South of Midnight review: a mesmerizing adventure
, by Enzo
With South of Midnight, Compulsion Games delivers a narrative adventure marked by a strong artistic identity and folklore rarely explored in video games: that of the Southern United States. From the very first minutes, the tone is set: storms, swamps, mythological creatures, and collective memory haunt every corner of this world. You play as Hazel, a charming young woman with mysterious powers, who embarks on a rite-of-passage quest following a natural disaster that turns her life upside down. The story skillfully blends personal drama with local myths, in an atmosphere that oscillates between fairy tale and nightmare.
Once upon a time, in a mythical South…
South of Midnight takes us to a fantastical version of the southern United States, where legends come to life and nature seems to possess a will of its own. You play as Hazel, a young woman facing a catastrophe that upends her existence and drives her to explore a world warped by mysterious forces.
Very quickly, the game establishes its foundation: the real and the supernatural coexist without clear boundaries. Misty swamps, dilapidated shacks, and dense forests become the setting for ancient tales, buried traumas, and creatures from local folklore. This narrative approach gives the game a strong identity, rarely seen in a production of this scale.
While rooted in a specific culture, the story subtly revolves around universal themes: grief, legacy, and memory. This is undoubtedly one of the game’s greatest achievements: using folklore as a narrative driving force, rather than merely as an aesthetic veneer.
Captivating art direction
From the very first minutes, the game impresses with its visual style, starting with its animation and unique visuals. The choice of stop-motion-inspired animation gives the characters slightly jerky, almost unreal movements, but immediately establishes the artistic vision behind the game. While these animations can be disabled during gameplay, they remain present during cutscenes and are a welcome touch.
The environments, for their part, are remarkably rich (and beautiful). Each area seems handcrafted, with particular attention paid to textures, lighting, and the soundscape. The contrasts between warm colors and deep shadows help create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and unsettling. Making places as mundane as swamps or old-fashioned mansions seem so poetic and appealing is no easy feat.
The bestiary also deserves praise, even though it isn’t particularly extensive. The creatures Hazel encounters aren’t mere enemies: they often embody stories, fears, or symbols. Their design—both grotesque and fascinating—helps reinforce the game’s visual identity. The main antagonists, in particular, feature a detailed, striking appearance that makes them imposing simply by their presence.
Gameplay: solid, though classic
With a controller in hand, South of Midnight plays out as a relatively traditional action-adventure game: you climb platforms, explore a few side paths, and fight. Hazel possesses mystical powers that allow her to interact with her environment—altering it or unlocking access points—as well as confront various hostile entities.
Combat sequences rely on a mix of attacks, dodges, and special abilities. While the system works well overall, it sometimes lacks depth. The battles, often set in arenas, become quite repetitive over time due to a lack of real progression in the mechanics or a wide variety of enemies—even though they’re visually impressive.
Exploration, on the other hand, is more engaging. The game features a semi-linear structure, giving players some freedom to discover side areas and lore elements. The platforming sections, while not particularly challenging, provide a welcome change of pace between combat sequences.
An immersive yet structured narrative
The writing in South of Midnight stands out for its sensitivity and ambition. The game takes the time to develop and delve into its characters, establish its stakes, and explore its themes. Certain sequences prove particularly memorable, both emotionally and visually. Even more compelling is the epic narrative that drives the adventure, coupled with emotional and familial depth. Throughout the story, numerous characters will bring a touch of comfort, pressure, a sense of abandonment, or even guilt.
The major plot points follow a fairly classic structure, and players accustomed to narrative-driven games will likely not be surprised by the twists and turns. While this does not detract from the story’s overall effectiveness, it prevents the game from fully achieving the status of a truly memorable work in terms of storytelling.
Tested on PC. See our rating policy here.
9/10
South of Midnight is the kind of production you might call a hidden gem. It’s a work that leaves no one indifferent, prioritizing identity and emotion over technical prowess or mechanical complexity. While relatively traditional in its gameplay, the game elevates the experience through its unique artistic direction, its world and breathtaking settings, its exceptional soundtrack, and even its narrative—as brilliant as it is dark. A delightful and unique adventure driven by this powerful artistic vision, the game is sure to captivate those who give it a try.
- + Spectacular artistic direction
- + A rarely explored folklore
- + Excellent soundtrack
- + Compelling story and well-done voice acting
- - Standardized and repetitive gameplay loop
- - Combat gets a bit repetitive over time