South of Midnight Reviews
South of Midnight delivers one of the most interesting and visually stunning settings in recent memory. It feels like a tribute to the Deep South; it shows reverence to actual folklore while adding its own interesting twists that interweave with Hazel's family history and the story Compulsion Games wanted to tell. Its traversal and combat don't offer anything we haven't seen before, but it's a well-made experience, with its biggest crime being overly familiar systems. What it lacks in gameplay innovation, it more than makes up for with its quirky storytelling and style; ultimately, South of Midnight offers a distinct and gripping point of view that's hard not to fall in love with.
Despite some minor tech issues and lack of any real unique gameplay elements. I really enjoyed my time with South Of Midnight, its story and protagonist Hazel connected with me in a way I didn't expect. The setting and art direction give South Of Midnight an identity all it's own.
South of Midnight accomplishes what it has set out to do, offering players something truly unique, empathetic, and enthralling.
When South of Midnight fully commits to its unique ideas and inspirations, carried by Olivier Deriviere's outstanding score, it is great. But when it is afraid to step out of the line, we get a standard, solid action-adventure with and oldschool vibe. If only the gameplay designers would inject more creative juice into their work, it would be a fantastic game. As it is, it’s simply good.
Review in Polish | Read full review
South of Midnight offers a unique lens into Southern Gothic culture, with strong atmosphere, engaging folklore, and compelling storytelling that successfully highlights the charm of a niche cultural space. However, as a game, even its excellent music and presentation can't fully compensate for the underwhelming gameplay experience.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
South of Midnight's strong story and presentation make the most of its overlooked mythology and oft-forgotten setting, but don't embark on this journey looking for top-tier action-adventure game design.
Although its gameplay is merely servicable, South of Midnight's dark yet compelling narrative is the shining light, elevated by excellent sound design, enchanting characters and a spectacular art style. It's proof that the industry still has the creative juice when allowed to be squeezed.
South of Midnight thrives on contrasts and fails to offer the same level of quality across all aspects: while the stories being told are the true driving force and the artistic side is excellent, inspired, and capable of giving the work great uniqueness, the gameplay doesn't keep up and feels reminiscent of action-adventure/platform games from fifteen years ago, lacking any standout moments or particularly memorable features.
Review in Italian | Read full review
South of Midnight is one tall tale you wont want to miss.
As fantastic as the game looks, as outdated is the gameplay. But for the sake of the story one would agree to tolerate monotonous battles and simplistic combat system.
Review in Russian | Read full review
While South of Midnight pioneers in its narrative, art design, and the seamless incorporation of social challenges into its world, its gameplay, though not flawed, treads familiar ground without introducing anything new.
Review in Persian | Read full review
For me, South of Midnight is a bit of a triumph, and exactly the sort of thing I want to see more of from Xbox Game Studios. It's not perfect, and its combat mechanics are a bit lacking, but the game has so much soul, personality and charm that it's hard not to fall in love with it. I was engrossed with the storybook visuals, the well-delivered narrative and the satisfying traversal from start to finish, and I really can't recommend this one enough on Xbox Game Pass. Those of you that are more combat-first may not take a shining to this game quite as much as I have, but if you're looking for an engaging adventure that delivers soulful stories in spades, South of Midnight shouldn't be missed.
South of Midnight features a striking setting with excellent music, and explores a world that is rarely visited. But its dull gameplay, uneven writing and repetitive structure don't exactly give this folk tale a happy ending.
It’s got tons of style, but doesn’t really know how to turn that style into something that feels uniquely its own when you play it - still, it’s got heart.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
A unique and charming experience that is technically and mechanically ok at best.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Down by the South, folks speak of a tale. Tale of Weavers, who once tethered this world. One, that is dangerous yet beautiful, woven with the utmost original yarns. But as stigma and trauma reeks throughout these gothic lands now, there is almost no hope. But a newfound weaver of Prospero, Hazel, equipped with her trusty hooks attempts to stitch up the torn Grand Tapestry, through her epic combat skills, amazing visual language all the while a banger soundtrack accompanies her on the journey to find her lost mother!
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Compulsion Games signs what is undoubtedly its magna opus with South of Midnight. A tremendous adventure in a fictional corner of the deep south of the United States that takes a multitude of influences to create a world as peculiar as it is attractive. Shocking visually, outstanding musically and with characters and interpretations more than up to par, the new Microsoft Studios manages to catch with an addictive and fluid gameplay that ends up shaping a rounded product and 100% recommendable
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A dark fairy tale featuring one of the most atmospheric soundscapes I've encountered in recent years. Yet, repetitive combat and exploration mechanics, steeped in outdated design, prevent South of Midnight from being remembered as a classic.
Review in Italian | Read full review
South of Midnight is a creative triumph trapped in the wrong medium. Its gorgeous animation, heartfelt voicework, and rich world-building shine—but a dull, vestigial combat system drags it down. It’s not just missed potential; this should’ve been a movie, not a middling action-adventure game.
South of Midnight has so many characters I want to see more of because of their natural dialogue and strong relationships, both built and pre-existing. It does feel like it tries to do a lot in a single game, in the event that a sequel can’t be made. But there’s so much to like here, that Compulsion Games should get to make another game set in this world, for it’s so lived in. South of Midnight is bona fide storybook classic full of character and culture, and a game to be remembered and treasured.