Friday, July 18, 2025
  • Login
Gamanta
  • Home
  • Gaming News
    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – System Requirements and Regional Release Times

    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – System Requirements and Regional Release Times

    Apple’s Latest Daily Puzzle Game Brings an Emoji Twist to Wordle

    Apple’s Latest Daily Puzzle Game Brings an Emoji Twist to Wordle

    Upcoming Black Ops 7 Reveal Slated for Gamescom Opening Night Live in August

    Upcoming Black Ops 7 Reveal Slated for Gamescom Opening Night Live in August

    How Marvel Rivals’ Phoenix Drew Me Away from Overwatch 2

    How Marvel Rivals’ Phoenix Drew Me Away from Overwatch 2

    Honkai: Star Rail Launches Fate/stay night Collaboration with No Boosted 4-Stars, No English VO Planned, but Offers Free Character

    Honkai: Star Rail Launches Fate/stay night Collaboration with No Boosted 4-Stars, No English VO Planned, but Offers Free Character

    Gameplay Reveal: New Ghost of Yotei Unveils Details and Presentation Modes

    Gameplay Reveal: New Ghost of Yotei Unveils Details and Presentation Modes

  • PlayStation
    [Rewrite this title] Nintendo Switch 2: Sleepless Nights with Kaname Date – A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

    [Rewrite this title] Nintendo Switch 2: Sleepless Nights with Kaname Date – A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

    Massive 85% Discount on Overlooked PS5 First-Person Shooter in PS Store

    Massive 85% Discount on Overlooked PS5 First-Person Shooter in PS Store

    PlayStation’s Summer Sale Kicks Off July 16 – PlayStation Blog

    PlayStation’s Summer Sale Kicks Off July 16 – PlayStation Blog

    New Randomizer Mod Released for Elden Ring Nightreign on PC

    New Randomizer Mod Released for Elden Ring Nightreign on PC

    PS Plus Members Get Exclusive Access to the Latest PlayStation Store Sale

    PS Plus Members Get Exclusive Access to the Latest PlayStation Store Sale

    Review of Carrier Deck on PlayStation 5

    Review of Carrier Deck on PlayStation 5

  • Xbox
    Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

    Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

    The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

    The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

    Cozy Gamers Have Overlooked the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Series

    Cozy Gamers Have Overlooked the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Series

    Irem Collection Vol. 3 Introduces Three Enhanced Retro Shoot ‘Em Ups to Xbox

    Irem Collection Vol. 3 Introduces Three Enhanced Retro Shoot ‘Em Ups to Xbox

    Fan Shares Goblin Queen Character Concept Inspired by Marvel Rivals

    Fan Shares Goblin Queen Character Concept Inspired by Marvel Rivals

    Diablo 4 Unveils Patch Notes for July 15 Update

    Diablo 4 Unveils Patch Notes for July 15 Update

  • Nintendo
    5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for Your Weekend (July 18)

    5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for Your Weekend (July 18)

    Donkey Kong Bonanza Quiz Solutions

    Donkey Kong Bonanza Quiz Solutions

    Review: Cattle Country for Nintendo Switch

    Review: Cattle Country for Nintendo Switch

    Nintendo Downloads: July 17, 2025 – Latest Updates

    Nintendo Downloads: July 17, 2025 – Latest Updates

    Revamp Needed: The Top Fighting Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Revamp Needed: The Top Fighting Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Nintendo Apologizes for Switch 2 Stock Shortages

    Nintendo Apologizes for Switch 2 Stock Shortages

  • PC Gaming
    Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass? — Here’s What We Know

    Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass? — Here’s What We Know

    CHARTS: New DLC Propels RimWorld into Steam’s Top Ten

    CHARTS: New DLC Propels RimWorld into Steam’s Top Ten

    Star Valor: An Underrated Space RPG on Steam That’s Continuously Improving

    Star Valor: An Underrated Space RPG on Steam That’s Continuously Improving

    John Wick Game Set for Upcoming Delisting

    John Wick Game Set for Upcoming Delisting

    When Does Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate Release in Your Time Zone?

    When Does Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate Release in Your Time Zone?

    Top 5 Free Add-Ons for Minecraft Bedrock Edition

    Top 5 Free Add-Ons for Minecraft Bedrock Edition

  • Virtual Reality
  • Consoles
    Italian Authorities Investigate Retro Reviewer Over Copyright: Facing Up to Three Years in Jail for Promoting Anbernic Handhelds

    Italian Authorities Investigate Retro Reviewer Over Copyright: Facing Up to Three Years in Jail for Promoting Anbernic Handhelds

    Nintendo Switch 2 Teardown Reveals In-Depth Look at Nvidia Chip

    Switch 2 Account Ban Drama Escalates: Redditor Challenges Nintendo After Hacking 20 Cartridges Online — Warnings of Inevitable Consequences Emerge

    Nintendo Faces Government Scrutiny Over Switch 2: Brazilian Watchdog Criticizes ‘Abusive Clauses’ in User Agreement

    Nintendo Switch 2 Account Bans Persist — Content Creator with 1 Million+ Subscribers Warns About Buying Used Bayo 3 on eBay

    Switch 2 Developers Voice Concerns Over Performance Challenges, Says Donkey Kong Bananza Director

    Switch 2 Developers Voice Concerns Over Performance Challenges, Says Donkey Kong Bananza Director

    Grok AI Models Exclusive to Teslas with AMD Ryzen Processors, Excluding Intel-Based Units

    Grok AI Models Exclusive to Teslas with AMD Ryzen Processors, Excluding Intel-Based Units

    Nintendo Switch Piracy Site NSW2U.com Taken Down by FBI and Dutch Authorities for Hosting Illegitimate Games

    Nintendo Switch Piracy Site NSW2U.com Taken Down by FBI and Dutch Authorities for Hosting Illegitimate Games

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Gaming News
    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – System Requirements and Regional Release Times

    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – System Requirements and Regional Release Times

    Apple’s Latest Daily Puzzle Game Brings an Emoji Twist to Wordle

    Apple’s Latest Daily Puzzle Game Brings an Emoji Twist to Wordle

    Upcoming Black Ops 7 Reveal Slated for Gamescom Opening Night Live in August

    Upcoming Black Ops 7 Reveal Slated for Gamescom Opening Night Live in August

    How Marvel Rivals’ Phoenix Drew Me Away from Overwatch 2

    How Marvel Rivals’ Phoenix Drew Me Away from Overwatch 2

    Honkai: Star Rail Launches Fate/stay night Collaboration with No Boosted 4-Stars, No English VO Planned, but Offers Free Character

    Honkai: Star Rail Launches Fate/stay night Collaboration with No Boosted 4-Stars, No English VO Planned, but Offers Free Character

    Gameplay Reveal: New Ghost of Yotei Unveils Details and Presentation Modes

    Gameplay Reveal: New Ghost of Yotei Unveils Details and Presentation Modes

  • PlayStation
    [Rewrite this title] Nintendo Switch 2: Sleepless Nights with Kaname Date – A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

    [Rewrite this title] Nintendo Switch 2: Sleepless Nights with Kaname Date – A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES

    Massive 85% Discount on Overlooked PS5 First-Person Shooter in PS Store

    Massive 85% Discount on Overlooked PS5 First-Person Shooter in PS Store

    PlayStation’s Summer Sale Kicks Off July 16 – PlayStation Blog

    PlayStation’s Summer Sale Kicks Off July 16 – PlayStation Blog

    New Randomizer Mod Released for Elden Ring Nightreign on PC

    New Randomizer Mod Released for Elden Ring Nightreign on PC

    PS Plus Members Get Exclusive Access to the Latest PlayStation Store Sale

    PS Plus Members Get Exclusive Access to the Latest PlayStation Store Sale

    Review of Carrier Deck on PlayStation 5

    Review of Carrier Deck on PlayStation 5

  • Xbox
    Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

    Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

    The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

    The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

    Cozy Gamers Have Overlooked the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Series

    Cozy Gamers Have Overlooked the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Series

    Irem Collection Vol. 3 Introduces Three Enhanced Retro Shoot ‘Em Ups to Xbox

    Irem Collection Vol. 3 Introduces Three Enhanced Retro Shoot ‘Em Ups to Xbox

    Fan Shares Goblin Queen Character Concept Inspired by Marvel Rivals

    Fan Shares Goblin Queen Character Concept Inspired by Marvel Rivals

    Diablo 4 Unveils Patch Notes for July 15 Update

    Diablo 4 Unveils Patch Notes for July 15 Update

  • Nintendo
    5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for Your Weekend (July 18)

    5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for Your Weekend (July 18)

    Donkey Kong Bonanza Quiz Solutions

    Donkey Kong Bonanza Quiz Solutions

    Review: Cattle Country for Nintendo Switch

    Review: Cattle Country for Nintendo Switch

    Nintendo Downloads: July 17, 2025 – Latest Updates

    Nintendo Downloads: July 17, 2025 – Latest Updates

    Revamp Needed: The Top Fighting Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Revamp Needed: The Top Fighting Deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket

    Nintendo Apologizes for Switch 2 Stock Shortages

    Nintendo Apologizes for Switch 2 Stock Shortages

  • PC Gaming
    Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass? — Here’s What We Know

    Is Grounded 2 Available on Xbox Game Pass? — Here’s What We Know

    CHARTS: New DLC Propels RimWorld into Steam’s Top Ten

    CHARTS: New DLC Propels RimWorld into Steam’s Top Ten

    Star Valor: An Underrated Space RPG on Steam That’s Continuously Improving

    Star Valor: An Underrated Space RPG on Steam That’s Continuously Improving

    John Wick Game Set for Upcoming Delisting

    John Wick Game Set for Upcoming Delisting

    When Does Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate Release in Your Time Zone?

    When Does Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate Release in Your Time Zone?

    Top 5 Free Add-Ons for Minecraft Bedrock Edition

    Top 5 Free Add-Ons for Minecraft Bedrock Edition

  • Virtual Reality
  • Consoles
    Italian Authorities Investigate Retro Reviewer Over Copyright: Facing Up to Three Years in Jail for Promoting Anbernic Handhelds

    Italian Authorities Investigate Retro Reviewer Over Copyright: Facing Up to Three Years in Jail for Promoting Anbernic Handhelds

    Nintendo Switch 2 Teardown Reveals In-Depth Look at Nvidia Chip

    Switch 2 Account Ban Drama Escalates: Redditor Challenges Nintendo After Hacking 20 Cartridges Online — Warnings of Inevitable Consequences Emerge

    Nintendo Faces Government Scrutiny Over Switch 2: Brazilian Watchdog Criticizes ‘Abusive Clauses’ in User Agreement

    Nintendo Switch 2 Account Bans Persist — Content Creator with 1 Million+ Subscribers Warns About Buying Used Bayo 3 on eBay

    Switch 2 Developers Voice Concerns Over Performance Challenges, Says Donkey Kong Bananza Director

    Switch 2 Developers Voice Concerns Over Performance Challenges, Says Donkey Kong Bananza Director

    Grok AI Models Exclusive to Teslas with AMD Ryzen Processors, Excluding Intel-Based Units

    Grok AI Models Exclusive to Teslas with AMD Ryzen Processors, Excluding Intel-Based Units

    Nintendo Switch Piracy Site NSW2U.com Taken Down by FBI and Dutch Authorities for Hosting Illegitimate Games

    Nintendo Switch Piracy Site NSW2U.com Taken Down by FBI and Dutch Authorities for Hosting Illegitimate Games

No Result
View All Result
Gamanta
No Result
View All Result
Home Xbox

Hands-On with South of Midnight: A Stunning, Uncompromising Fairytale Adventure

by Ashley Haze
February 11, 2025
in Xbox
0 0
0
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


South of Midnight initially seems to fit the mold of a classic action-adventure game: a protagonist taken from the mundane into an extraordinary quest, armed with magical powers and skills. However, once you dive in, those notions quickly dissolve. The world here is astonishingly unique, and as you journey through its third chapter, that uniqueness consistently surprises. The setting, the narrative, and even the music feel fresh and engaging, all brought together by thrilling combat and delightful exploration.

The demo starts with our protagonist, Hazel, embarking on a quest to find her mother after a flood separates them. Hazel, now aware of her heritage as a Weaver, can manipulate reality’s hidden threads with magic, both in battle and exploration. However, her familiar surroundings now feel alien, transformed into a Southern Gothic landscape that seems almost antagonistic at times.

The trailers offered glimpses of South of Midnight’s expansive world and storyline, but the real magic unfolds when you play. Scattered across the landscape are shimmering energy spheres, each reminiscent of an oil spill. Step into one, and you’ll face Haints, mythical creatures inspired by Southern legends. These adversaries vary greatly: some engage with rapid melee assaults, others prefer ranged attacks, while some release swarms of insects to distract you. Deciding the order of attack becomes a strategic necessity.

Combat in South of Midnight isn’t for the faint-hearted. It often places you against numerous Haints simultaneously, any of which could significantly reduce your health bar with a single hit. The action intensifies, demanding players adapt their attacks quickly within the luminous battle arenas. While melee attacks deal with foes swiftly, they leave you vulnerable; thankfully, you also have magic at your disposal. You can manipulate enemies, perhaps even hurling the smaller ones against others or binding them with magical threads.

Upgrades let you refine your tactics. I quickly chose a passive boost: enemies bound by magic took additional damage, allowing for swift dispatch of tougher foes. Here, aggression pays off – even a well-timed dodge turns offensive, triggering a burst of magic from where you just stood, hinting at the combat’s hidden depth.

Animation is another highlight. Characters move with a charm reminiscent of hand-crafted stop-motion figures during cutscenes, creating an engaging blend of art and storytelling. Once gameplay resumes, the fluidity of character movement shines, ensuring each action is seamless and immediate, indicative of a well-crafted action game.

The world Hazel traverses is deeply atmospheric. Mangrove swamps give way to dilapidated structures, thickets block paths, and oversized fruits float, decaying in murky waters. Climbing to higher vantage points reveals vistas that extend far beyond reachable areas, hinting at a vastness that captivates. This unexplored setting is bathed in stunning light, casting long shadows through overgrown flora and wrapping everything in a mystical mist.

Navigating this landscape requires mastering Hazel’s Weaving abilities – the same magic used in combat aids her in exploration. Remnants of history help you traverse the waterlogged environment, while pushing and pulling the surroundings unveil hidden paths and stories. Although there’s a clear route marked for you, these same paths harbor secrets and materials essential for upgrades, encouraging thorough exploration.

Guided along this path, Hazel encounters Catfish, a dual-role character serving as narrator and companion, held captive by a humanoid tree. Releasing him involves a mission imbued with dreamlike logic: retrieve a magical bottle, collect the haunting psychic pain twisting the tree, and uncover the underlying trauma.

Despite the whimsical premise, the narrative can be unexpectedly dark. Without giving too much away, players discover the history of how this part of the world twisted an ordinary man into a towering tree through relentless suffering.

This depth of storytelling is another area where South of Midnight stands out. Like the combat style, the narrative isn’t sanitized – Hazel, unapologetically candid, expresses herself vividly when challenged. Compulsion Games describes this as a Southern Gothic tale, which is entirely accurate. The stories are as haunting as they are compelling, refusing to shy away from the horror that inhabits this world. Hazel, as a Weaver, is tasked with mending brokenness, faced with a world in dire need of healing.

Just when you think you’ve grasped the game’s rhythm, it shifts. Suddenly, in the final stages of the preview, something indestructible begins pursuing you, turning combat into a frantic escape. The gentle platforming becomes paramount for survival, requiring precise timing. This shift, from combat to evasion, keeps players on their toes, demonstrating South of Midnight’s ability to constantly surprise.

As the preview wraps up, we’re left with another twist. Each major area introduces a Mythical Creature, colossal figures drawn from folklore. But, not all encounters culminate in conventional battles. Emphasizing Hazel’s role as a healer, not all these encounters demand aggression. Ailing creatures present opportunities for cures rather than conflicts – in this case, you aim to heal the tree, not harm it, climaxing in an intense ascent that offers sweeping views of Hazel’s journey thus far.

As Hazel scales this enormous obstacle, music plays a significant role. Throughout the level, echoes of a song drift into earshot, telling the story you’ve pieced together, adding layers with every level Hazel ascends. It’s a masterful blend of gameplay, narrative, and music, creating an unforgettable moment.

Thus, South of Midnight showcases how Compulsion Games has crafted an experience unlike any other. With so many new elements introduced early on, the mysteries waiting later promise to be even more intriguing.

Scheduled for release on April 8, 2025, South of Midnight will launch on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC via the Xbox App and Steam, as well as in the cloud, with Game Pass availability from day one. For those eager to jump into its enchanting world early, the Premium Edition offers early access and digital extras, inviting players to delve into its rich tapestry of storytelling and exploration.

Tags: handsonStunningAdventureSouthMidnightUncompromisingFairytale
Previous Post

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 on Xbox Series S Supports Other Platforms

Next Post

Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Fantastic Four Celebrate Their 10th Anniversaries Amid Hollywood’s Nostalgia Boom

Related Posts

Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield

July 17, 2025
The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

The Delta Force Technical Test is Now Live for Xbox Insiders!

July 17, 2025

Cozy Gamers Have Overlooked the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Series

July 16, 2025

Irem Collection Vol. 3 Introduces Three Enhanced Retro Shoot ‘Em Ups to Xbox

July 14, 2025

Fan Shares Goblin Queen Character Concept Inspired by Marvel Rivals

July 13, 2025

Diablo 4 Unveils Patch Notes for July 15 Update

July 12, 2025
Next Post
Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Fantastic Four Celebrate Their 10th Anniversaries Amid Hollywood’s Nostalgia Boom

Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Fantastic Four Celebrate Their 10th Anniversaries Amid Hollywood's Nostalgia Boom

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Jedi Power Battles Debuts Tomorrow with Cheat Codes and Updated Controls Unveiled – PlayStation.Blog

    Jedi Power Battles Debuts Tomorrow with Cheat Codes and Updated Controls Unveiled – PlayStation.Blog

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Atomic Heart Unveils New Character for DLC 3 Release

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Video Game History Foundation Library Launches in Early Access – News

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Asus ROG Ally Z1 Extreme Hits a New Low Price of $449

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Silent Hill Showcase Stream Set for This Week; Get Ready to Engage!

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
Gamanta

Stay updated with Gamanta for the latest gaming news on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Nintendo, and beyond!

Categories

  • Gaming News
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo
  • PC Gaming
  • Consoles
No Result
View All Result

Recent News

  • 5 Must-Play Nintendo Games for Your Weekend (July 18)
  • Rumored Approval of Fallout 5 Could Spell Trouble for Starfield
  • [Rewrite this title] Nintendo Switch 2: Sleepless Nights with Kaname Date – A Review of AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES
  • DMCA
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us

Copyright © 2025 Gamanta - All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Gaming News
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo
  • PC Gaming
  • Virtual Reality
  • Consoles

Copyright © 2025 Gamanta - All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.