It’s 55 days away, but I’m pleased to say I’ve played South of Midnight early — well, some of it at least. South of Midnight is an upcoming dark, fairy tale journey through the Deep South by Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.
You play as Hazel, who discovers she’s a Weaver — someone who mends broken spirits and untangles the past. She’s searching for her missing mother, uncovering buried histories, and facing mythical creatures along the way.
Watch Quest Daily’s preview of South of Midnight below
The preview saw me play through Chapter 3, with Hazel already establishing herself as a fighter — and stepping into a twisted mystery between two brothers.
The story blends folklore with modern fantasy, and this chapter took a dark turn… Like, really dark. The chapter I played essentially uncovers the murder of a man in a most horrific way.
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The world is filled with strange and detailed characters. Catfish, the first mythical creature Hazel meets, is full of personality… but whether he’s a friend or something else, you’ll have to see for yourself.
When it comes to getting around, Hazel moves with agility — double jumping, gliding short distances, and even wall running by the end of the chapter.
She can also pack a punch. Combat is fluid, a mix of melee and magic, with a skill tree to unlock more abilities as you progress.
After clearing enemies, Hazel untangles them — restoring life to the world. It’s a great visual.
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The stop motion character design stands out. It’s not often seen in video games, but it suits South of Midnight’s deep south feel exceptionally well.
I also appreciated the little details, like alligators swimming by as you jump across a fallen tree in the water or birds taking flight when you run past.
There were a few little bugs here and there, but nothing game breaking. Given Compulsion Games has a couple of months now to polish, I’d say they’re in a great position for release.
While the preview was only about 90 minutes long, I think it was enough of a taste to leave me wanting more. South of Midnight launches April 8th on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
