South of Midnight review

• Available on Xbox Series X/S and PC
• Released on 3 April 2025
• Developed by Compulsion Games

It’s finally here. After what’s felt like forever, South of Midnight from Compulsion Games has arrived, and it brings with it a heartfelt story steeped in Deep South folklore and family trauma. If you’re into narrative-driven action-adventure games, you’ll likely find a lot to love here. Just don’t expect a combat system that’ll blow your socks off.

Things kick off with a bang — or rather, a storm. Hazel, our protagonist, is preparing to evacuate when a hurricane hits. There’s tension with her mum, and then disaster: the storm tears everything apart, and Hazel is left behind. So begins a journey not just of survival, but of self-discovery. Turns out, Hazel’s a weaver, someone who can manipulate magical strands that connect the world around her. Naturally, she sets off to try and save her mum, crossing paths with a cast of unique characters along the way.

And what a journey it is. The narrative in South of Midnight is its shining light. Hazel is instantly likeable, and the emotional weight of her story is well balanced with the quirky personalities she meets — including a giant talking catfish who acts as your aquatic taxi service. No, really.

Despite its rich setting and emotional core, this isn’t an open world game. Instead, you’ll move through a series of chapters, each with their own linear levels. Expect platforming, some environmental puzzling, and a fair bit of combat. Unfortunately, that last part is where the cracks begin to show.

Combat here is… fine. Functional. But definitely not the highlight. Battles tend to play out in fenced-in arenas, and while you’ll unlock some magical weaver powers as you go, they’re a little uninspired. You can pin enemies down, warp to certain points, even possess them using a little doll companion. But nothing really evolves in a way that keeps fights feeling fresh. A simple melee combo and a dodge roll will carry you through most encounters.

There are some boss fights that spice things up, thankfully, and a few of them are genuinely memorable. Sadly, others boil down to the same old wave-based skirmishes you’ve seen a million times before.

Where South of Midnight really shines is everything outside of combat. Exploring hidden corners of the map for upgrades, using your powers to solve light puzzles, and getting to know the world and its inhabitants are where the magic lies. It’s also absolutely gorgeous, with a striking art style that blends painterly environments with distinctive character designs. Oh, and the music? Superb. Atmospheric, soulful, and deeply woven into the story.

If you can forgive its bland battles and so-so supernatural powers, South of Midnight offers a beautiful, emotional adventure that’s well worth your time. It’s not perfect, but its heart is in the right place, and that counts for a lot.