South of Midnight Review

Compulsion Games has always been known for crafting unique, story-driven experiences that linger long after the credits roll. South of Midnight continues this tradition, delivering a world steeped in Southern folklore, weaving an enchanting and eerie tale that blends supernatural mystery with a deep sense of place.

From the moment you step into South of Midnight, it's clear that this isn’t your typical action-adventure game. The hand-painted visuals, the stop-motion-inspired animations, and the deeply rooted folklore all contribute to an experience that feels as if you're stepping into a living storybook, one that whispers old legends and forgotten tales.

A Journey Woven in Magic and Mystery

You play as Hazel, a young woman who possesses the rare and mysterious ability of Weaving. As a Weaver, Hazel can manipulate the very fabric of reality, repairing the Grand Tapestry that connects all things. When a hurricane sweeps her mother away, Hazel embarks on a journey across the haunted South to find her, guided by spectral mentors and tormented by supernatural forces.

The game unfolds in Prospero, a once-bustling industrial hub now in decline. The town is plagued by strange disappearances and haunted echoes of the past. The deeper Hazel goes, the more she uncovers long-buried tragedies and secrets waiting to be unravelled. The game's world-building is rich, with every corner of the map telling its ghostly tale through environmental storytelling, fragmented memories, and eerie encounters. Each action—whether it’s a jump, an attack, or a moment of reflection—resonates with musical accompaniment, making the world feel like a living symphony.

Gameplay: A Delicate Weave of Combat and Exploration

At its core, South of Midnight is an action-adventure game that balances platforming, exploration, and combat. Hazel’s Weaver abilities play a central role, allowing her to manipulate strands of the Grand Tapestry to solve puzzles, uncover hidden pathways, and engage in battles against Haints—twisted creatures born from corrupted strands.

Hazel’s traversal abilities include double jumps, gliding, and wall-running, creating fluid platforming sequences. These skills can be upgraded using floofs, collectable resources scattered throughout the world. While exploration feels rewarding, some sections could have been expanded for greater environmental storytelling.

Combat revolves around the use of Hazel’s weaving techniques. Players can tie up enemies, pull them toward Hazel, or push them away. This dynamic system allows for fluid and creative combat encounters. However, while the mechanics are engaging at first, the repetition of the combat system can wear thin by the latter half of the game. There are moments when it feels like the combat interrupts the pacing of the story rather than enhancing it.

One of the most intriguing mechanics is Crouton, Hazel’s childhood toy, which assists in battles by taking over enemy bodies and fighting on her behalf. Crouton also helps access restricted areas, adding layer to exploration.

For players who prefer a tailored experience, South of Midnight provides various difficulty options. Beyond standard easy-to-hard settings, the game allows fine-tuning specific aspects, such as increasing dodge time or tweaking enemy aggression. Notably, the game features Combat Skip and Boss Skip options, catering to those more interested in the story than the challenge. Players can also disable the stop-motion animation effect in gameplay, though it remains in cutscenes.

The Haunting Beauty of the Grand Tapestry

Visually, South of Midnight is nothing short of breathtaking. The hand-painted art style combined with stop-motion-inspired character animations creates an aesthetic that feels both haunting and whimsical. The attention to detail in character models and environments is stunning, evoking a feeling of walking through a moving folk tale.

Cutscenes run at 30fps, reinforcing the stop-motion effect, while gameplay performs smoothly on PC. For those who prefer a more traditional animation style, the game allows players to disable stop-motion animations during gameplay, though cutscenes will retain their distinct visual flair.

The audio design is another highlight, with an outstanding soundtrack that blends Southern blues, folk, and eerie ambient tracks. The music seamlessly integrates into gameplay, enhancing moments of tension and triumph. Voice acting is stellar, with Adriyan Rae delivering a compelling performance as Hazel, imbuing her character with warmth, determination, and vulnerability. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, bringing the world and its ghostly inhabitants to life.

The Story That Binds It All Together

If there is one aspect where South of Midnight truly shines, it’s in its storytelling. The game doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses players in a world brimming with lore, emotion, and history. The echoes of the past are felt in every interaction, every knot that Hazel untangles, and every memory she uncovers. The game’s themes of grief, resilience, and identity are woven into every moment, making for an emotionally powerful experience. There's a ton of lore that can be found in the game, not only about certain folklore but also the people of Prospero, and you'll spend hours deep-diving into it.

A Love Letter to the Deep South

South of Midnight is an evocative and beautifully crafted experience that blends folklore, storytelling, and action into a mesmerizing package. Despite some gameplay shortcomings, its breathtaking presentation, compelling narrative, and rich world-building make it a standout title.

The game’s length is another plus. Clocking in at around 10 hours, it never overstays its welcome. It’s also available on Game Pass from day one and retails for $50 CAD, offering great value for players looking for a compelling narrative experience.

The game may not be for everyone—especially those looking for fast-paced action or deep RPG mechanics—but for players who appreciate a well-told story wrapped in a visually unique and culturally rich setting, South of Midnight is a journey worth taking.