DaRmaZat As part of our #PCGamePassPartner collaboration with Xbox, we received a free PC Game Pass code — so we played South of Midnight, a fresh and notable new release on the service.
A journey rooted in folklore
In South of Midnight, developer Compulsion Games and publisher Xbox Game Studios deliver a moody, Southern-inspired action-adventure steeped in magical folklore. After a devastating hurricane tears through her hometown of Prospero, Hazel is pulled into a haunting version of the Deep South — a world where myth and magic blend, and creatures of legend lurk just out of sight. As a newly awakened Weaver, Hazel must harness ancient powers to mend spiritual wounds, confront otherworldly threats, and search for her missing mother. It’s a modern folktale about legacy, loss, and the invisible threads that bind families together — all told through a unique blend of magic, mystery, and regional myth.
The story is delivered in chapters, each shaped by regional myths and narrated by a charismatic catfish who slowly reveals his own role in the tale. As Hazel, you travel through eerie swamps, flooded towns, and overgrown ruins — each place holding whispers of the past and the key to unlocking your family’s history. The tone balances eerie tension with Southern charm. And through her journey, Hazel learns the ways of the Weaver: someone capable of banishing corruption, unraveling cursed objects, and seeing echoes of what once was.
Combat in a Cloud of Chaos, with puzzle solving without much puzzling
South of Midnight’s combat mixes light melee combos with timed dodges and cooldown-based magic. Hazel’s primary attacks are chain-based, and you’ll gradually unlock special powers like the Strand Push and Strand Pull — useful for both fights and light environmental puzzles. Enemies glow to indicate danger, and their corpses can be unraveled for minor healing, much like other modern action titles. But the mechanics rarely feel refined. Enemy behavior is simplistic, camera control is tight to the point of limiting visibility, and the fights quickly turn messy — especially when different enemy types swarm in. While “different” may sound too complimentary here, after a while, you’ll realize that after their initial introduction, the same groups of enemies keep reappearing for the rest of the game. Yes, unfortunately, despite a variety of magical tools, battles become repetitive fast.
The magic system also allows Hazel to manipulate echoes of objects or restore what’s broken in the world around her. It’s a compelling idea to bring some distraction— but in practice, puzzles often solve themselves. Button prompts appear before you’ve even had time to think, making most interactions feel automated rather than earned. The same applies to environmental design. You’ll glide, climb, and leap across a series of natural platforms and ruins, but the flow often feels familiar. Repetition creeps in quickly, even as new powers unlock.
Stylized, atmospheric… and slightly off
Visually, South of Midnight makes a strong first impression. Performance generally holds up well, but repetition is never far off. Rich in flora and atmosphere, the Deep South setting is unfortunately dotted with somewhat samey combat zones and predictable platforming segments. The animation style, however, is eye-catching — especially in cutscenes — though the stop-motion effect, while artistically bold, may not appeal to everyone. Disabling it also requires restarting the game.
South of Midnight’s score mangles bluegrass, blues, jazz and orchestral ambient with vocalized heartbreakers, helping set a tone that matches the game’s Deep Southern roots. While it blends beautifully into scenes of exploration or quiet reflection, it occasionally feels mismatched during more emotionally heavy or dramatic moments. It’s an artistic choice that adds to the game’s unique personality, even if it doesn’t always hit the right note.
Final Thoughts
South of Midnight presents a world rich in folklore and Southern charm, with striking visuals that pull you in. The premise is intriguing, the characters are endearing, and the story offers a strong foundation. However, the execution falters here and there, particularly in the combat and puzzles, which can feel either too simple or repetitive. Even so, for those who enjoy narrative-driven adventures with a touch of magic, the game still holds its own. You might not remember every fight, but the art style and the story’s mythic roots are likely to stay with you.
Additional Information
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Reviewed On: Xbox PC Game Pass
Developer: Compulsion Games
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Official Website: https://compulsiongames.com/games/south-of-midnight
Relevant links: South of Midnight on Xbox Game Pass
