Imagine stepping into a world so vividly unique that every moment unveils something newly fascinating. At first glance, “South of Midnight” might seem like your typical action-adventure game, with a protagonist suddenly cast into an extraordinary journey filled with magical abilities and skill trees. But stick around a bit longer, and you’ll quickly realize that this game is anything but ordinary. By the time you dive into the heart of its third chapter, its groundbreaking narrative, distinctive setting, and even the enchanting sound design make it clear that this game is paving its own path in the genre. Each combat challenge is just as invigorating as the serene exploration intertwined throughout.
Our story picks up with Hazel, a young heroine on a mission to find her mother, lost to a flood’s chaos. Her journey has already begun, and she’s uncovered her gift as a Weaver, someone who can manipulate an ancient magic that tugs at the very threads of reality. Ironically, the world around her begins to shift and twist in unexpected ways. The Deep South-inspired backdrop she traverses feels unfamiliar to her, and sometimes outright hostile.
While the trailers have already hinted at the depth and breadth of “South of Midnight’s” lore and aesthetics, actually playing it reveals the pulsating heart of its action-oriented mechanics. As you venture through the game’s landscape, you’ll encounter energy spheres shimmering with light, reminiscent of oil slicks. Venturing into one of these will pit you against Haints, beings straight out of Southern folklore. These adversaries come with diverse strategies: some are in-your-face brawlers, others hit you from afar, and some spawn insect minions to overwhelm you. A quick eye and tactical approach are essential for deciding who to tackle first.
The game doesn’t shy away from challenging combat. It often places you against numerous Haints at once, each capable of delivering hefty damage with a single blow. Here, “South of Midnight” transitions into a fast-paced action experience. You’ll dart around magical arenas, mixing up melee and magic attacks to adapt. While melee can be powerful, it also leaves you vulnerable. Fortunately, Hazel’s magic allows her to manipulate enemies—whether it’s throwing them or binding them with mystical strands.
As you progress, you can specialize further with upgrades. One of my early favorites increased the damage dealt to tied enemies, allowing me to swiftly handle major threats. Aggressive tactics prove advantageous, and even a well-timed dodge lets loose a burst of energy where you once stood. It’s a fantastic introduction, hinting at combat depth that exceeds initial expectations.
Visuals play a noteworthy role, too. The game’s characters move as if crafted from stop-motion puppetry, their movements beautifully echoing classic animation. When you take control, the animation remains smooth and responsive, maintaining the immediacy crucial for an action game. Compulsion’s mastery in seamlessly transitioning between these two styles is commendable.
The landscape complements the character design, set in a world where nature begins to reclaim the remnants of civilization. You’ll traverse islands sprouting from swamps, stumble upon decrepit shacks, and navigate dilapidated walkway systems. Obstacles like thorn thickets block your way, while oversized peaches rot in the waters. Despite the intricate level design, the visible world sprawls beyond your reach, providing an illusion of vastness. The lighting artistry further enriches the world, with the sun’s rays cutting through the canopy and mist enveloping you.
Navigating this world requires mastery of Hazel’s Weaving powers since the same skills used in combat aid in exploration. By summoning shadows of the past, you maneuver through flooded terrains and manipulate the environment to uncover hidden paths and secrets. The game provides guidance when necessary, but exploration off the beaten path yields upgrade materials and additional story nuggets. It pays to learn the environmental cues and stealthily apply your magic.
Upon choosing to proceed along the designed storyline, you meet Catfish, a unique narrator and sidekick, ensnared by a human-like tree. To release him, you’re tasked with securing a magical bottle, from a bottle tree featured in the game’s logo, using it to absorb the torment seeping from the tree and its surrounding area.
While this might sound whimsical, the underlying trauma quickly reveals itself as harrowingly dark. Without giving too much away, the game unveils a heart-wrenching tale of a man transformed into a titanic tree by a lifetime of unrelenting suffering.
This side of “South of Midnight” is refreshingly new – its narrative mirrors its combat, pulling no punches in its delivery. Hazel isn’t afraid to swear, capturing the rawness of her circumstance. The stories she uncovers are not your typical fairytales. Compulsion Games dubs it a Southern Gothic tale, and it’s clear why. The narrative explores bleak and intense themes, never shying from the horror within Hazel’s world. Her role of a Weaver is to repair what’s fractured, and this world is deeply shattered.
Yet, surprises abound in “South of Midnight.” Just as you think you’ve got the gameplay flow figured out, it flips the script – introducing an unkillable force. The game morphs from combat-driven to escape-based, forcing you to string together quick, skillful maneuvers to survive. Platforming suddenly becomes essential for outrunning danger, making you adapt quickly under pressure. It’s impressive how the game shifts gears, delivering unexpected gaming dynamics.
The preview’s crescendo takes this further. Every main zone promises a significant Mythical Creature, towering hurdles drawn from folklore, obstructing Hazel. However, not all encounters conclude with the anticipated boss fight. As a Weaver and healer, Hazel’s goal often shifts from destruction to rehabilitation. In this level’s climax, you climb a massive tree, not to vanquish but to heal. Reaching its summit rewards you with breathtaking viewpoints of your journey, embodying a deeply satisfying blend of narrative and gameplay.
As you ascend, the game’s music dynamically evolves. Previously ambient snatches of melody blossom into a full composition, with lyrics complementing your progress, revealing deeper story layers with each step. It’s a harmonious blend of mechanics, story, and music rolled into one – a rare gaming moment.
Now, “South of Midnight” is more than just a game; it’s an immersive experience where Compulsion Games crafts something special. If such innovation is evident this early, the mysteries waiting ahead promise to be even more captivating.
Eager players can dive into “South of Midnight” when it launches on April 8, 2025, available across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and cloud platforms. For those wishing to explore its macabre yet magical world ahead of time, the Premium Edition unlocks early access and exclusive digital content.
