Reviews for “South of Midnight” are in—Here’s a Comprehensive Roundup

The wait is over and the reviews are rolling in for "South of Midnight," the latest third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios.

Critics are generally loving it, especially for its captivating story, stunning art direction, and memorable soundtrack. However, the combat and some gameplay elements have sparked more varied opinions.

As of now, "South of Midnight" holds a Metacritic score of 78, based on 62 reviews, aligning perfectly with its 78 score on Opencritic, where 75 reviews have been counted.

Here’s a roundup of what some outlets have to say:

• GamingTrend rates it a near-perfect 95/100, praising its consistent thematic focus and how music enriches the game world, calling it "a masterclass in picking a theme and sticking to it."

• Pure Xbox gives it a 9/10, describing it as a triumph for Xbox Game Studios. Despite some combat mechanics they found lacking, the game’s soul and charm win them over.

• PCMag, with an 8/10, highlights the game’s themes of growth and empathy, appreciating the rich Southern culture it presents. They go so far as to call it an early contender for game of the year and award it their Editors’ Choice.

• Inverse scores the game 7/10. They commend its imagination and presentation but wish for a bit more punch in its action gameplay, making it a fun option for a casual weekend on Game Pass.

• Eurogamer, however, rates it 6/10, noting the broad ambition to present Southern culture but feeling that it loses depth in interactivity and unique identity.

With a visual presentation as evocative as fireflies dancing around a bonfire, "South of Midnight" is undeniably beautiful to watch.

The mixed reviews, particularly around combat, aren’t surprising to me. The game’s setting and narrative clearly captivate a large audience, although individual experiences might vary.

From my perspective, it’s been an enjoyable ride, one that I rewarded with 4 out of 5 stars in our own review. I noted, "I’ve enjoyed this tale of a young Weaver on her quest to save her mother, hoping to see more of Hazel. South of Midnight feels like a heartfelt homage to Southern Gothic and the South."

Mark your calendars for April 8, 2025, when "South of Midnight" hits Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam and the Xbox PC app. Included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, it’s already accessible to those with Premium Edition’s early access.