The wait is over, and the critiques for "South of Midnight," the third-person action-adventure gem from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios, are in.
To sum up the early reception, the game has mostly hit the right notes with critics, garnering applause for its engaging storyline, stunning art design, and captivating soundtrack. However, opinions are mixed when it comes to the combat mechanics and other gameplay elements.
As of this writing, "South of Midnight" maintains a respectable score of 78 on Metacritic, based on 62 reviews. OpenCritic reflects the same score, drawing from a slightly larger pool of 75 reviews.
Below, I’ve rounded up some notable quotes and ratings from various outlets:
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GamingTrend (95/100): "South of Midnight is a fantastic example of a game sticking to its thematic guns. It’s an exemplar of how incorporating music as a core element can enrich world-building and storytelling. The character models and immersive tunes show a commitment to a distinct style."
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Pure Xbox (9/10): "It’s a bit of a triumph for me. While it’s not flawless and the combat could be tighter, the game’s soul, personality, and charm are undeniable. This is precisely what I want to see more of from Xbox Game Studios."
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PCMag (8/10): "The game is about growth and empathy in navigating a challenging world. Despite relying on some familiar action-adventure tropes, it delivers a richly detailed Southern cultural experience. Like a cherished family heirloom, it might be a bit rusty, but it’s poised as an early contender for game of the year."
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Inverse (7/10): "Its boundless creativity and sleek presentation make it perfect for a weekend binge, especially for Game Pass subscribers. Yet, it doesn’t quite reach the heights expected for a single-player action classic."
- Eurogamer (6/10): "The intention was clearly to create something with wide appeal, sharing its Southern cultural narrative broadly. However, in doing so, it misses out on deeper interactivity and a more unique identity, falling into typical platforming and combat patterns."
The game weaves a dark, memorable journey that stands out from many others. With its beautiful visuals, "South of Midnight" is a real spectacle when it comes to life on screen.
It’s no surprise that there’s some division over parts like the combat. While settings and stories have been warmly received, they’ll resonate differently with everyone.
Personally, I had a great time with this game, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars in my review. "I’ve been captivated by the tale of young Weaver’s quest to save her mother. I sincerely hope we’ll see more of Hazel’s adventures. ‘South of Midnight’ is a heartfelt homage to Southern Gothic themes and the essence of the South. It’s a journey I hope leaves players with a deeper sense of meaning."
Scheduled to launch on April 8, 2025, "South of Midnight" will be available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC through Steam and the Xbox PC app. As an Xbox first-party release, it’ll be part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Those who opt for the Premium Edition can dive in with early access now.
