Video games often transport players to familiar realms, but South of Midnight breaks this mold with its unique premise, inviting players on a journey through the rich tapestry of myths from America’s Deep South. Developed by Compulsion Games for PC and Xbox Series X/S, this title not only showcases a beautifully crafted world but also tells stories that resonate deeply with its audience. Priced at a budget-friendly .99, it is poised to become a favorite in early 2025 and has already earned the prestigious Editors’ Choice accolade.
A Rich, Southern Gothic Tale
At its heart, South of Midnight unfolds as a mystical coming-of-age narrative. Players step into the shoes of Hazel Flood, a teenage track star navigating life with her widowed mother. A hurricane, following a heated argument, separates them, prompting Hazel to embark on a quest to rescue and reconcile with her mother before time runs out. As she journeys through this adventure, Hazel discovers her identity as a Weaver, a being capable of perceiving and manipulating the strands of fate.
The game begins in a contemporary setting, grounded in the Deep South, but soon transitions into a fantastical Southern Gothic realm where local myths and folklore spring to life. Players will encounter a talking catfish and face off against nightmarish creatures, including the multi-armed child thief known as Huggin’ Molly. Drawing from the success of Compulsion Games’ previous title, We Happy Few, South of Midnight weaves a passionate narrative that feels steeped in authentic history.
Hazel’s identity as an African-American teenager adds layers of cultural significance and specificity to the story. The game does not shy away from addressing the historical struggles faced by Black individuals in the South, as Hazel experiences visions from her enslaved ancestors and grapples with the weight of generational poverty. Her relationship with her wealthy, white grandfather serves as a poignant reminder of the complex dynamics at play. While the developers hail from French Canada, they have approached these themes with sensitivity, supported by genuine performances from Black actors, including Adriyan Rae as Hazel.
The narrative is not solely focused on Hazel; it aims to create a grand tapestry that illustrates how individual stories intertwine. The themes explored are both hopeful and heavy, addressing issues of abuse and loss, and earning the game its Mature rating. The middle section of the game evolves into an anthology of sorts, as Hazel encounters tragic tales during her journey, striving to alleviate the pain of those she meets. One particularly impactful story delves into the struggles of Black men grappling with inherited anger, echoing the oral storytelling traditions of the region.
Platforming, Puzzles, and Combat
While the storytelling in South of Midnight is expected to carry much of the weight, the gameplay pleasantly surprises. It harkens back to the action-adventure titles of the PlayStation 2 era, reminiscent of games like Kena: Bridge of Spirits. Players can expect a 10-hour experience filled with a balanced mix of platforming, puzzles, and combat.
The platforming mechanics stand out as a highlight, offering a variety of fluid techniques that make navigation enjoyable. Players can glide, double jump, wall run, and zipline through vibrant landscapes, reminiscent of the graceful movements found in Respawn’s Star Wars titles. Each level culminates in exhilarating chase sequences that test reflexes without veering into frustration.
As a Weaver, Hazel gains unique powers that aid in solving environmental puzzles. For instance, she can summon objects or reposition existing items to create advantageous scenarios. One clever puzzle involves igniting a giant lighter to generate an updraft for gliding. Additionally, Hazel can conjure a stuffed creature named Crouton, who sneaks through tight spaces to access crucial areas.
Combat, while perhaps the weakest aspect of the game, still holds its own. Hazel confronts shadowy foes known as Haints, utilizing basic strikes, dodges, and a health-restoring glory kill. Her Weaver abilities also come into play here, allowing her to bind enemies, manipulate their positions, or even command Crouton to possess them temporarily.
The skill tree adds depth to the combat system, with upgrade points hidden in less-traveled areas. However, the combat does suffer from a limited variety of enemy types and repetitive arena encounters. Despite this, South of Midnight successfully executes its design formulas, providing a refreshing alternative to the often bloated offerings of modern AAA releases. The game maintains a tight focus, offering enough mechanics to feel substantial while allowing the narrative and presentation to shine.
Graphics: Tremendous Visual Style
The visual design of South of Midnight sets it apart, showcasing richly detailed environments that range from small-town swamps to vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations. Even with its budget price, the game exudes a sense of production value.
The soundtrack, composed by Olivier Deriviere, known for his work on Streets of Rage 4, adds another layer of depth. The music features lively rhythms and jazzy tunes, enhanced by emotional vocal tracks that resonate with the game’s themes. The intensity of a boss fight against a giant alligator is amplified by a theme reminiscent of Dolly Parton, creating an exhilarating experience.
Moreover, the game embraces a stylized, non-photorealistic aesthetic, with exaggerated character designs that contribute to its mythic, storybook quality. This artistic choice evokes a sense of empathy towards the characters, reminiscent of the stop-motion charm found in The Nightmare Before Christmas or James and the Giant Peach. However, there is a desire for the game to fully commit to this visual style throughout gameplay, as it is more pronounced in cutscenes than in real-time action.
Playing on the Xbox Series S, the game performed well overall, though some texture loading issues and occasional crashes were noted, including a particularly frustrating incident that required replaying a significant battle.
Verdict: A Southern Star
South of Midnight is a narrative-driven experience that emphasizes growth, understanding, and the importance of curiosity and empathy in navigating a complex world. While it leans on established action-adventure tropes, it rewards players with a rich exploration of Southern culture. Like a cherished family heirloom, the experience is treasured despite its imperfections. This title stands as a strong contender for game of the year and rightfully earns its place as an Editors’ Choice selection.
For more in-depth discussions on video games, visit PCMag’s Pop-Off YouTube Channel.
