Compulsion Games, known for their unique world-building in Contrast and We Happy Few, has struck again with South of Midnight. This upcoming third-person action-adventure game promises to deliver a magical Deep South world, fun combat, and an adorable companion that will capture your heart.
In the game, you play as Hazel, a young woman who becomes a Weaver, a magic user with diverse talents, after her hometown of Prospero is struck by a hurricane. Using magical strands, Hazel casts spells to battle evil creatures, summon structures, and traverse a broken Southern Gothic world.
The combat in South of Midnight feels fresh and exciting, with the ability to weave strands to pull and push enemies, or briefly stun them. The game’s difficulty levels are customizable, allowing players to choose between story-focused gameplay or more challenging combat modes.
One of the standout features is the companion Crouton, a magical ragdoll who brings cuteness and added gameplay depth to the adventure. Hazel can summon Crouton in battle and exploration, using his tiny size to reach areas she can’t access.
While the game’s movement and combat may feel familiar, the “Southern Gothic meets dark folktale” atmosphere is unique in big-budget games. Compulsion Games drew inspiration from Southern upbringing, books, film, and art, creating an exaggerated stylized world that wraps themes of decaying America, eccentric characters, and complex history.
At its heart, South of Midnight is a simple yet relatable tale about a mother and daughter, tackling heavy subjects with empathy. The game’s atmosphere and audio are spot on, transporting players to the swampy world of Prospero.
Get ready to experience Hazel’s story this spring when South of Midnight is released on Windows PC and Xbox Series X on April 8.
Source: https://www.polygon.com/gaming/521362/south-of-midnight-preview-hands-on-xbox