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One of the highly anticipated games coming soon is “South of Midnight” developed by Compulsion Games, the creators of popular titles like “Contrast” and “We Happy Few.” Set in the atmospheric backdrop of the American Deep South, this third-person action-adventure game promises to deliver a unique and lively experience.
Scheduled for release on Xbox Series X/S (with Xbox Game Pass), Windows PC (with PC Game Pass), and Steam, “South of Midnight” offers players a chance to explore the rich mythos and encounter creatures inspired by Southern folklore. Players will take on the role of Hazel, a young protagonist who becomes a Weaver – a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits – after her hometown is struck by disaster.
With her newfound abilities, Hazel will navigate a macabre and fantastical world, confronting dangerous creatures and untangling her family’s shared past. The gameplay preview showcased during the Xbox Showcase left a positive impression, hinting at an immersive and visually stunning experience.
The game’s trailer introduces us to Hazel and her companion, Catfish, as they traverse a flooded area reminiscent of the Mississippi Delta. Here, they face off against one of the game’s formidable bosses – Two-Toed Tom, a colossal albino alligator with an insatiable hunger. The trailer provides glimpses of combat mechanics, traversal abilities, and Hazel’s magical weaving powers. It also showcases the game’s darkly gorgeous Deep South setting.
“South of Midnight” embodies Compulsion Games’ commitment to innovation and unique storytelling. The trailer’s footage, taken from a third of the way through the story, reintroduces players to Hazel and her talking companion, Catfish. After losing her mother in the aftermath of a Category 5 hurricane, Hazel discovers her latent Weaving powers, allowing her to reshape the fabric of reality. This newfound ability leads her on a journey through a magical realist world, where folktale creatures come to life, and corruption threatens to consume the hurricane-ravaged ruins.
The game features a variety of mythical creatures known as Haints, with the Brute archetype being the most common enemy. Hazel utilizes her Weaving powers to combat these twisted manifestations of negative energy. Interestingly, rather than killing them, Hazel’s goal is to “fix what was broken.” Through her Weaving abilities, she weakens the dark psychic energy surrounding the Haints and ultimately unravels it, restoring balance to the world.
“South of Midnight” is helmed by creative director David Sears, game director Jasmin Roy, and art director Whitney Clayton. Their vision for the game revolves around the concept of repairing a broken world through the magic of Weaving. To ground their work in reality, the development team embarked on a research trip to a real Mississippi ghost town, which provided inspiration and firsthand encounters with alligators.
The gameplay mechanics revolve around using Weaving to manipulate objects and solve puzzles, adding depth to combat encounters. This unique approach draws inspiration from Southern Gothic aesthetics and emphasizes femininity by empowering traditionally feminine crafts. Weaving becomes a powerful tool for Hazel, allowing her to push or pull objects in the world to overcome obstacles and affect combat scenarios.
The world of “South of Midnight” is not only inhabited by fantastical creatures but also features stunning wildlife that showcases the beauty of the American South. Additionally, players will encounter combat arenas surrounded by walls known as Stigma, physical manifestations of negative energy that serve as obstacles to be overcome.
With its captivating storyline, immersive gameplay mechanics, and visually stunning environments, “South of Midnight” promises to be an unforgettable gaming experience. Fans of Compulsion Games’ previous titles and gamers looking for a unique and atmospheric adventure will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting the game’s release in 2025.
