South of Midnight Preview: Exploring Trauma Through Engaging Gameplay

Exploring the Enchanting World of South of Midnight

Compulsion Games has captured attention with their upcoming project, South of Midnight, a mesmerizing Southern Folk fairy tale that shines a spotlight on a frequently underrepresented region in the gaming landscape. Blending stop-motion aesthetics and puppetry, coupled with smooth traversal mechanics, the game promises a captivating and vibrant yet eerie experience. Recently, we had the opportunity, courtesy of Microsoft and Compulsion Games, to delve into the third chapter of South of Midnight and observe the progress since its initial reveal in 2023.

Introducing Hazel: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

The narrative centers around Hazel, a young white-collar worker who finds herself whisked away to the fantastical realm of Prospero set in the American Deep South. This journey precedes our gameplay experience. By the time players take control, Hazel has begun to grasp her role as a Weaver, unlocking her potential amidst a world filled with both wonder and danger. The preview provided a mix of welcoming tutorials, introducing players to fresh traversal techniques while gradually layering combat mechanics.

Combat Mechanics: Engaging but Not Compelling

Initially, the combat segments were the aspect that intrigued me the least in South of Midnight. The real allure lies in the exploration enriched by brief story vignettes or musical interludes. Each time I found myself drawn into a combat scenario, it detracted from the immersive narrative experience. While the combat isn’t necessarily flawed, it tends to rely on conventional character action gameplay.

Hazel’s Abilities: A Delicate Balance of Power

As players step into Hazel’s shoes, they venture into combat equipped with unique powers, albeit with a focus on exploration. Hazel possesses timed abilities that utilize mystical threads to manipulate foes—drawing them closer or casting them away with a metaphysical blast. However, the melee system feels a bit generic, comprising basic combos and defensive maneuvers while other skills cool down. Though we only sampled the skill progression, I was able to channel points into an ability that allowed me to pin down an enemy while targeting others. Players should be prepared for frenzied encounters with the otherworldly Haints, who are relentless in their pursuit, often requiring players to manage multiple threats simultaneously.

Exploration and Storytelling

Outside of combat, Hazel navigates expansive linear levels, often taking the path less traveled to uncover collectibles or gain skill points. These quieter moments offer a chance to appreciate the vibrant world constructed by Compulsion Games. Following the main route often reveals haunting glimpses into the traumatic pasts of Prospero’s former residents, enriching the backstory and emotional depth of the environment.

Musical Interludes: Enhancing the Experience

As Hazel traverses through platforming challenges and fluid movement sequences, an enchanting chorus accompanies her journey, embodying the folk traditions of the game’s setting. One particularly memorable song captured the essence of her discoveries, lingering in my mind long after the session concluded, showcasing the effective integration of music into the gameplay experience.

Overall Impressions: Anticipation for What Lies Ahead

My time with South of Midnight fulfilled a yearning for innovative storytelling, yet I found myself tempted to lower the difficulty to savor the narrative fully. This early chapter has me intrigued about Hazel’s unfolding folk tale, and I eagerly anticipate its evolution. Scheduled for release on April 8, 2025, for both PC and Xbox Series S|X, players can expect a story that spans approximately 10 to 12 hours.

[Editor’s Note: The gameplay session for South of Midnight was conducted on the Xbox Series X using a preview code supplied by the publisher.]

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