South of Midnight Review

South of Midnight – A Magical Artistic Experience by Compulsion Games
Over the past years, Compulsion Games has proven itself as a pioneer in game innovation. This studio has reshaped the gaming industry by creating stunning visual worlds with a unique style. Games like We Happy Few became milestones that immortalized creativity. Their passion for deep storytelling and diverse visual experiences is evident. South of Midnight is expected to combine artistic style with modern technologies to deliver an immersive experience.
Will South of Midnight leave you with an unforgettable impression? Will every corner of its mysterious world surprise you with artistic touches? Let’s find out!
Story
The story of South of Midnight begins when a devastating hurricane strikes the small town of Prospero in the American South, destroying lives and separating loved ones. Hazel finds herself in a mysterious world between reality and fantasy after her mother disappears in the chaos. She discovers an ancient power within herself.
Hazel’s destiny is revealed as a “Weaver”—someone who can mend broken connections and reshape fate. She learns to use her powers to fight mythical creatures called “Haints” that roam the cursed lands.
During her dangerous journey filled with strange encounters, Hazel meets important characters like a talking fish-like creature who offers guidance. She also uncovers secrets about her past and her family’s deep ties to Southern folklore. Each chapter of the story is told like a page from an old book, filled with symbols and meanings, gradually revealing what happened in Prospero and how pain and memories shaped the town’s fate.
Gameplay
As a Weaver, Hazel has unique magical abilities that let her control battles. She can use techniques like “Weave” to suspend enemies in mid-air, giving her time to strategize.
She can also use “Strand Pull” to yank enemies toward her or “Strand Push” to repel them, creating fluid transitions between offense and defense. However, these abilities have cooldowns, so timing is key.
Beyond magic, Hazel fights with dagger-like weapons, chaining quick attacks before using her special ability, “Unraveling,” which erases enemies as if rewriting reality. Balancing physical and magical attacks adds strategic depth.
As the game progresses, Hazel gains new skills. She can dodge attacks at the right moment and combine magic with physical strikes for maximum effect. Enemies grow smarter, requiring more strategic thinking.
Hazel isn’t alone—she has “Crawton,” a magical puppet with its own spirit. Crawton can sneak through tight spaces, find hidden paths, and assist in battles, adding another layer of strategy.
Hazel also has movement and exploration abilities. She can alter the environment, turning shadows into solid objects or rebuilding broken structures, which adds puzzle-solving elements. Each area is full of surprises, encouraging creative thinking.
Graphics
South of Midnight offers stunning visuals with a unique stop-motion-inspired art style. The game feels like a handcrafted animated film, with meticulous details and lighting that reflect the mysterious American South. This artistic approach makes every scene a visual masterpiece.
The stop-motion animation style enhances the game’s magical and eerie atmosphere. Every frame feels carefully crafted, turning each moment into a unique visual experience.
Final Rating
9/10
South of Midnight offers a rich adventure, not just in terms of story but also in gameplay and visuals. Hazel, with her unique character and magical abilities, embarks on a journey filled with challenges and self-discovery. The distinct stop-motion animation style gives the game a special artistic feel, making every moment a visual masterpiece. Through strategic combat and magical powers, Hazel faces mythical creatures and uncovers the secrets of her past, bringing her closer to the truth. South of Midnight is not just a game—it’s an artistic experience and a tale of courage, strength, and self-discovery, taking players into a world filled with mystery and magic.