Reviews for South of Midnight Are In: A Comprehensive Roundup

The veil has been lifted, and the gaming community is now buzzing with reviews about the much-anticipated South of Midnight. This third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios has garnered attention after the embargo was lifted, allowing critics to share their thoughts.

So far, the game seems to have impressed many reviewers, who are particularly enamored with its story, artistic direction, and soundtrack. However, the combat mechanics and certain gameplay elements have sparked some debate among players and critics alike.

At this moment, South of Midnight maintains a respectable score of 78 on Metacritic, based on 62 reviews, and it echoes the same score on Opencritic, though it considers 75 different critiques.

Here are some of the standout quotes and scores from various gaming outlets to give you a clearer picture:

Starting with GamingTrend, they awarded the game an impressive 95 out of 100. They described it as “a masterclass in picking a theme and sticking to it all the way through. The usage of music as a character world/lore enhancement is one of the best examples out there of what TO do. From the character models, to the music, and beyond; South of Midnight shows how to build a game around a style and committing fully.”

Pure Xbox weighed in with a 9 out of 10, calling South of Midnight “a bit of a triumph.” Despite its flaws, specifically in the combat mechanics, they found the game rich in soul, personality, and charm, making it hard to resist.

Meanwhile, PCMag rated the game an 8 out of 10. They appreciated its themes of growth and understanding, noting the rewarding elements of Southern culture it brings to the table. Although it leverages familiar action-adventure tropes, they found the experience valuable, despite some imperfections, and named it an early contender for game of the year.

Inverse, on the other hand, gave it a 7 out of 10. They found the game’s imagination and presentation engaging but felt it did not fully meet expectations for a top-notch single-player action experience.

Eurogamer was a bit more critical, giving it a 6 out of 10. They pointed out that while the game aims to appeal to a broad audience and celebrates Southern culture, it somewhat falters in offering truly engaging interactivity or a distinctive identity.

In reflecting on these reviews, it’s clear that while South of Midnight captivates visually and thematically, its gameplay mechanics stir mixed feelings. Personally, I’ve found it to be a delightful journey, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. In my review, I expressed my enjoyment of the narrative centered around a young Weaver on a quest to rescue her mother. I felt it was a heartfelt tribute to Southern Gothic themes, and I look forward to seeing more of Hazel’s story unfold in the future.

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, when South of Midnight debuts on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, accessible through Steam and the Xbox PC app. As an Xbox first-party title, it’s available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with early access offered to those purchasing the Premium Edition. Stay tuned and gear up for what’s sure to be an intriguing adventure.