Sport Title: South of Midnight

Platforms:

Xbox Collection X/S (Apr 8, 2025) PC (Apr 8, 2025)

Trailers:

Weaving Hazel's Journey – A South of Midnight Documentary South of Midnight – Gameplay Reveal – Xbox Video games Showcase 2024

Developer: Compulsion Video games

Writer: Xbox Video games Studios

Evaluation Aggregator:

OpenCritic – 79 common – 71% really helpful – 64 evaluations

Critic Evaluations

A Gaming Community – Marcel Dee – 8 / 10

A Love Letter to the Deep South. South of Midnight is an evocative and fantastically crafted expertise that blends folklore, storytelling, and motion right into a mesmerizing package deal. Regardless of some gameplay shortcomings, its breathtaking presentation, compelling narrative, and wealthy world-building make it a standout title. The sport will not be for everybody—particularly these searching for fast-paced motion or deep RPG mechanics—however for gamers who admire a well-told story wrapped in a visually distinctive and culturally wealthy setting, South of Midnight is a journey value taking.

Atarita – Atakan Gümrükçüoğlu – Turkish – 81 / 100

Impressed by Deep South folklore, South of Midnight presents us an intriguing story and stands out with its environment and narrative. Regardless that it has an ideal soundtrack and entertaining sequences, it may be a bit unhappy that it will get repetitive after some time.

However Why Tho? – Kate Sanchez – 9 / 10

In the end, Compulsion Video games has created a love letter to the South, to its magnificence and its tales. The darkish fairytale we see in South of Midnight is narratively one of many heaviest hitters I've performed, and that's one thing particular.

CGMagazine – Justin Wooden – 7 / 10

South of Midnight comes out swinging with an unbelievable story, however the gameplay simply isn't there to again it up.

Checkpoint Gaming – Luke Mitchell – 8 / 10

South of Midnight delivers one of the attention-grabbing and visually beautiful settings in current reminiscence. It appears like a tribute to the Deep South; it exhibits reverence to precise folklore whereas including its personal attention-grabbing twists that interweave with Hazel's household historical past and the story Compulsion Video games wished to inform. Its traversal and fight don't supply something we haven't seen earlier than, however it's a well-made expertise, with its largest crime being overly acquainted techniques. What it lacks in gameplay innovation, it greater than makes up for with its quirky storytelling and elegance; finally, South of Midnight presents a definite and gripping viewpoint that's onerous to not fall in love with.

ComicBook.com – Michael Murphy – 4 / 5

South of Midnight proves itself to be an ideal new IP for Xbox and Compulsion Video games’ finest work but. Regardless of some narrative-related points and lukewarm fight, there’s a lot to get pleasure from. You probably have Xbox Sport Go, that is an absolute must-play.

Comunidad Xbox – Adrián Segura – Spanish – 86 / 100

Compulsion Video games' new work is, for sure, their finest work to this point and a sort of sport that the Xbox household badly wanted. A easy motion and platform journey, centered on the story however with out neglecting the gameplay. A kind of that, with out being too lengthy or dense, go away an ideal style within the mouth when completed.

Console Creatures – Bobby Pashalidis – 8 / 10

South of Midnight has rather a lot to like, from the unbelievable use of stop-motion to the sweeping rating and accompanying blues music to the private story of Hazel and the American South setting.

Console-Tribe – Simone Cantini – Italian – 75 / 100

South of Midnight will not be the last word breakthrough for Compulsion Video games, however it stands as their most strong and profitable work to this point. This well-crafted journey balances platform and motion components, supported by robust gameplay mechanics. Nonetheless, its development stays considerably formulaic, its building standard, and its mechanics extremely spinoff. Regardless of these shortcomings, the sport delivers enjoyment in each facet. Exploring the bayou with Hazel presents pleasant surprises, significantly from a visible standpoint, showcasing that Compulsion Video games is on the fitting path.

Digitale Anime – Raouf Belhamra – Arabic – 8 / 10

"A novel journey with a particular inventive path" Whereas South of Midnight doesn't supply revolutionary gameplay mechanics, it stands out for its distinctive inventive path and emotional narrative impressed by Southern folklore. Its weaknesses in fight and platforming diminish the problem, however it makes up for this with its enchanting world and distinctive sound design. A worthwhile expertise for followers of narrative adventures and mysterious atmospheres.

Digitec Journal – Domagoj Belancic – German – 3 / 5

The playable fairy story “South of Midnight” impresses above all with its audiovisual presentation. The southern environment is completely captured with an in depth artwork model and interactive soundtrack. Narratively, the sport works significantly properly within the small story vignettes concerning the numerous legendary creatures from southern folklore. By way of gameplay, nonetheless, the sport disappoints with its conservative degree design and monotonous battles. These stand in stark distinction to the in any other case loving and inventive execution.

Echo Boomer – David Fialho – Portuguese – Advisable

South of Midnight is clearly a product of care and dedication, an journey that bets on its robust visible identification and emotional reference to the participant by resonant tales of a protagonist as robust as she is fragile. Its inventive model, impressed by Southern American folklore and stop-motion animation—uncommon in video video games—units it aside, whereas its soundtrack, wealthy in orchestral themes and immersive vocal compositions, provides much more emotional weight to the journey. The simplicity of the gameplay, with practical but considerably restricted fight, could go away one thing to be desired, however it by no means compromises the essence of the expertise. In the long run, it’s a sport that doesn’t search to enchantment to the lots however presents a memorable journey full of putting moments and a novel environment, in a mode that deserves additional exploration within the business.

Eurogamer.pt – Bruno Galvão – Portuguese – 4 / 5

South of Midnight is likely one of the best gems of this era, a design that takes us again to the times of the PS3, with spectacular graphics, easy-to-learn gameplay and a number of enjoyable that flows at tempo. It's a title to get pleasure from and cherish.

GAMES.CH – Fabrice Henz – German – 83%

Quote not but accessible

GRYOnline.pl – Anna Garas – Polish – 7.5 / 10

When South of Midnight absolutely commits to its distinctive concepts and inspirations, carried by Olivier Deriviere's excellent rating, it’s nice. However when it’s afraid to step out of the road, we get a regular, strong action-adventure with and oldschool vibe. If solely the gameplay designers would inject extra inventive juice into their work, it might be a unbelievable sport. As it’s, it’s merely good.

GameSpot – Jordan Ramée – 8 / 10

South of Midnight makes up for its orthodox gameplay with a unbelievable story, well-researched setting, and an extremely catchy lyric-driven soundtrack.

Gameliner – Bram Noteboom – Dutch – 3.5 / 5

South of Midnight by Compulsion Video games delivers a fascinating narrative and beautiful audiovisual expertise set in a gothic Southern USA, although its repetitive fight and uninspired platforming maintain it again from true greatness.

Gamepressure – Michał Grygorcewicz – Unscored

South of Midnight is a pure mid-budget sport that doesn't even attempt to problem the largest launches of the primary half of the 12 months, however has sufficient character and allure to offer about ten hours of first rate enjoyable. [Review in progress]

Gamer Social Membership – Dan Jackson – 8.5 / 10

As an entire it’s onerous to not come away from South Of Midnight glowing. Its vibrant world, charismatic characters, unbelievable soundtrack and legendary creatures are true artistic endeavors. Going by that world as Hazel was a pleasure to do regardless of the repetitive fight. With a bit extra selection in enemies and switching up the system only a contact right here and there, South Of Midnight may have been really particular.

Glitched Africa – Marco Cocomello – 7.5 / 10

South of Midnight, to its strengths, performs out like an old-school 3D journey sport. Its deal with the American Deep South is exceptional, making this journey by the swamp an pleasing one, even when it isn’t layered in mechanics and options.

Kakuchopurei – Lewis Larcombe – 70 / 100

[…] South of Midnight is a visually beautiful, atmospheric sport with an ideal idea, however falls quick in execution. The story and setting? Good. The mechanics? Stable however underdeveloped. The boss fights? Repetitive. The size? Shorter than anticipated.

KonsoliFIN – Risto Karinkanta – Finnish – 3 / 5

South of Midnight is a melancholic action-adventure set within the American South, the place Hazel embarks on a journey by a sorrowful magical world full of monsters and darkish household secrets and techniques. The sport blends platforming and fight, however each really feel unrefined—motion is stiff, fights are repetitive, and degree design lacks depth. Whereas the narrative and Southern folklore components are compelling, the gameplay struggles to maintain up, making it a title finest skilled by Sport Go moderately than a full-price buy.

Loot Degree Chill – Steve Chambers – 8 / 10

South of Midnight is a refreshing and satisfying action-adventure that has all the trappings and nostalgia of the classics of yesteryear, but has all the bells and whistles you’d affiliate with fashionable gaming.

MKAU Gaming – Stacie Cotton – 8 / 10

Regardless of all my criticisms, this can be a sport that may have you ever swept up within the murky waters of the swamp. I used to be immediately wrapped up within the inventive and inventive avenue it has taken, regardless of the fight not being probably the most riveting a part of the gameplay.

Handbook dos Video games – Luiz Henrique Silva – Portuguese – 8.6 / 10

With a novel and distinctive visible model and soundtrack, South of Midnight delivers a extremely pleasing and interesting journey, despite the fact that the gameplay, whereas enjoyable, can turn out to be a bit repetitive within the later levels of the sport.

MondoXbox – Giuseppe Genga – Italian – 8 / 10

South of Midnight is an interesting journey into the magic of the Deep South, amongst lovely surroundings, unusual characters and sport mechanics that, whereas not inventing something, are enjoyable and interesting. The artwork division, each visible and audio, is phenomenal, whereas one thing may have been accomplished to enhance fight and the story tempo, however it's nonetheless a sport that every one lovers of the action-adventure style ought to attempt.

NextPlay – Brad Goodwin – 9 / 10

South of Midnight is a triumphant entry into Compulsion Video games’s library, providing a fascinating narrative with likeable characters in a sheer spectacle of a world that you simply simply want you may spend extra time in. The fight, whereas sturdy, could not fulfill all players, however the narrative and compelling worldbuilding are greater than robust sufficient to shoulder that burden.

Nexus Hub – Andrew Logue – 8 / 10

South of Midnight performs it comparatively secure within the gameplay division, however impressed artwork path, robust characters and persistently nice writing and voice performing make it Compulsion Video games' most spectacular work but.

Noisy Pixel – Azario Lopez – 5.5 / 10

South of Midnight appears like a sport that wished to soar however by no means actually left the bottom. It’s undeniably beautiful and hints at a degree of creativity that, beneath higher path, may have led to an unforgettable journey. Nonetheless, between the undercooked fight, stilted platforming, and a meandering story that may’t determine on its central theme, it’s powerful to suggest and not using a few asterisks. Hazel deserved extra, and so did we. For now, South of Midnight stays a curiosity—value a look in case you’re eager on its aesthetics or folk-infused premise, however finally missing the cohesion it must shine.

One Extra Sport – Chris Garcia – 7 / 10

South of Midnight delivers a definite narrative-driven expertise, superb for gamers in search of a story-rich journey with minimal gameplay complexity. The sport masterfully captures the ambiance and essence of the American Deep South, a setting not often explored in gaming, making its atmospheric world a refreshing and welcome addition.

Press Begin – 8.5 / 10

With a considerate message, soulful world, and fantastically imaginative design to push issues alongside, Compulsion delivers a traditional journey seemingly past their weight class with South of Midnight. It's the precise, elusive story-driven diamond within the tough that Xbox has been in the hunt for for generations now.

PureXbox – Ben Kerry – 9 / 10

For me, South of Midnight is a little bit of a triumph, and precisely the form of factor I need to see extra of from Xbox Sport Studios. It's not good, and its fight mechanics are a bit missing, however the sport has a lot soul, persona and allure that it's onerous to not fall in love with it. I used to be engrossed with the storybook visuals, the well-delivered narrative and the satisfying traversal from begin to end, and I actually can't suggest this one sufficient on Xbox Sport Go.

Restart.run – Ryan Easby – Important

South of Midnight is an early sport of the 12 months contender, however that’s not all. It’s probably the greatest video games launched on this era, a sport significantly vying for a spot on my checklist of favourite video games of all time, and an utter masterpiece that future builders will speak about.

SIFTER – Adam Christou – Favored-a-lot

Compulsion Video games’ model new motion platformer for Xbox brings collectively tight platforming, sensible artwork path and a compelling solid for a memorable romp by a fantasy American Deep South. What’s going to stick with me most is how South Of Midnight explores its themes of trauma and forgiveness. Those that have been harm most are supplied respite. This harm can’t be reversed, however Hazel may also help folks transfer on.

Shacknews – Donovan Erskine – 8 / 10

South of Midnight is a formidable narrative feat from Compulsion Video games. It's a well-paced journey that goes large on characters and story, although fight and platforming really feel a bit uniform. I hope it's not the final we've seen of this world and these characters.

Stevivor – Steve Wright – 8.5 / 10

South of Midnight accomplishes what it has got down to do, providing gamers one thing really distinctive, empathetic, and enthralling.

The Beta Community – Anthony Culinas – 6 / 10

South of Midnight is a visually distinctive action-platformer with tight platforming mechanics and a novel stop-motion aesthetic, however it suffers from extreme hand-holding, lackluster fight, and a narrative that leans too closely on exposition. Whereas its momentum-driven traversal may be satisfying, the inflexible degree design, repetitive encounters and underdeveloped narrative threads stop it from reaching its full potential.

The Video games Machine – Alessandro Alosi – Italian – 7.5 / 10

South of Midnight is an honest single participant action-adventure, total and with out giving an excessive amount of weight to the linear gameplay or to some technical and structural limitations. Narratively and artistically it’s actually intriguing, too unhealthy that from a gameplay perspective it exhibits a lot much less braveness.

The Outerhaven Productions – Jordan Andow – 4 / 5

Regardless of some minor tech points and lack of any actual distinctive gameplay components. I actually loved my time with South Of Midnight, its story and protagonist Hazel related with me in a method I didn't anticipate. The setting and artwork path give South Of Midnight an identification all it's personal.

Toisto – Joonatan Itkonen – 3 / 5

It’s a bizarre juxtaposition to have a progressive story in opposition to a regressive sport, however that type of contradiction feels virtually good for South of Midnight. It’s, in spite of everything, a sport about how messy we’re as folks, and the way, typically, it makes us so distinctive in the long run.

Tom's Information – 4 / 5

South of Midnight is the trendy folktale of the American Deep South I by no means knew I wished, with beautiful stop-motion artwork model, an enthralling solid of legendary, gothic creatures and interesting tales. Whereas fight can fall flat after some time, and taking the trail much less traveled doesn't bear many rewards, the haunting but charming attract of this motion journey can have you coming again for extra. TODAY'S BEST DEALS Examine Amazon Examine Walmart

Xbox Achievements – Richard Walker – 90%

South of Midnight is the work of Compulsion Video games, a studio whose earlier undertaking, We Completely satisfied Few, actually tickled the flamboyant of solely a contented few, th…

Xbox Tavern – James Davie – 9 / 10

A gorgeous and great shock, South of Midnight is a pleasant fantasy journey title that crafts a uniquely southern story about connection and rebuilding concord in a method that’s uncommon in videogames at the moment. Hazel and the solid of characters are nice, the powers and talents Hazel makes use of are plentiful and pleasing, the world is wealthy with engrossing pure environments, and the breeziness inherent throughout the sport’s storytelling and accessibility makes it a surprising expertise. The repetition does grate, and scrapping in opposition to haints may use extra sparkle and empowerment, however in any other case South of Midnight is likely one of the finest video games this 12 months and totally deserves your consideration.

XboxEra – Jesse Norris – 8.5 / 10

South of Midnight is a stunningly lovely and transferring expertise. Whereas the gameplay doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, it combines wonderful writing and music to maneuver your soul in methods solely the most effective video games can. This title is a gigantic step-up for Compulsion Video games, and I hope this isn’t the final we see from Hazel Flood.

ZTGD – Ken McKown – 8 / 10

Quote not but accessible

ZdobywcyGier.eu – Paweł Bortkiewicz – Polish – 6.5 / 10

South of Midnight, regardless of attention-grabbing previews, has sadly turn out to be a slight disappointment. The sport presents an attention-grabbing story, which sadly falls aside in the midst of the sport, after which picks up once more on the finish of the journey. An abysmal fight system and superb platforming components present us with a moderately uneven expertise, which sadly falls in need of the rising competitors on this space of the online game business.