A heart-wrenching and introspective journey through visions and memories, where stop-motion animation speaks the language of the soul, turning sorrow and heartache into a powerful, silent renewal.
South of Midnight made its long-anticipated debut on April 8th for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. After spending countless hours immersed in a progressively intense and emotionally “devastating” world, we can confidently say that the game has far exceeded even the highest of expectations. Compulsion Games has seamlessly integrated stop-motion animation and video games in an entirely original way, crafting a world filled with grotesque characters and awe-inspiring, surreal moments. To top it off, the exceptional sound design elevates the experience, ensuring a deeply immersive and cohesive atmosphere. Ready to dive into Hazel’s captivating journey? Read on.
The Soul of Stop-Motion
From the very first moments, South of Midnight captures the player’s attention with a brief yet mesmerizing stop-motion animated short, presented even before reaching the main menu. This visual gem does more than set the mood — it encapsulates the game’s distinctive artistic vision, which flows seamlessly through many of its narrative and visual moments. The handcrafted puppets and meticulously constructed sets speak volumes about the level of care and craftsmanship poured into the experience. Far from a mere stylistic flourish, this creative choice reflects Compulsion Games’ unwavering dedication to elevating stop-motion as a core narrative language, imbuing the game with a singular identity and a deep emotional resonance.
The Weight of Memory, the Hope of Renewal
The narrative of South of Midnight stands out for its remarkable storytelling framework, skillfully blending fairytale motifs with palpable dramatic tension. While its opening may at first seem conventional, the story gradually reveals unexpected depth, as Hazel’s journey unfolds through encounters with a cast of tormented, magnetic characters—each adding new shades of sorrow, wonder, and human complexity. What emerges is a tale that builds with quiet intensity, culminating in moments of striking poignancy and emotional power.
Unfolding within a tightly crafted narrative corridor, the game adopts a deliberate pace that maintains intrigue and emotional engagement through unexpected twists and a finely tuned balance between mystery and pathos. Each chapter is punctuated by the voice of a most unusual narrator—a charismatic catfish—who guides players through the key moments of Hazel’s odyssey as she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her origins and the dormant powers she carries.
Exploration takes players through the evocative landscapes of Prospero, a city caught between mysticism and decay, and into a rich tapestry of atmospheric environments. In each chapter, Hazel must confront a corrupted creature—such as the awe-inspiring giant alligator—to reclaim fragments of her lost memories, represented as glowing strands of recollection. Behind each monstrous foe lies a deeply human story, often steeped in sorrow, which not only deepens the emotional stakes of the narrative but also leaves a haunting, lasting impression on the player.
A Combat System that Grows with You
The combat system in South of Midnight begins with a simple, somewhat repetitive structure but evolves over time, growing both in technical complexity and player engagement. As Hazel’s abilities expand and new enemy types are introduced, combat dynamics deepen, incorporating increasingly strategic layers. Hazel fights by weaving together her Weaver skills, seamlessly alternating between light and heavy attacks, unlocking a wide range of abilities — from single-target strikes to area effects — each with distinct attributes, such as slowing, stunning, or ranged attacks. Mastering these powers becomes crucial, especially during boss fights, where pattern recognition and resource management are key to success.
The boss encounters stand out as the pinnacle of the experience, both in terms of challenge and cinematic execution. The battle with the massive corrupted alligator serves as a prime example—brutal, impeccably designed, and perfectly building on the narrative tension that precedes it. Each boss is intricately tied to the story, and defeating them demands more than just raw strength. Success requires careful observation, a deep understanding of the narrative, and the strategic application of all the knowledge and skills the player has gathered throughout the journey.
Unlikely Allies, Unforgettable Souls
Crouton, the curious puppet who accompanies Hazel on her journey, comes to life following the hurricane that awakens her dormant powers. He swiftly becomes an indispensable companion—capable of activating levers, squeezing through narrow spaces Hazel cannot reach, and distracting enemies. His support is always reliable, never intrusive. His design, both adorable and whimsical, makes him instantly memorable, while his playful yet affectionate personality naturally captures the player’s heart.
In stark contrast, the catfish is an enigmatic and magnetic figure who serves as Hazel’s spiritual guide. Acting as both the narrator of her journey and a witness to its deepest truths, the catfish is an ancient voice imbued with wisdom, symbolizing the connection between myth and reality, past and present. Its constant guidance infuses the narrative with a mystical and evocative tone, enriching the emotional and storytelling depth with reflections that resonate with a distinctly poetic quality.
A Brilliant Artistic Vision, a Solid Technical Foundation: The Power of South of Midnight
Powered by Unreal Engine 5, South of Midnight stands out with its visually captivating technical performance, a result of the choice to embrace a linear experience that elegantly overcomes the typical constraints of the engine in open-world environments. On Xbox Series S, the game maintains a stable frame rate and top-notch video quality, free from any noticeable technical issues. Throughout the entire journey, no major bugs were encountered, and the second patch further polished the game’s stability, enhancing its overall fluidity and performance.
The Verdict
While the combat system in South of Midnight may not immediately stand out due to its lack of originality, and certain platforming sections could benefit from further refinement, the game more than makes up for it with its remarkable emotional depth and captivating artistic direction. Every detail—from the hand-drawn animation to the masterfully crafted sound design—is executed with such precision and care that it creates an atmosphere that is both immersive and unforgettable. The game’s ability to draw the player into its world, even with a few rough edges, speaks to its remarkable depth and emotional resonance. This is a project with a soul that will undoubtedly find a place in players’ hearts, lingering long after they have completed the journey.
South of Midnight
PRO
- A striking and original artistic direction that sets the game apart
- A deeply meaningful and emotionally resonant narrative
- An evocative and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances immersion
- Well-developed and memorable companions that deepen the narrative experience
CON
- A functional combat system that lacks sufficient variety
- Boss fights occasionally feel underwhelming due to a low difficulty curve, reducing the overall sense of challenge and player engagement
8/10
