The veil has lifted, allowing the gaming community to finally delve into the much-talked-about South of Midnight, the intriguing third-person action-adventure crafted by Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Taking a look at the multitude of reviews that have appeared in the wake of its release, it’s clear that South of Midnight has struck a chord with many critics. Praise has primarily been directed at its compelling storyline, artistic visuals, and captivating soundtrack. However, discussions around its combat system and other gameplay elements reveal a split in opinion.
At this moment, South of Midnight holds a respectable 78 score on both Metacritic and Opencritic. These scores come from the critical examination of 62 and 75 reviews, respectively.
Here’s a taste of the diverse opinions from various outlets:
GamingTrend has given it an impressive 95/100, describing the game as a “masterclass” in thematic consistency, noting the exceptional use of music to enrich the game world and lore. The review highlights how every element, from character models to the soundtrack, is seamlessly aligned with the game’s unique style.
Pure Xbox rated it 9/10, calling South of Midnight a significant achievement for Xbox Game Studios. The reviewer acknowledges some imperfections, especially in the combat mechanics, but ultimately finds the game’s soul and personality irresistible.
PCMag scores it 8/10, highlighting themes of growth and empathy and appreciating its Southern cultural influences. Despite recognizing familiar action-adventure tropes, the review cherishes the experience like a cherished family heirloom, even with its imperfections. It’s marked as an early contender for game of the year and proudly earns an Editors’ Choice award.
Inverse, offering a 7/10 score, appreciates the game’s rich imagination and polished presentation, deeming it an ideal weekend venture for Game Pass subscribers. However, the gameplay doesn’t quite meet the expectations for a captivating single-player action experience.
On the more critical side, Eurogamer gives it a 6/10, expressing that while the game aims to reach a wide audience by amplifying Southern culture, it sacrifices more engaging interactivity and distinctive gaming identity beyond standard platforming and combat conventions.
The game sets itself apart with an unconventional journey through the richly woven tapestry of Southern Gothic lore, something few games have ventured into so deeply.
It’s no wonder that South of Midnight stirs mixed emotions among reviewers, especially given the variance in combat and gameplay critiques. The setting and narrative appeal almost universally, though their impact may vary from player to player.
Personally, I’ve found the journey quite enriching, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars in our own review. The tale of a young Weaver on a quest to save her mother resonated deeply with me, and I sincerely hope Hazel’s story continues. South of Midnight serves as a heartfelt homage to Southern Gothic and the cultural richness of the South, leaving a meaningful impression.
Set to officially launch on April 8, 2025, South of Midnight will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PCs through Steam and the Xbox PC app. As a flagship Xbox title, it’s accessible via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with early access currently open to those with the Premium Edition.
