Compulsion Games' South of Midnight blends Southern Gothic folklore with magic, mystery, and action. Here's what to expect from this unique adventure.
Scheduled for release on April 8, 2025, South of Midnight is an upcoming third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games, the developers behind We Happy Few. This Xbox and PC exclusive blends a haunting narrative with stop-motion animation, folklore-inspired worldbuilding, and magic-infused combat.
With its Southern Gothic influences, eerie supernatural elements, and mystical exploration, South of Midnight promises an unforgettable journey. But does it deliver a compelling gameplay experience beyond its unique aesthetic?
Players step into the shoes of Hazel, a young woman on a personal quest to find her missing mother. But Hazel isn't just any protagonist—she is a Weaver, a magic-infused individual capable of interacting with spirits, uncovering past memories, and healing a world scarred by disasters.
The game's narrative focus on memory, loss, and healing is deeply intertwined with the setting, reflecting themes of environmental catastrophe and personal trauma.
Set in Redrock, a fictional Southern town teeming with dark magic and folklore creatures, the game introduces players to beings like the Haints—ghostly figures that symbolize lingering traumas. Hazel must use her abilities to fight, cleanse, and uncover the hidden truths behind these spectral threats.
One of the standout elements? A giant talking magical Catfish serves as both the game's narrator and Hazel's mode of transportation between locations. Yes, you read that right.
The game introduces magic-based combat, where Hazel uses push, pull, and stun abilities to fight off Haints. However, early impressions suggest that while combat is enjoyable, it might not be revolutionary. Lock-on mechanics can sometimes feel loose, and enemies often swarm the player unpredictably, making battles frantic yet immersive.
That said, weaving magic into battle sequences feels thematically rich—defeating enemies isn't just about survival; it's about restoring balance and healing the land.
Beyond combat, South of Midnight offers platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics. Hazel uses double jumps, glides, and magic-infused traversal to explore swampy bayous, ghostly ruins, and mythological landscapes.
Each new area contains hidden stories, secret pathways, and ghostly echoes that expand the game's intricate lore. Unlike other open-world games, this one leans more on linear, story-driven progression, allowing for focused worldbuilding and atmospheric storytelling.
One of the most unique aspects of South of Midnight is its stop-motion animation style, giving the game a storybook-like aesthetic reminiscent of works like Pan's Labyrinth and Beasts of the Southern Wild.
However, not everyone will love the style. The developers recognize this, even offering an option to turn off stop-motion effects outside of cutscenes.
During preview builds, some players noted frame rate inconsistencies, though Compulsion Games aims for a smooth 60FPS experience on Xbox Series X by launch. Despite occasional hiccups, the rich textures and handcrafted environments make South of Midnight one of the most visually arresting titles of 2025.
From its deeply atmospheric setting to its folklore-infused world, South of Midnight is shaping up to be a standout narrative adventure. While combat and platforming may not redefine the genre, the game's unique visuals, emotionally charged storytelling, and compelling protagonist could still make it a must-play experience.
For those who love mystical, story-driven adventures like Kentucky Route Zero or American McGee's Alice, South of Midnight could be one of the most enchanting releases of the year.
South of Midnight will launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on April 8, 2025.
It's a third-person action-adventure game with magic-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving.
The game follows Hazel, a young Weaver, as she embarks on a supernatural journey through Redrock, fighting ghostly Haints and uncovering the truth behind her missing mother.
Miles Hollen · Editor
Editor
