A Surprising Southern Delight
I’ve been eagerly anticipating South of Midnight ever since its reveal trailer in 2023. The art direction, music, and deeply Southern setting seemed poised to deliver an epic story. Still, as I began my hour-and-a-half preview, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Surprisingly, the game eschews the common formula of maximizing player count with an open world or RPG mechanics. Instead, it offers a gorgeous, linear action-adventure platformer where the story and atmosphere take center stage. This approach is a refreshing throwback, and it’s clear that South of Midnight aims to unflinchingly explore the American South in all its complexity.
A Story Unafraid of Its Roots
The game’s atmosphere is undeniable from the get-go. The visuals are a testament to the developers’ creativity, with gigantic peaches sunken into swamps, crumbling houses, and billboards, and every blade of grass and cattail swaying in the breeze. South of Midnight is Southern as hell, and it’s these details that make the world feel alive and authentic. Full disclosure: I’m a Northerner, born and raised in western New York, but I’ve lived in central Virginia for a decade, close to the Blue Ridge mountains. My wife’s family is from Alabama, and I’ve heard my fair share of "yankee" comments between generous helpings of shrimp and grits. This personal connection makes the game’s setting resonate with me on a deeper level.
Introducing Hazel: The Weaver
The game introduces us to Hazel, the main character, and a pivotal figure in making South of Midnight a Southern and black story. Hazel’s journey begins as she discovers her identity as a Weaver, a magic-user who wields sewing-like abilities to unravel Haints, the enemies she encounters. Her abilities are not just for combat; they also connect her to the history and place around her. Throughout her journey, she receives guidance from the ghost of Mahalia, another Weaver, who helps her navigate and understand her new powers. This narrative device adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to Hazel’s quest. Whether she’s making jokes or facing the stigmas and historical hurt she encounters, Hazel’s character is both endearing and grounded. Her mission to find her mother is a personal and heartfelt one, and the storytelling is a touching blend of earnestness and humor.
Combat and Platforming: A Delicate Balance
While the story and atmosphere are the stars of South of Midnight, the combat and platforming must also hold up over the full length of the game. Despite initial skepticism, the combat is fast-paced and enjoyable. You are rewarded for well-timed dodges, but the gameplay is more about stringing together your abilities to deal damage and unravel Haints. I had the chance to try a few abilities, including a charging ranged attack, crowd control moves that can push or pull enemies, and stuns that buy you crucial time. The combat is punishing at times, which adds to the challenge and satisfaction. Importantly, the stop-motion animation style doesn’t impede the gameplay, though there is an option to turn it off if it becomes distracting.
Sustaining Engagement: A Key Challenge
However, my playthrough did leave me with some questions. I found myself relying on the same combos and abilities as I progressed, which made me wonder if the full game will introduce new mechanics or enemies to keep the combat fresh. This is crucial because, while the story is engaging, the gameplay needs to be equally compelling to maintain player interest. Similarly, the platforming sections, while fun, sometimes felt lacking in content during the exploration phases. I often found myself looking for story nods or Floofs, the game’s currency, to level up abilities. The tutorial island, which I played through in Chapter Three, was a solid introduction, but I’m eager to see if the game opens up more as it progresses, offering more opportunities to creatively use the movement system.
High Hopes for the Finished Product
Despite these reservations, I am incredibly eager to dive back into South of Midnight and see how the finished product addresses these concerns. Hazel is a likable and engaging main character, and the world she navigates is both beautiful and haunting. Compulsion Games has shown an unflinching commitment to creating a unique and deeply immersive experience. They are not afraid to stick to their guns and craft a world that feels all its own. South of Midnight has the potential to be a significant and fun game, and I can’t wait to see what the final version has in store. At the very least, it’s worth a play through Game Pass, and I’m hopeful that it will deliver a memorable and impactful experience.
Conclusion
In South of Midnight, Compulsion Games has created a game that is a visual feast and a narrative gem. The art direction and storytelling are second to none, and the game’s commitment to its Southern roots is both refreshing and profound. While the combat and platforming mechanics are enjoyable, they need to evolve to keep players engaged throughout the game’s length. Nevertheless, the combination of a likable protagonist, a richly detailed world, and a compelling story makes South of Midnight a game worth following and playing. I have high hopes that the developers will continue to refine and expand on the gameplay elements, ensuring that this beautiful and meaningful game is a must-play for anyone interested in a unique and engaging action-adventure experience.
