South of Midnight Reviews
South of Midnight proves itself to be a great new IP for Xbox and Compulsion Games’ best work yet. Despite some narrative-related issues and lukewarm combat, there is a lot to enjoy. If you have Xbox Game Pass, this is an absolute must-play.
Compulsion Games' new work is, without a doubt, their best work to date and a type of game that the Xbox family badly needed. A simple action and platform adventure, focused on the story but without neglecting the gameplay. One of those that, without being too long or dense, leave a great taste in the mouth when finished.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
South of Midnight is an early game of the year contender, but that’s not all. It’s one of the best games released in this generation, a game seriously vying for a place on my list of favorite games of all time, and an utter masterpiece that future developers will talk about.
South of Midnight feels like a game that wanted to soar but never really left the ground. It’s undeniably gorgeous and hints at a level of creativity that, under better direction, could have led to an unforgettable adventure. However, between the undercooked combat, stilted platforming, and a meandering story that can’t decide on its central theme, it’s tough to recommend without a few asterisks. Hazel deserved more, and so did we. For now, South of Midnight remains a curiosity—worth a glance if you’re keen on its aesthetics or folk-infused premise, but ultimately lacking the cohesion it needs to shine.
South of Midnight, to its strengths, plays out like an old-school 3D adventure game. Its focus on the American Deep South is remarkable, making this trip through the swamp an enjoyable one, even if it isn’t layered in mechanics and features.
A beautiful and wonderful surprise, South of Midnight is a delightful fantasy adventure title that crafts a uniquely southern story about connection and rebuilding harmony in a way that’s rare in videogames today. Hazel and the cast of characters are pleasant, the powers and abilities Hazel uses are plentiful and pleasing, the world is rich with engrossing natural environments, and the breeziness inherent within the game’s storytelling and accessibility makes it a stunning experience. The repetition does grate, and scrapping against haints could use more sparkle and empowerment, but otherwise South of Midnight is one of the best games this year and thoroughly deserves your attention.
South of Midnight, despite interesting previews, has unfortunately become a slight disappointment. The game offers an interesting story, which unfortunately falls apart in the middle of the game, and then picks up again at the end of the adventure. An abysmal combat system and very good platforming elements provide us with a rather uneven experience, which unfortunately falls short of the growing competition in this area of the video game industry.
Review in Polish | Read full review
South of Midnight is a triumphant entry into Compulsion Games’s library, offering a captivating narrative with likeable characters in a sheer spectacle of a world that you just wish you could spend more time in. The combat, while robust, may not satisfy all gamers, but the narrative and compelling worldbuilding are more than strong enough to shoulder that burden.
With a unique and exceptional visual style and soundtrack, South of Midnight delivers a highly enjoyable and engaging journey, even though the gameplay, while fun, can become a bit repetitive in the later stages of the game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
South of Midnight delivers a distinct narrative-driven experience, ideal for players seeking a story-rich adventure with minimal gameplay complexity. The game masterfully captures the ambiance and essence of the American Deep South, a setting rarely explored in gaming, making its atmospheric world a refreshing and welcome addition. However, its gameplay elements function more as supporting features rather than core strengths. Combat, while accessible, lacks depth, leading to repetition over time. Similarly, traversal mechanics are straightforward and primarily move players from one point to another, offering little in the way of dynamic exploration or engagement.
South of Midnight by Compulsion Games delivers a captivating narrative and stunning audiovisual experience set in a gothic Southern USA, though its repetitive combat and uninspired platforming hold it back from true greatness.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
South of Midnight is a refreshing and satisfying action-adventure that has all of the trappings and nostalgia of the classics of yesteryear, yet has all of the bells and whistles you’d associate with modern gaming.
As a whole it’s hard not to come away from South Of Midnight glowing. Its vibrant world, charismatic characters, incredible soundtrack and mythical creatures are true works of art. Going through that world as Hazel was a joy to do despite the repetitive combat. With a bit more variety in enemies and switching up the formula just a touch here and there, South Of Midnight could have been truly special.
South of Midnight is clearly a product of care and dedication, an adventure that bets on its strong visual identity and emotional connection with the player through resonant stories of a protagonist as strong as she is fragile. Its artistic style, inspired by Southern American folklore and stop-motion animation—rare in video games—sets it apart, while its soundtrack, rich in orchestral themes and immersive vocal compositions, adds even more emotional weight to the journey. The simplicity of the gameplay, with functional yet somewhat limited combat, may leave something to be desired, but it never compromises the essence of the experience. In the end, it is a game that does not seek to appeal to the masses but offers a memorable journey filled with striking moments and a unique atmosphere, in a style that deserves further exploration in the industry.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
South of Midnight is a stunningly beautiful and moving experience. While the gameplay doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, it combines excellent writing and music to move your soul in ways only the best games can. This title is an enormous step-up for Compulsion Games, and I hope this isn’t the last we see from Hazel Flood.
South of Midnight plays it relatively safe in the gameplay department, but inspired art direction, strong characters and consistently great writing and voice acting make it Compulsion Games' most impressive work yet.
South of Midnight may not be the ultimate breakthrough for Compulsion Games, but it stands as their most solid and successful work so far. This well-crafted adventure balances platform and action elements, supported by strong gameplay mechanics. However, its progression remains somewhat formulaic, its construction conventional, and its mechanics highly derivative. Despite these shortcomings, the game delivers enjoyment in every aspect. Exploring the bayou with Hazel offers delightful surprises, particularly from a visual standpoint, showcasing that Compulsion Games is on the right path.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The playable fairy tale “South of Midnight” impresses above all with its audiovisual presentation. The southern atmosphere is perfectly captured with a detailed art style and interactive soundtrack. Narratively, the game works particularly well in the small story vignettes about the various mythical creatures from southern folklore. In terms of gameplay, however, the game disappoints with its conservative level design and monotonous battles. These stand in stark contrast to the otherwise loving and creative execution.
Review in German | Read full review
Compulsion Games’ brand new action platformer for Xbox brings together tight platforming, brilliant art direction and a compelling cast for a memorable romp through a fantasy American Deep South. What will stay with me most is how South Of Midnight explores its themes of trauma and forgiveness. Those who have been hurt most are offered respite. This damage can’t be reversed, but Hazel can help people move on.
South of Midnight has a lot to love, from the incredible use of stop-motion to the sweeping score and accompanying blues music to the personal story of Hazel and the American South setting.