Compulsion Games are the team behind one of my favourite games ever, We Happy Few. To the point I even have a figure of the icon Bobby from the game on my desk smiling always at me. So, I couldn’t wait for what was coming next from the Montreal-based developer is an understatement. South of Midnight South of Midnight is an action-adventure title that is an extremely story driven affair and as such also extremely linear. Which, after the questionable at times, randomly generated world of We Happy Few feels like a step backwards.
Story-Centric
South of Midnight is a game that 98% of gamers will play for the tale, and not quite explore the depths found in its gameplay, which is a shame. It’s also a game so focused on letting the player enjoy its tale, that it almost feels like a throwback to the 360 and PS3 era in this respect.
South of Midnight is set in a gothic-fantasy American deep south setting. The game’s world blends focklore and legend together to craft a very unique backdrop. You play as Hazel Flood, who is trying to find her mother after a hurricane devastates her hometown of Prospero.
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But, this was no ordinary hurricane. It has pulled folklore creatures into reality. And, when Hazel obtains a mysterious magic in the aftermath, she becomes a Weaver. A Weaver is a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits in the game’s world. With these new found powers, you have to find your mother, but also help to mend the decaying lands.
Weaving
The tale and the world its told in are the strongest points of the game. South of Midnight cuts a very unique path for itself through a striking presentation and fun cast of characters.
This is all framed by outstanding writing and voice acting in equal parts. Compulsion Games also seems to understand these strengths and concoct new ways to highlight them. The artistic and technical merit seen in the story and its characters are rarely seen in gaming.
Playing
The gameplay front is a bit more standard fare. South of Midnight is a blend of exploration and platforming with some arena-based combat. I say arena, as beyond boss fights all of the game’s combat takes place in set open areas. This not only gets a bit repetitive, but it also makes it extremely easy to spot when a fight is coming.
Platforming is fast and smooth as you run, jump and swing your way around with the help of some cool magic powers. While there is nothing wrong with this aspect, it’s a bit forgettable.
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Combat is much more interesting in South of Midnight . It does start out quite simply. But, as things go on, extra layers and new elements build surprisingly deep system. One that you can engage with or bypass and stick to mashing regular attacks.
This is a key point as many people seem to be dismissing its spin on the Devil May Cry style combat, as it’s up to you to really learn and experiment with the tool they give you, as you battle a number of enemies – each requiring separate tactics to overcome them.
Dripping
Visually, South of Midnight has a stop-motion style, which is, at times, breathtaking. The game’s vision has been almost perfectly translated to the screen, delivering a stunning and distinct presentation. And it’s all backed up by a soundtrack that fully embodies the tones and beats of the American deep south.
Voice acting is top tier as well and adds a real weight to the tale, and to the subject matter being handled. This deserves massive credit as too many games ham-fist the darker and more weighty themes.
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South of Midnight, on one hand, is a run-of-the-mill action-adventure game, that won’t blow you away and will be quite repetitive and ultimately forgettable. But on the other. South of Midnight is a stunning story -driven adventure, that tells a heart-felt tale. It’s not afraid to touch on subjects like grief, loss, and moving on. Those who invest some time will also uncover a surprisingly deep combat system to go with the game’s enjoyable platforming.
South of Midnight will not change the world and feels like a throwback to a forgotten time. It’s not as impactful as We Happy Few I feel, but it will resonate with many gamers. For the rest, it’s well worth a weekend’s play to experience its tale, drink in its atmosphere and meets its cast.
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