Reviews for South of Midnight Are In: Here’s the Rundown

The embargo on South of Midnight has finally lifted, and reviews from all corners have come flooding in for this new third-person action-adventure from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.

If you take a look at the overall feedback, most critics have given the game a thumbs-up, pointing out its captivating story, impressive art direction, and atmospheric soundtrack as standout qualities. However, opinions seem to split when it comes to the combat and other gameplay elements.

As of right now, South of Midnight boasts a score of 78 on Metacritic, based on 62 reviews. It matches this same score on Opencritic, which compiles feedback from 75 reviews.

I’ve compiled some notable quotes and scores from various outlets to give you a taste of the reception:

• GamingTrend (95/100): "South of Midnight really nails sticking to its theme from start to finish. The way it uses music to enhance its world and lore is nothing short of brilliant. Everything from the character designs to the soundtrack blends seamlessly, setting a benchmark for thematic consistency."

• Pure Xbox (9/10): "In my view, South of Midnight is a triumph. It’s exactly the type of game I want to see more of from Xbox Game Studios. While it may not be flawless, especially in combat mechanics, its soul, personality, and charm make it impossible not to love."

• PCMag (8/10): "This game centers on growth and understanding, showcasing that curiosity and empathy are the keys to navigating its daunting world. Though it employs familiar action-adventure tropes, its rich Southern culture makes it a cherished experience despite any shortcomings. South of Midnight is an unexpected contender for game of the year, snagging our Editors’ Choice award."

• Inverse (7/10): "South of Midnight’s boundless creativity and stylish presentation make it a wonderful choice for a weekend playthrough for Game Pass subscribers. However, it doesn’t quite reach the level of fun I expected from a single-player action game."

• Eurogamer (6/10): "The aim seems to have been to reach a broad audience, amplifying Southern culture through storytelling. Unfortunately, this quest sacrifices some of the game’s interactivity and distinct identity, sticking instead to familiar platforming and combat routines."

There’s no denying that the combat in South of Midnight has sparked debate among critics. However, the setting and story have been near-universally praised, although their impact can vary from person to person.

Personally, I found the game a delight and rated it 4 out of 5 stars in our review. I expressed my admiration for this tale of a young Weaver striving to save her mother and shared my hopes of seeing more of Hazel’s journey in the future. South of Midnight truly feels like a heartfelt tribute to Southern Gothic and the South itself, leaving me with a profound sense of meaning.

South of Midnight officially launches on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, available through Steam and the Xbox PC app. As an Xbox first-party offering, it’s included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with early access currently available for Premium Edition purchasers.

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