The moment has come as the embargo is off, and the floodgates have opened with reviews of South of Midnight, a new third-person action-adventure from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
Sifting through the reviews and scores, the consensus seems largely positive. Critics are impressed with the storytelling, art direction, and soundtrack, while aspects like combat and gameplay have sparked more debate among reviewers.
Right now, South of Midnight holds a solid score of 78 on Metacritic with 62 reviews and an identical 78 on Opencritic, drawing from 75 critiques.
Here are some highlighted impressions and ratings from various outlets:
GamingTrend (95/100): "South of Midnight nails its theme and sticks with it throughout. Music beautifully complements the world and lore, making the game stand out. From character models to melodies, the commitment to style is commendable."
Pure Xbox (9/10): "For me, South of Midnight is somewhat of a triumph – the kind of game I want more of from Xbox Game Studios. It might not be flawless, with somewhat lacking combat mechanics, but the game’s soul, personality, and charm are irresistible."
PCMag (8/10): "This game is about growth, understanding, and navigating a frightening world through curiosity and empathy. It leans on classic action-adventure elements but immerses players in rich Southern culture. Like a cherished, rusty heirloom, it’s a flawed yet endearing experience. It might just be an unexpected contender for game of the year and deserves our Editors’ Choice nod."
Inverse (7/10): "With boundless imagination and stylish presentation, South of Midnight is perfect for a weekend binge for Game Pass subscribers. Yet, it falls short of being the engaging single-player action experience I hoped for."
Eurogamer (6/10): "The aim here seems to be broad appeal, bringing a story steeped in Southern culture to the masses. But the process sacrifices the joy of deeper interactivity or more unique identity beyond familiar platforming and fighting routines."
The game unfolds like a dark journey, quite unlike others in the genre.
Watching South of Midnight in action is a visual treat.
It doesn’t come as a shock that opinions are split on certain aspects, such as the combat. While the setting and story have been generally well-received, individual resonance might vary.
Personally, I found much to enjoy, awarding the game 4 out of 5 stars in my review. "I’ve relished this tale of a young Weaver striving to save her mother, and I hope Hazel’s story continues. South of Midnight is a heartfelt tribute to Southern Gothic and the South, and I hope players walk away with a deeper sense of meaning."
South of Midnight launches on April 8, 2025, available for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam and the Xbox PC app. As a first-party Xbox game, it’s part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass offerings. Those who purchase the Premium Edition can dive into early access right now.
