The reviews are finally in for "South of Midnight," a third-person action-adventure game crafted by Compulsion Games, and published by Xbox Game Studios. Critics have been vocal about their thoughts now that the embargo is lifted, and there’s a lot to unpack.
On the whole, the game has garnered positive feedback. Many reviewers have been captivated by its story, striking art design, and entrancing soundtrack. However, there’s some debate around the combat mechanics and other gameplay elements, which haven’t received quite the same level of admiration.
As of this moment, "South of Midnight" has secured a score of 78 on Metacritic, based on 62 reviews, mirroring its score on Opencritic from 75 reviews. Let’s delve into a few highlights from various reviews:
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GamingTrend gave it a sterling 95/100, praising the game for its consistent thematic vision, notably how music enhances the world and lore. They see it as a prime example of game-making at its finest, emphasizing a style and sticking with it.
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Pure Xbox rated it 9/10, acknowledging its shortcomings in combat mechanics but applauding its heart, personality, and charm. They see it as a minor triumph that aligns perfectly with what they hope to see from Xbox Game Studios.
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PCMag awarded it 8/10, recognizing the game for its themes of growth and empathy. Despite relying on some familiar genre tropes, it was rewarded with the rich tapestry of Southern culture. They even suggested it might be an early contender for game of the year.
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Inverse came in at 7/10, pointing out that while it’s a great choice for a Game Pass weekend playthrough thanks to its imaginative presentation, it doesn’t quite hit the mark as a standout single-player action game.
- Eurogamer offered a more measured 6/10, noting that while it aims broadly to share its Southern culture narrative, it ultimately loses some potential joy and a distinct identity in the process.
Watching "South of Midnight" unfold is truly a visual treat, with fireflies dancing by a bonfire providing just a hint of its allure.
It’s understandable why opinions diverge on certain aspects like combat. While the setting and narrative seem to charm most players, personal taste will always color how each player perceives these elements.
In my own experience, which earned the game 4 out of 5 stars, I found "South of Midnight" to be a captivating tale of a young Weaver on a quest to save her mother. It’s a heartfelt tribute to Southern Gothic themes, one that I hope leaves players with a richer understanding and appreciation.
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, when "South of Midnight" officially launches on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, available via Steam and the Xbox PC app. As a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, it’s included for them at no extra charge. Those with the Premium Edition can dive into early access even now.
