The embargo has finally lifted, and the gaming community is abuzz with reviews for "South of Midnight," a third-person action-adventure offering from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Sifting through the critiques, it’s clear that the game has struck a chord with many reviewers. Its storyline, striking art direction, and captivating soundtrack have won considerable praise. However, opinions on the combat and some gameplay elements are more mixed.
As it stands, "South of Midnight" holds a score of 78 on Metacritic based on 62 reviews, with a matching score on Opencritic, compiled from 75 critiques.
I’ve gathered some notable comments and scores from various outlets:
GamingTrend rated it an impressive 95/100, highlighting, "South of Midnight is a masterclass in staying true to a theme. The integration of music into the game’s lore is exceptional. From its character models to its music, the game excels at building around a distinct style."
Pure Xbox awarded it a 9/10, enthusiastically noting, "South of Midnight is quite a triumph. Though not perfect, and with some shortcomings in combat mechanics, the game is brimming with soul, personality, and charm, leaving a lasting impression."
PCMag scored it 8/10, describing it as "a journey of growth and understanding. While it leans on familiar action-adventure tropes, it rewards players with rich Southern culture. Despite its flaws, it’s a dark horse contender for Game of the Year and garners our Editors’ Choice award."
Inverse gave it 7/10, pointing out, "Its boundless creativity and polished presentation make it a great weekend play for Game Pass subscribers, though it falls short of being the compelling single-player action game I anticipated."
Eurogamer rated it a more reserved 6/10, commenting, "The ambition here was to craft something broad-reaching, bringing the vibrancy of Southern culture to a wider audience. However, in doing so, some of the more rewarding interactions and unique attributes were overshadowed by its conventional platforming and fighting mechanics."
The game takes you on a journey that few can compare to, filled with picturesque scenes that are simply breathtaking to experience.
It’s no shock that while some aspects, like combat, may split critics, the setting and narrative have generally been well-received, though their impact varies among individuals.
Personally, I found "South of Midnight" an enjoyable ride, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. I wrote in my review, "I was captivated by this tale of a young Weaver on a quest to save her mother. I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we see of Hazel. The game feels like a heartfelt homage to Southern Gothic themes, one that leaves you with a deeper sense of meaning."
Mark your calendars; "South of Midnight" is set to release on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (available via Steam and the Xbox PC app). As part of the Xbox first-party lineup, the game is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. For those eager to dive in early, Premium Edition buyers can enjoy early access right now.
