South of Midnight, the upcoming action-adventure game from Compulsion Games, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of Southern folklore, stylized visuals, and intriguing narrative. Set in the Deep South, this highly anticipated title promises a captivating experience unlike any other. This article compiles everything we currently know about South of Midnight, including its release window, platforms, trailers, gameplay mechanics, and preorder information.
A wide shot of Hazel and Shakin Bones in South of Midnight.Hazel and her companion, Shakin’ Bones, embark on a journey through the mystical Deep South. (Image: Compulsion Games)
Release Window and Platforms
While a concrete release date remains elusive, South of Midnight is currently slated for a 2025 launch. Speculation suggests a potential release in the latter half of the year, aligning with Xbox’s projected lineup.
As a first-party Xbox title, South of Midnight will be available exclusively on Xbox Series X/S and PC. No plans for last-gen console releases have been announced. While some Xbox exclusives have eventually made their way to other platforms, there’s no indication that South of Midnight will follow suit.
Unveiling the Mysteries: Trailer Analysis
Several trailers have offered glimpses into the world of South of Midnight, showcasing its distinctive art style and narrative themes.
Announce Trailer
The initial reveal trailer immediately established the game’s Southern Gothic atmosphere, featuring evocative swampy landscapes and a haunting blues soundtrack. The stop-motion-esque animation and cel-shaded visuals lend the game a unique, almost claymation-like aesthetic. The trailer introduces Hazel, the protagonist, as she confronts a towering beast, hinting at the magical abilities she will wield throughout her journey.
The story centers around Hazel’s exploration of a gothic realm where folklore has come to life after a devastating hurricane strikes her hometown of Prospero. This coming-of-age narrative will delve into Hazel’s family secrets and personal identity as she learns the ways of a Weaver, a mystical figure capable of healing tormented spirits.
Gameplay Reveal
The gameplay reveal trailer offered a deeper look at the game’s mechanics. Hazel, accompanied by a giant talking catfish, embarks on a quest to find her mother. Their path is blocked by a massive alligator, showcasing the challenges and puzzles players can expect to encounter.
Weaving Hazel’s Journey Documentary
This documentary provides an in-depth look at the development of South of Midnight, exploring its inspirations and providing insights from the development team. While not a traditional trailer, it offers valuable context for those eager to learn more about the game’s creation.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Hazel stares at a monster in South of Midnight.Hazel confronts the creatures born from Southern folklore. (Image: Compulsion Games)
South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure game that incorporates platforming and puzzle elements. Hazel’s abilities as a Weaver are central to the gameplay experience. She wields twin blades imbued with magical energy, enabling her to execute melee attacks, dashes, and charged strikes. Defeated enemies can be “Unraveled,” restoring Hazel’s health. Combat encounters shown so far have been one-on-one, leaving the possibility of facing multiple enemies simultaneously open for speculation.
Beyond combat, Hazel’s powers extend to understanding and healing the traumas embodied by the creatures she encounters.
Navigation through the game’s world involves a combination of running, jumping, double jumping, climbing, gliding, and grappling to designated points. Special gusts of wind, reminiscent of Spider-Man 2’s web-swinging, enhance Hazel’s gliding abilities.
While the trailers showcase the game’s distinct stop-motion animation style, Compulsion Games has confirmed that players can disable this effect (excluding cutscenes) if desired.
Preorder Information
A shack in South of MidnightExplore the evocative environments of the Deep South. (Image: Compulsion Games)
Preorders for South of Midnight are not yet available, pending a more specific release date. As an Xbox first-party title, it will be accessible on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate upon launch.
Conclusion
South of Midnight presents a compelling blend of action, adventure, and Southern Gothic mystique. With its distinctive art style, intriguing narrative, and unique gameplay mechanics, it promises to be a captivating experience for players. While details remain scarce, the information available so far paints a promising picture of what awaits in the mysterious world of South of Midnight.
