In the heart of the fictional town of Prospero, a rich tapestry of myths, music, and memory weaves its way into a narrative that feels both haunting and healing. South of Midnight, the latest title from Compulsion Games, isn’t just another action-adventure game—it’s a love letter to the American South, drenched in folklore and echoing with the voices of generations past.

A Gothic South Like You’ve Never Seen Before

From the first few frames, South of Midnight makes its intentions clear. This isn’t the Southern backdrop we’re used to in mainstream media. Instead, it leans into the Southern Gothic aesthetic, turning the decay, the history, and the mythos of the South into an immersive playground of spirits, trauma, and healing.

Set in a stylized version of the Deep South—clearly inspired by Louisiana—Prospero becomes a character of its own. From ghost-haunted forests to swamps pulsing with bluegrass rhythms, the world feels alive with stories waiting to be told. And these aren’t just stories of monsters. They’re stories of grief, generational trauma, and empathy.

Meet Hazel: The Spirit Weaver

At the center of this beautifully painted world is Hazel, a protagonist unlike any we’ve seen this year. Gifted with weaving powers, Hazel can tap into the threads of the past—connecting memories, helping restless spirits find peace, and unearthing the truths buried beneath generations of silence.

She’s not your typical hero. Her journey is more introspective than epic, more soulful than explosive. And that’s what makes South of Midnight special.

A Visual and Musical Masterpiece

Visually, the game is a triumph. Cutscenes unfold like stop-motion animation, and the entire world has a painterly, hand-crafted quality that feels like walking through an illustrated folk tale. It’s a bold artistic choice—and it pays off beautifully.

Then there’s the soundtrack: a powerful blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and bluegrass that doesn’t just complement the setting—it completes it. These aren't just background tunes; they’re carriers of emotion, often used to elevate key narrative moments. The music feels like a character itself, echoing the pain, hope, and resilience of the South.

Gameplay That Serves the Story

While the mechanics of South of Midnight aren’t revolutionary—think linear platforming, arena-style combat, and light exploration—they work in harmony with the story. Hazel’s weaving powers add unique twists to traversal and combat, allowing players to grapple, stun, and uncover hidden truths.

Is it the next evolution in gameplay design? Not quite. But in this case, the gameplay is a vessel—meant to carry a deeply personal story from beginning to end without distraction.

Monsters With Meaning

One of the game’s most compelling elements is its use of Southern mythology. Creatures like the Rougarou, Hugging Molly, and Alligator Two-Toe Tom aren’t just bosses or side characters—they’re manifestations of memory, regret, and fear. Each encounter feels purposeful, offering both challenge and reflection.

And for those familiar with Southern lore, these appearances are more than clever nods—they’re heartfelt tributes.

A Story That Honors and Challenges

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of South of Midnight is its honesty. It doesn’t sanitize the South. It doesn’t pretend the past didn’t happen. Instead, it engages with economic inequality, racism, and generational pain with sensitivity and truth.

Hazel’s journey is interwoven with stories of family dysfunction, lost connections, and the scars left behind by history. Yet, it never feels heavy-handed. There’s always a thread of hope, even in the darkest moments.

Not Without Flaws

As powerful as the narrative is, the game isn’t without issues. Certain character arcs feel underdeveloped, and some transitions in the storyline lack the connective tissue needed for full emotional payoff. At times, the story jumps from moment to moment too quickly, sacrificing nuance for momentum.

But even these stumbles don’t diminish the heart that beats at the center of this game.

South of Midnight may not redefine gameplay mechanics or open-world design, but what it does is arguably more important: it tells a story that matters. It brings underrepresented folklore to the forefront. It honors the complexity of the South without romanticizing or ridiculing it. And it gives us a heroine who listens more than she speaks, who heals more than she fights.

In a gaming landscape that often prioritizes spectacle over soul, South of Midnight stands out as a quiet triumph—one that will linger with players long after the final cutscene fades to black.