In the case of a publisher like Xbox boasting an extensive library of titles, the upcoming game “South of Midnight,” developed by Compulsion Games, stands out positively. This new addition to their collection has already showcased its individuality with a southern backdrop, animation-style cinematics, and vibrant color scheme. The game made quite an impression during Xbox Developer Direct in January, leaving many, including myself, eager for more revelations. Finally, I’ve had the opportunity to experience “South of Midnight” firsthand, and it is indeed a unique and captivating gem.
To clarify, “South of Midnight” is a creation by Compulsion Games, the same talented team behind 2013’s “Contrast” and 2018’s “We Happy Few.” If you’ve played any of their previous games, you know that each title from this group showcases a unique style and atmosphere. However, “South of Midnight” seems to be Compulsion Games’ most striking and visually impressive work yet. In many aspects, it appears as if it was plucked directly from a fairy tale and brought to life with its captivating stop-motion aesthetic, much like the enchanting films such as “Coraline,” “James and the Giant Peach,” and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.
As a gamer immersed in the world of South of Midnight, I find myself embarking on Hazel’s thrilling journey right from the get-go. We’re deep within the tempest-tossed land of Prospero, where legends of the south walk among us. With a smidgeon of expertise in my Weaver abilities, I can battle against the menacing Haints and navigate the shattered landscapes, but there’s still much more to grasp. Regardless, my determination remains unwavering – I’ll do whatever it takes to be reunited with my mother. In this particular chapter (Chapter 3, in-game), I’m given a mission to save Catfish, a chatty catfish, from the grasp of a semi-sentient tree. Along the way, I uncover the tree’s origins and the fate of the swampy town I’m currently in.
From the start, it appears fresh and appealing in today’s competitive industry, with an impressive style that radiates charm. However, some shifts between cutscenes and gameplay can be conspicuous. Nevertheless, the setting, particularly the bayou, is beautifully realized, immersing you in a Southern atmosphere. The background noise of crickets, cicadas, waterbugs, and the soft banjo strumming create a nostalgic yet genuine environment as you journey through various locations.
In this action-packed game, I found myself diving straight into the fray not long after starting to play. Adapting took a bit of time, but the overall experience was quite gratifying. Notably, there seems to be no block button in the initial demo, which means you primarily depend on dodging for survival. This can be challenging when the battlefield is confined and enemies approach from various directions. However, your Weaver abilities, though limited, provide a bit of balance, as do the multiple options to restore health by dismantling adversaries. The seamless integration of attack effects and Hazel’s movement with the knitting theme was also impressive, making every move feel connected to the game’s aesthetic.
During the demonstration, I encountered characters beyond Hazel such as the charming Catfish and the tormented Rhubarb. While Hazel is an engaging character in her own right, with her witty yet compassionate demeanor being particularly captivating in my brief experience with South of Midnight. However, some of her dialogue seems to be heavy on exposition or predictable, but the voice actress, Adriyan Rae, delivers an outstanding portrayal of Hazel. In that aspect, the script is well-written, even if it occasionally veers into being too explicit or explanation-focused. The narrative maintains a semi-serious tone, addressing weighty issues like bullying, while interspersing amusing dialogue, mainly from Catfish. It occasionally falters in striking this balance, but manages to find its footing by the end.
During my short stint with South of Midnight, there were certain moments that stood out. One such moment was when I got hold of the glider, double jump, and wall-running skills. This made moving around incredibly enjoyable. It motivated me to explore more, and the game generously rewarded this curiosity with Fluffs, which can be traded for enhancements and new moves. The visuals are stunning too, making it hard not to get engrossed. A part of the demo had Hazel fleeing from an enigmatic, foggy entity, requiring her to wall-run and jump skillfully to stay alive. Despite not knowing what was pursuing me, it all felt instinctive and exhilarating.
A standout feature was Olivier Deriviere’s exceptional music, a fact that speaks volumes given his past work on the A Plague Tale soundtracks. The blend of bluegrass and blues tunes subtly played throughout is captivating and harmoniously complements the environment and atmosphere. As you progress through the level, the choir’s vocals gradually become more distinct until reaching a climax as a full-blown ballad in the final stages, a tune I must confess has been lingering in my mind even while writing this. The attention to detail in these small musical elements underscores the dedication and creativity of the studio to craft something original and distinctive, a quality that Xbox would be fortunate to showcase.
Absolutely, given that it was a preliminary version, there were minor issues with the frame rate and texture loading. However, some lighting effects in specific gameplay segments, notably those shrouded in fog, seemed somewhat strange and out of place. With a bit more refinement to the lighting and related aspects, South of Midnight will undoubtedly shine brightly, just like a soulful gospel choir providing a harmonious backdrop.
Initially, I approached the sneak peek for “South of Midnight” with some reservations regarding its narrative and theme integration. However, after completing it, I find myself more optimistic than anticipated. Despite my lingering doubts for the complete version, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate its success. Being a long-time Xbox user, “South of Midnight” appears to be an upcoming title that Xbox enthusiasts will want to explore.
To the south of midnight, the game titled “South of Midnight” is making its journey onto PCs and Xbox Series X|S starting from April 8, 2025. On this very same day, it will be available as a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass.
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2025-02-11 19:12