Initial Impressions
Ever since the reveal trailer for South of Midnight dropped in 2023, I’ve been incredibly excited. The art direction, music, and the deeply Southern setting all hinted at a rich, epic story. However, as I began my hour-and-a-half preview of the game, I was pleasantly surprised. The common formula to maximize player count—open worlds, RPG mechanics, and extensive dialogue trees—was notably absent. Instead, South of Midnight felt like a refreshing throwback to a simpler time in gaming, offering a linear action-adventure platformer where the story and atmosphere take center stage. The developers at Compulsion Games have crafted a game that is unapologetically Southern and delves into the region’s complex history and culture.
A Story Rooted in the South
Full disclosure: I’m a Northerner, born and raised in western New York. However, the South is a place I know well, having lived in central Virginia for a decade, close to the Blue Ridge mountains. My wife’s family is from Alabama, and I’ve certainly had my share of "yankee" comments while enjoying generous helpings of shrimp and grits. Given this background, South of Midnight resonated with me on a deeply personal level. The game is Southern through and through, from the gigantic peaches sunken into swamps to the crumbling houses and billboards. Every blade of grass and cattail swaying in the breeze adds to the game’s visual marvel, a testament to what titles can achieve when they prioritize artistic expression over realism.
Meeting Hazel, the Weaver
Hazel, the game’s main character, is a crucial element in making South of Midnight not just a Southern story, but a black story as well. At the outset, Hazel discovers she is a Weaver, a magic user with sewing-like abilities that can unravel the Haints, the game’s enemies. These abilities also connect her to the history and place she inhabits. Throughout her journey, she frequently encounters the ghost of Mahalia, another Weaver, who provides guidance and insights into her newfound powers. Hazel’s quest to find her mother is interwoven with the stories of other people living (and possibly trapped) in this mythological South. The storytelling is both touching and humorous, never losing sight of the earnestness and authenticity of its characters. Hazel’s comedic remarks are natural and fitting, but she is no quip-machine antihero; she is a girl driven by a genuine desire to find her mother and heal the land around her.
Combat and Platforming: A Balanced Experience
While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with South of Midnight, some questions remain about its full-length gameplay. The combat, for instance, is fast-paced and engaging, but it relies on a relatively simple set of abilities. During my preview, I had access to a charging ranged attack and some crowd control abilities that could push, pull, or stun enemies. You’re rewarded for timing your dodges well, and successfully unraveling Haints can regenerate your health and sometimes even make them explode. The stop-motion animation style, while visually unique, didn’t hinder the combat experience. However, I found myself falling back on the same combos and abilities as I progressed. Will the full game introduce a diverse enough suite of enemies to force me to explore new combat strategies? This seems crucial to maintaining engagement throughout a longer playthrough.
Exploring the World
Similarly, the platforming elements were fun, but at times, I felt a bit starved for content while traversing the landscapes between combat areas. The in-game currency, Floofs, can be used to level up abilities, and I found many opportunities to collect them and uncover story nods during my exploration. I played through Chapter Three, which seemed to serve as the end of the game’s tutorial island (or possibly its first steps). The chapter included a cool chase scene that showcased the movement system, but I’m curious if the game opens up more as you progress, offering more creative ways to use Hazel’s abilities. The beauty of the world and the engaging story kept me interested, but refining the platforming and exploration elements will be key to keeping players invested for the full game.
Story as the Core
South of Midnight is unequivocally a story-driven game. The narrative is woven with threads of tragedy and beauty, and Hazel’s journey is both personal and universal. Her interactions with other characters and the environment are rich and meaningful, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. The game asks you to accept it on its own terms, much like God of War does with Kratos. There’s no player-insert mechanism here; you are Hazel, and the story unfolds through her eyes. This approach is refreshing and allows the game to focus on delivering a deeply immersive and resonant narrative. The characters and their stories are the heart of South of Midnight, and the game’s success will hinge on how well it balances these elements with engaging gameplay.
High Hopes for the Finished Product
Despite some lingering questions, I am eager to dive back into South of Midnight and see how the final game addresses my concerns. Hazel is a fun and likable main character, and the world she navigates is both beautiful and haunting. Compulsion Games has shown a strong commitment to creating a unique and authentic experience, and I have incredibly high hopes for what the finished product will offer. Whether through an Xbox Game Pass subscription or a standalone purchase, I believe South of Midnight will be a worthwhile addition to any gamer’s library. With its rich story, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay, it has the potential to stand out as a truly memorable and important game.
