Now that the embargo has been lifted, the buzz around “South of Midnight” is unmistakable. This third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios has critics talking, diving into its narrative, mesmerizing art style, and captivating soundtrack. Yet, not all is unanimous praise, as some are raising questions about the combat and other gameplay aspects.
Currently, “South of Midnight” holds a respectable score of 78 on both Metacritic and Opencritic, based on 62 and 75 reviews respectively. These scores tell a tale of a game that’s generally well-liked, but far from perfect. To give you a more detailed picture, I’ve rounded up some of the most insightful reviews from various gaming outlets.
GamingTrend awarded it a stellar 95 out of 100, calling it “a masterclass in picking a theme and sticking to it all the way through.” The review highlights how integral music is to the game’s narrative, painting a vivid picture of its world. Midway through, Pure Xbox reflects on the game’s soul and personality, admitting it’s “hard not to fall in love with it” despite some imperfect combat mechanics.
PCMag’s 8 out of 10 review describes “South of Midnight” as a journey of growth and understanding, offering rich Southern culture at its core. They herald it as an early contender for game of the year, while Inverse labels it as a great Game Pass weekend playthrough, albeit with some missing spark in the action department.
Eurogamer, with a more critical lens, gave it a 6 out of 10, noting the developers’ ambition to reach a broad audience, though bemoaning a loss of rewarding interactivity beneath familiar gameplay tropes.
The game’s appeal lies in its unique darkness, drawing players into a Southern Gothic world infused with vibrant culture. It’s visually and atmospherically stunning, capturing the essence of a mysterious journey.
Some aspects, especially the combat, have divided critics, but the storytelling and setting have mostly garnered praise. Personally, I found myself enamored, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. The tale of a young Weaver on a mission to save her mother felt like a heartwarming tribute to Southern Gothic.
“South of Midnight” is set to launch on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, accessible via Steam and the Xbox PC app. As part of Xbox’s first-party games, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Those opting for the Premium Edition can dive in early, experiencing this richly woven narrative before everyone else takes the plunge.
