The embargo was lifted, and now reviews are streaming in for "South of Midnight," the latest third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Judging by the scores and comments gathered so far, most critics have taken a liking to this title, praising its captivating story, striking art direction, and immersive soundtrack. However, opinions are mixed when it comes to the combat and other gameplay elements.
As of now, "South of Midnight" holds a score of 78 on Metacritic, based on 62 reviews, and coincidentally mirrors that score on OpenCritic with 75 reviews contributing.
Here’s a roundup of what some notable critics have to say:
GamingTrend scored it an impressive 95/100, commending its dedication to a consistent theme: “South of Midnight is a masterclass in sticking to a concept. The way it weaves music into the world and lore is exemplary. From character models to the soundtrack, the game shows the benefits of building around a distinct style.”
Pure Xbox gave it a 9/10, applauding its unique charm: “For me, South of Midnight is a bit of a triumph. Though the combat could use some work, its soul and personality shine through, making it hard not to fall in love with.”
PCMag, rating it 8/10, appreciated its depth: “The game focuses on growth and empathy as you navigate a perilous world. It may lean on familiar genres, but it rewards you with rich Southern culture. Like a treasured, if rusty, family heirloom, its flaws are easy to overlook. It’s even an early contender for game of the year and rightfully earns our Editors’ Choice award.”
Inverse offered a score of 7/10, valuing its creativity: “The imagination and presentation make it ideal for a weekend session on Game Pass, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of a standout single-player action game.”
Eurogamer, with a 6/10, expressed a bit of disappointment: “Though it aims to bring a broad story to many, it misses the mark on delivering a unique interactive experience that sets it apart from typical platforming and combat games.”
"South of Midnight" unfolds beautifully, setting itself apart with a journey unlike many others in the gaming landscape.
It’s no surprise that opinions are divided, especially concerning the combat. While the setting and narrative have been widely applauded, the resonance of these elements can vary from player to player.
In my own review, I awarded the game 4 out of 5 stars. "This tale of a young Weaver on a mission to save her mother was quite engaging, and I hope to see more of Hazel in future installments. It’s a heartfelt ode to Southern Gothic themes and culture, and one that I hope leaves players with a deeper understanding."
The game is set to release on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Steam and the Xbox PC app. Subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass can enjoy it at no additional cost, and those with the Premium Edition can dive into the adventure even earlier.
