With the embargo now lifted, the buzz has been building around "South of Midnight," the latest third-person action-adventure installment from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Critics have shared their thoughts, and the response seems largely positive. The game’s story, art direction, and soundtrack have received nods of approval. However, opinions are a bit more varied when it comes to the combat and certain gameplay elements.
As I pen this, the game holds a solid 78 on Metacritic, drawing from 62 critiques, and mirrors that score on OpenCritic, based on 75 reviews.
I’ve sifted through various scores and reviewer insights for you here:
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GamingTrend (95/100): "South of Midnight nails its theme and carries it right through. The integration of music to enrich the narrative and world is top-notch. From character models to tunes, this game showcases what committing to a style can achieve."
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Pure Xbox (9/10): "For me, South of Midnight exudes triumph. While it isn’t flawless, and the combat could use a little more polish, its soul, charm, and personality make it utterly captivating."
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PCMag (8/10): "It’s a tale of growth and understanding, teaching you to tackle the world with curiosity and empathy. It relies on traditional adventure tropes but rewards players with a deep dive into Southern culture. Despite its imperfections, I found it a cherished gem, like a weathered family heirloom, and it’s a strong contender for game of the year."
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Inverse (7/10): "The game’s creativity and presentation will definitely appeal to Game Pass users looking for a weekend adventure. Yet, it doesn’t completely hit the mark for being the engaging solo action game I was anticipating."
- Eurogamer (6/10): "The goal here was evidently to create something with mass appeal by weaving in Southern culture into the story. But in aiming wide, the game somewhat sacrifices more dynamic interaction and distinct identity beyond the usual platforming and combat patterns."
It’s clear to see that while some elements of "South of Midnight," like the combat, might split opinions, the setting and narrative have generally struck a chord. These particular aspects might resonate differently depending on the player.
On a personal note, I’ve found the game to be quite an enjoyable ride, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. The tale of a young Weaver striving to save her mother is compelling, and I sincerely hope to see more of Hazel in future creations. "South of Midnight" serves as a heartfelt homage to Southern Gothic and Southern culture, and I trust many will find deeper meaning in its narrative.
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, when "South of Midnight" officially releases on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (both via Steam and the Xbox PC app). As an Xbox first-party game, it will also be available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. If you’re eager to dive in early, early access is available now for those who opt for the Premium Edition.
