The curtain has risen, and the critiques are in for “South of Midnight,” the newest third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
The buzz is generally positive, with many reviewers applauding its compelling story, distinct art style, and atmospheric soundtrack. However, opinions on the game’s combat mechanics and other elements of gameplay seem to be more varied.
As I jot this down, “South of Midnight” holds a score of 78 on Metacritic from 62 reviews and echoes the same rating on OpenCritic, which is based on 75 reviews.
Here are some standout opinions and scores from various gaming critics:
GamingTrend awarded it a stellar 95/100, stating, “South of Midnight brilliantly sticks to its theme throughout. The way it integrates music into the world-building and lore is exemplary. From the character designs to the soundtrack, it demonstrates a cohesive and dedicated approach to style.”
Pure Xbox rated it 9/10, expressing, “For me, South of Midnight feels like a small victory and exactly the kind of game I want more of from Xbox Game Studios. Though it isn’t flawless, and the combat could be better, its vibrant soul and charm make it utterly mesmerizing.”
PCMag gave the game an 8/10, praising, “South of Midnight delves into themes of growth and empathy, teaching us to explore the world with curiosity. It embraces familiar action-adventure tropes but offers a rich tapestry of Southern culture. Like an old family relic, the experience is cherished despite its imperfections. It’s an early contender for game of the year and rightfully earns our Editors’ Choice award.”
Inverse offered a 7/10, noting, “The game’s boundless imagination and polished presentation make it ideal for a weekend playthrough for Game Pass users. However, as a single-player action game, it falls slightly short of expectations.”
Eurogamer rated it 6/10, commenting, “While the aim was to craft something expansive to spotlight Southern culture, the joy of deeper interactivity and a more distinctive identity has been somewhat diluted amidst familiar mechanics.”
The game unfolds beautifully, and given its distinctive style, it isn’t surprising that critiques are varied, especially concerning combat. The narrative and setting have received widespread acclaim, although individual resonance with the story may vary.
From my perspective, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, granting it 4 out of 5 stars in our review. I wrote, “I’ve been enchanted by the tale of a young Weaver on a quest to save her mother, and I sincerely hope to see more of Hazel’s journey. ‘South of Midnight’ is a heartfelt tribute to Southern Gothic and the South, and it’s one I hope leaves players with a profound sense of meaning.”
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, when “South of Midnight” launches on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Steam and the Xbox PC app. As an Xbox-exclusive title, it will be accessible through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Those with the Premium Edition can dive in early.
