South of Midnight an Xbox exclusive?
Yes, South of Midnight is an Xbox exclusive. But it is also available on PC. Good news is that you don’t have to buy the game to play it, if you have Xbox Gamepass subscription.
Is South of Midnight a Soulslike game?
No, South of Midnight is not a Soulslike game. While it has combat elements, they are comparatively easier as compared to Soulslike games. And the game is more focused on narrative and puzzle-solving than on intense combat difficulty.
Is South of Midnight open world?
No, South of Midnight is not an open-world game. It offers a more linear experience, with set areas to explore that contribute to the overall story.
- Is South of Midnight ‘Woke’?
- No, South of Midnight doesn’t focus on any feminist or social justice propaganda. With a black female protagonist, Hazel, looking for her mother, the game avoids forced social commentary or any kind of political agendas. It is a simplistic story resembling a fairy tale. In fact, one of the villains is a woman, and the story is centered on healing, personal growth, and folklore, rather than a political message. So, it wouldn’t be correct to call this game “woke”.
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