What is a Canadian game developer doing in the American South?
Compulsion Games, known for titles like We Happy Few, has taken a bold step by creating a game set deep in the southern United States. South of Midnight blends gothic fantasy, action-packed gameplay, and a striking claymation-inspired visual style. But does this unique mix actually work? Find out in our review.

A World Full of Southern Charm

South of Midnight immediately stands out thanks to its distinct atmosphere and style. The game takes place in the deep South, where the main character, Hazel, lives with her mother in a motorhome. From the very beginning, the game immerses you in a classic Southern vibe.

Visually, the game is captivating, using soft pastels and light tones to great effect. The environments are stunning—ranging from abandoned Cajun villages to eerie swamplands—each meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of mystery and suspense.

Claymation Cutscenes – A Creative Gamble

Story segments are delivered through claymation-style cutscenes, reminiscent of Aardman’s stop-motion classics like Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. While this gives the game a unique identity, it also introduces a choppy, stuttering animation style that feels more distracting than charming—especially when the visuals are meant to be lifelike. Although you can turn off this effect during gameplay, it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference, and some stuttering persists throughout. Visually, the game is a work of art, but the claymation implementation isn’t exactly a hit.

Southern Gothic Fantasy & Symbolism

The game leans heavily into Southern gothic themes and folklore. After getting caught in a hurricane, Hazel checks on a neighbor, only for a giant wave to sweep away her home—and her mother with it. In her quest to find her, Hazel ends up in an alternate reality full of mythical creatures and discovers she possesses magical powers.

This new world is filled with massive thorny brambles and bizarre, dangerous creatures. Along the way, Hazel encounters legendary figures from Southern folklore like Two-Toed Tom, a mythical alligator, and a giant talking catfish who offers her guidance. The game also weaves in themes related to the South’s history with slavery in a meaningful and respectful way.

Gameplay: Weaving, Fighting, and Platforming

Hazel is revealed to be a “Weaver”—someone who can use magical threads to manipulate the world. Her powers help her navigate the environment and engage in combat. Gameplay is split between platforming sequences and combat encounters in enclosed arenas.

As the story progresses, Hazel unlocks new abilities like double-jumping and gliding, allowing her to traverse increasingly complex routes. The platforming sections feel reminiscent of Uncharted 2—linear but with room to explore and discover hidden items, here called “Floofs.” Despite the silly name, they serve as experience points used for upgrades.

The platforming feels smooth and rewarding without being overly punishing. Even if you miss a jump, you're never set back too far, which keeps the momentum going.

Combat is another key element. Hazel can use force-push and pull-style magic, pin enemies (called Haintz) in place, and unravel them back to their dimension for health and power boosts. Battles are tightly contained, often involving waves of enemies. Clearing an area earns a new story piece, slowly piecing together the narrative.

Boss fights cap off major segments, followed by timed platforming challenges that end at “bottle trees” where the spirits of bosses are sealed. These timed sections are quite forgiving; we only ran out of time when we got distracted admiring the scenery.

Linear Structure & Pacing

Unlike many modern open-world titles, South of Midnight follows a linear structure. This keeps the pacing tight and ensures a steady flow of action and story. It’s a refreshing change of pace and fits well with the game’s strong narrative focus.

The world comes alive through stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design. Birds chirp, leaves rustle, and small animals scurry around you as you explore. It’s a world that invites you to slow down and soak in the details.

South of Midnight Review – Visually Stunning with a Unique Voice

South of Midnight makes a strong impression with its standout visual style, rich storytelling, and atmospheric environments. While the claymation technique didn’t fully win us over and the gameplay may feel a bit shallow to some, the overall experience is captivating and memorable.

This is a game for players who value artistic expression and unique narratives. And the best part? If you have Game Pass, you can jump into South of Midnight on day one—April 8—at no extra cost.

-DenzelTheShire