Compulsion's best game and one of the best gaming experiences we've had.
Disclosure: Xbox and Compulsion Games provided the game for review.
South of Midnight is a stunning journey through the American Deep South, rooted in its beauty and its pain. A couple of hiccups keep it from perfection, but this is not only Compulsion’s best game, but one of the best gaming experiences we’ve had. It’s on Game Pass, so there’s no excuse to miss it.
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South of Midnight Review: Compulsion’s Near MasterpieceWant to play it? Grab it on the Xbox Store or see Where to buy.
Story
You play Hazel, driven to uncover the truth about her mother after a hurricane sweeps her away, home and all. Can Hazel save her? And why does her peculiar, rabbit-like grandmother feel so mysterious? We’ll keep it spoiler-free, but the narrative keeps you invested from start to finish.
The storytelling is structured like a tree: family roots at the base, Hazel’s journey as the trunk, and echoes of history branching outward. It’s layered with family dynamics and a vibrant cast, with a strong undercurrent of healing old scars. Hazel’s relentless curiosity about people and places drives everything forward, and her relationship with her mother feels authentic, full of love and complexity. Growth, innocence and the lasting impact of the past elevate it into something unforgettable. By the credits, I was sitting there reflecting on how well it all came together.
Gameplay
Combat and exploration share the spotlight. As a Weaver, Hazel cleanses the world of a dark corruption, and the system is fluid and responsive. You can cancel any action to stay in control, and a robust skill tree makes her meaningfully stronger as you go. Tougher enemy types keep arriving, waves get intense, and once you settle into the rhythm of attacks and movement it’s incredibly satisfying. Crouton is a huge asset. Toss him at an enemy and he takes it over and fights alongside you, which is clutch when you’re outnumbered.
Platforming is just as good. Hazel’s Weaver powers handle wall running and tricky traversal, and gliding feels freeing every time. Skill upgrades cost Floof, blue strands tucked into nooks and crannies that you’ll miss if you aren’t curious, so exploring feels like a treasure hunt. Crouton varies things here too, slipping into small spaces to uncover secrets or unlock doors and power sources. A few annoyances remain. Hazel has a climbing stutter where she briefly slips before catching herself, and she can occasionally get stuck running in place until you jump.
Visuals and Performance
The visuals are breathtaking. The optional stop-motion animation style is a standout, and we kept it on the whole way through. It gives everything a handcrafted charm. Particles dance in golden sunbeams, thick fog rolls in to make the bayou eerie, and the hurricane’s aftermath of toppled trees and scattered mailboxes feels real. Colors pop, from mossy greens to bright sunflowers against a storm-worn palette. Hazel’s facial animation is top notch, and the deepest moments hit hard because you can see the emotion in her expressions. One small nitpick: she stays dry in the rain early on. We also had two crashes to the dashboard during our playthrough.
Sound
The sound design captures the world’s beauty and melancholy, from crickets and rustling wildlife to lone footsteps on old wood floors. Outside noise fades as you enter combat, which ratchets up the tension. The voice cast is exceptional, and Catfish is a highlight, his weathered warmth making his bond with Hazel tangible. Ghostly children’s voices whisper Hazel’s name when she uses her Weaver powers, and it gave us chills every time. The soundtrack is genius: each chapter’s song builds piece by piece until the full track lands at the climax, laying the chapter’s heart bare.
Verdict
South of Midnight blends magical visuals, engaging combat built on Hazel’s growing powers, and a gripping story carried by a standout soundtrack and cast. Two crashes and that climbing glitch hold it back just a touch, but they don’t overshadow a must-play adventure.
Image: Compulsion Games / Xbox Game Studios
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The verdict: Amazing
Not only Compulsion's best game, but one of the best gaming experiences we've had.
Pros
- Gorgeous stop-motion style and atmospheric lighting
- Emotional, layered story about family and healing
- Fluid Weaver combat with a strong skill tree
- Joyful platforming and rewarding exploration
- Brilliant chapter-building soundtrack and voice cast
Cons
- Two crashes to the dashboard
- Climbing stutter and occasionally getting stuck
Platform played: Xbox
