South of Midnight Reviews
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
South of Midnight is a game that shows growth in Compulsion Games' titles. Even though the combat is predictable, it still feels good thanks to the usefulness of the powers at your disposal, and you won't shy away from a fight. The platforming is also well done, which makes it a shame that you can't explore more of the world. While the gameplay is better, the studio still knows how to tell a captivating story using a backdrop of Southern Gothic that isn't used too often in games. This is a solid adventure game and a trip well worth taking if you're a fan of the genre and narratives.
One of the main reasons a video game becomes so engaging is its story, but the emotions it evokes through the controls are also important. After playing South of Midnight, I can say that its strength lies in conveying emotions through the story of its protagonist, Hazel Flood. […]
Review in Spanish | Read full review
As fantastic as the game looks, as outdated is the gameplay.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
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
Hazel leads a journey of self-discovery filled with spells, creatures, and Southern roots, where brilliant art direction supports an adventure that grows stronger as it unfolds.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Although South of Midnight features a repetitive loop in terms of gameplay, it stands out for its distinctive art design. The repetitive elements are balanced by the visual and technical details of the game world, so even though players may find themselves stuck in a mechanical loop, they remain visually satisfied.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
South of Midnight is a title well worth experiencing — especially for those who value good stories, memorable atmospheres, and experiences that go beyond just playing with a controller. It's the kind of game that may not be perfect in its execution, but it's extremely competent at leaving a lasting impression.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I love every almost single aspect about South of Midnight… in theory. I loved its setting, I thought its story was captivating and really well-written, its gameplay was decent enough to never annoy me, and boy oh boy, this soundtrack is a thing of beauty. I gotta say, I also appreciate the fact Microsoft even bothered porting a AAA game from one of their first-party studios into Nintendo’s new machine. That being said, this particular port is plagued with performance issues.
In terms of its story, South of Midnight is unquestionably one of the highlights of recent years for me, as I experienced a full spectrum of emotions alongside Hazel. In terms of gameplay, it ultimately feels a little too one-dimensional, although it is polished enough that nothing in the action is truly frustrating apart from the repetition. Even still, the journey is truly well worth experiencing.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
South of Midnight is an experience that stands out much more for its identity than for its gameplay. With a sensitive narrative, striking art direction, an exceptional soundtrack, and a perfect port for Nintendo’s hybrid console, the game builds a unique world full of personality. Although the combat and structure rely on safe and sometimes repetitive ideas, Hazel’s journey manages to sustain itself through the strength of its atmosphere and the care with which its story is told. It may not impress in terms of mechanics, but it delivers something increasingly rare: an experience with soul.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
South of Midnight’s blend of unique Southern vibes and satisfying manoeuvrability make it a real treat to play on the PlayStation 5. Sure, the combat is a little uninspired, but the sheer creativity on display across the world, the stunning aesthetic, and the brilliant soundtrack make it an adventure well worth taking.
The release of South of Midnight for PS5 can only be a good thing.
Review in Greek | Read full review
South of Midnight is a game full of interesting concepts and ideas, but it falls short in its execution. The visuals are beautiful, but the animations make the experience feel choppy. The soundtrack and voice acting are great, but the game suffers from audio desynchronization issues. The stories and combat are interesting, but extremely repetitive. I can imagine this being an experience that clicks very well for some players, but for me, even though it was fun, it could have been much better.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review