South of Midnight Reviews
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 Yet, repetitive combat and exploration mechanics, steeped in outdated design, prevent South of Midnight from being remembered as a classic.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
Just like its protagonist, South of Midnight has no desire to save the world. It simply tells a twist-filled, atmospheric, and at times heart-wrenching story, presented in the form of a slightly old-fashioned yet entertaining game. It has a peculiar charm that pulls you in so deeply that I was constantly counting the moments until I could continue. And I’m not alone in this: based on online reviews, many people have been “complaining” about the same thing after sitting down with it—some even managed to play through the entire game over a long weekend, which is no small feat for a roughly ten-hour experience. And really, what more should we expect from a video game than to enchant us as completely as if we were ten-year-old kids again?
Review in Unknown | Read full review
I had an excellent time playing South of Midnight. A lot of the gameplay reminds me of Alice Madness Returns, which was also excellent. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a unique experience.
South of Midnight is a unique journey through a beautifully crafted world, filled with rich folklore, striking visuals, and a surprisingly deep story. It delivers engaging melee combat, a memorable cast, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that blends blues, country, and soul music seamlessly into the experience.
South of Midnight, the adventure title from Compulsion Games, offers a fluid experience that uses gameplay as a vehicle to tell an emotional and visceral story like few others. It is an enjoyable, relatively short, and thoroughly enjoyable experience that is highly recommended for any type of player. Compulsion Games' work is a breath of fresh air among so many similar releases, and I eagerly await the studio's next project.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
South of Midnight is a short experience, which, despite its narrative strengths and immersive, spectacular setting, suffers from certain weaknesses in the execution of its story and the development of its main and secondary characters. Additionally, its gameplay isn't bad, but the level and combat design quickly become repetitive—given the game's short length.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I don’t want to be too negative, because South of Midnight plays fine. I never found myself hating its mechanics. It’s easy to keep playing once you get into a groove, and I always found the story and characters worth the time investment to reach them. There are a few excellent moments scattered across its approximately eight hours, particularly its boss fights. It all comes back to your investment, though. If you can play this game on Game Pass, it feels like an easy decision. There’s plenty here for me to recommend you do just that. If you’re dropping money specifically on this experience, though, it feels like you deserve to expect a little bit more. That some part of actually playing this game feels truly interesting instead of just fine. I very rarely got that during my time with South of Midnight. Still, with a solid enough foundation, I’d love to see the team at Compulsion Games try for a sequel that builds on its strengths and does more to provide a great overall experience.
A folktale come to life, South of Midnight enchants with its visual and auditory sorcery even as its gameplay stumbles between simplicity and depth. More than the sum of its parts, this is Compulsion Games' most evocative work yet, a southern gothic melody that lingers despite its imperfect notes.
Review in Persian | Read full review
This is an amazing action-adventure experience that you can't miss, especially if you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, as the game is available from day one, giving you the opportunity to enjoy it immediately. This game deserves to be part of your 2025 experiences.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
South of Midnight is an experience that unfolds like a fireside fable: intimate, full of symbols, charged with memories. For those seeking something different, something that whispers rather than screams, this is a journey worth experiencing.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
South of Midnight left a mark. Not because it plays great—but because it tries to say something. About grief, about legacy, about rhythm and soul. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but it tries. It’s a shame the gameplay couldn’t keep up with the vibe. It just needed a bit more time put into the gameplay and a bit less into everything else. But then again, if Compulsion did that, South of Midnight wouldn’t be anywhere near as interesting as it is. But if Compulsion Games ever make an animated film? I’m first in line. Preferably with a proper bowl of gumbo.
Developers from Compulsion Games managed to create a fantastic fairy tale with a dark twist. Every single chapter is a feast for your eyes and ears. However, the experience is diminished by copy-pasted enemies, unnecessary swear words, and non-existent puzzles.
Review in Czech | Read full review
South of Midnight succeeds at shedding light on stories not often told and does it by offering unique perspectives, but this is also a situation where the game itself isn’t as interesting as its imposed experience.
South of Midnight is a solid action-adventure title elevated by its style, storytelling and cast of memorable characters.
South of Midnight has a very good story that strongly represents the effects of trauma and how some people handle them. However, the combat is pretty much the sole reason why this game didn’t reach its full potential.
South of Midnight is a beautifully crafted, delicately designed, story filled with heart, soul and positive energy. The world is stunning, the characters and the story they drive are memorable, and there’s a lovely mix of puzzles to keep you invested. While combat is the weaker point of the game, the boss battles coupled with the player progression do help bring this back up to a level of a game that deserves your time and attention.