South of Midnight review: A bewitching Cajun caper

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

If I had to sum up South of Midnight in a word, that word would be ‘character’.

The game is incredibly rich, with a distinct character that permeates every element of it, from the very moment you start playing for the first time until the end when the credits finish.

Hailing from Canadian studio Compulsion Games, the game titled South of Midnight immerses players into an exploration of a Southern Gothic legend set within the depths of the American South.

After a destructive hurricane carries off her home along with her mother within it, our protagonist Hazel embarks on a pursuit, accidentally wandering into a realm where the distinction between actual events and local folklore becomes unclear.

Initially, Hazel discovers her unique ability: She’s a Weaver, someone who can perceive energy manifested as spirits and strands representing past events. You will encounter the consequences when an harmful energy called ‘stigma’ escalates unchecked.

The setting of South of Midnight is deeply rooted in the folklore of the American South, where strong feelings such as fear, sorrow, and anger have a profound impact on both the landscape and sometimes even the people inhabiting it.

In one narrative, we follow the journey of a man who was left for dead by his brother. Remarkably, his spirit transformed into a towering tree. On another occasion, a malnourished alligator overpowered and killed its owner, then grew so large it became as big as an island.

This work beautifully captures the essence of magical realism, reminiscent of what you might find in a Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Jorge Luis Borges story. In other words, it showcases a unique and captivating style.

Initially, during the game’s opening, it might seem challenging to comprehend how these peculiar creatures could reside peacefully among a typical town. However, South of Midnight skillfully straddles the boundary between reality and imagination in such a seamless manner that it seldom provokes doubt.

Transitioning from rustic farmlands to a place reminiscent of Alan Wake’s eerie setting feels surprisingly rational and acceptable.

Beyond the stunning scenery and rich history, you’ll encounter an array of charming characters, each brilliantly brought to life by skilled voice actors.

Among all the well-crafted characters, such as Hazel, none can compare to the extraordinary Catfish, the colossal patchwork fish who narrates your story. He interacts playfully with Hazel throughout the game. This character is so engaging that it could be reason enough to play this game.

The launch is divided into sections, where you navigate different regions, overcome platforming obstacles, unravel easy riddles, and combat prejudice.

Levels are very linear and could have done with a little more potential for exploration.

In simpler terms, secrets, as the term suggests, are usually quite conspicuous and seldom necessitate significant effort to uncover.

The process of platforming can be effortless yet dynamic. Playing becomes delightful when the platforming transitions seamlessly, but at times, it seems like just a step towards achieving something bigger.

Essentially, the concept applies equally to combat. At different stages within each level, you encounter zones brimming with prejudice, where energy collects into orbs known as Haints.

Equipped with a handful of mystical powers, it falls upon you to vanquish these foes. The battles are structured in a straightforward hack-and-slash format, typically involving little more than repeatedly pressing the attack key and avoiding enemy strikes.

In a nutshell, platform gaming can be exhilarating when you get the hang of it, but after an initial hour or so, I often found it interfering more than helping. At lower difficulty levels, it’s almost too effortless, and at higher ones, it becomes too simplistic to maintain interest.

Thankfully, when it comes to boss fights, the combat is much more engaging.

In many instances, it felt like I was battling a traditional Zelda boss, where I needed to evade their attacks and employ a particular tactic or power to attack their vulnerable area.

The production quality significantly enhances the overall experience, as it is top-notch. As you progress through the game, subtle clues about each boss’s sorrowful history will be unveiled, adding a layer of empathy to these characters, thereby making each confrontation carry deeper significance.

Moving on to another important feature of this game – its soundtrack. While I rarely focus on it in other games, the way South of Midnight employs music is quite impressive.

Song by song, the soundtrack of South of Midnight seamlessly transitions among various genres, mirroring the diverse musical landscape one would encounter in a game set in the Deep South. It encompasses blues, jazz, folk, soul, country, and even a tune reminiscent of Disney tunes – all are included within this rich tapestry of sound.

As a die-hard fan, I simply can’t stop praising Compulsion for their exceptional execution. Each and every sound cue they’ve integrated is impeccably timed, adding an exquisite layer of flavor to each scene they grace.

One area that I haven’t touched on yet, perhaps to the surprise of some, is the game’s animation.

South of Midnight daringly employs an animation technique reminiscent of stop-motion, a choice that drew significant debate due to its appearance in the previews.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve got to say, there were times when some folks might balk, but I truly believe the elements I’ve been hinting at significantly enriched that intriguing character. Now, it may not always be smooth sailing, and there are instances where it seems a tad rough around the edges, but more often than not, Compulsion really delivers, hitting it out of the park!

For me, the region south of Midnight offered an unusual gaming experience. Unlike my typical preferences, there was less emphasis on aspects like combat, challenges, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Conversely, aspects I typically overlook left me astonished. The animation and artistic presentation were stunning, while the music skillfully enhanced the atmosphere at its finest moments.

In this rephrased version, let me put it like this: With an alluring setting steeped in captivating lore, a narrative that deepens as it unfolds, and characters that leave lasting impressions, I discovered that even when the fighting or jumping parts lost their appeal, I remained utterly captivated by South of Midnight.

I can’t sugarcoat it – this game isn’t a grand work of art. The gameplay feels too basic, the levels lack variety, and there are parts where the pace slows down significantly.

Despite its flaws, South of Midnight proved to be a captivating adventure that had me thoroughly hooked. I’m confident that many others will find it just as enthralling as well.

2025-04-03 19:35

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