South of Midnight, the latest action-adventure title from Compulsion Games, is set to launch on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S and PC. This Southern Gothic-inspired game invites players into a richly woven narrative set in the American Deep South, blending folklore with magical realism.
Game Overview
Players assume the role of Hazel, a teenage track star whose life is upended when a catastrophic hurricane devastates her hometown of Prospero. In her quest to find her mother, Hazel discovers her identity as a Weaver—someone capable of perceiving and manipulating the threads of fate. This journey immerses her in a fantastical realm teeming with creatures drawn from Southern folklore, such as the multi-armed Huggin’ Molly and the enigmatic Rougarou. The narrative delves into themes of family, healing, and self-discovery.
Artistic Direction and Gameplay
Compulsion Games employs a distinctive art style that emulates stop-motion animation, achieved through collaboration with Clyde Henry Productions. This approach lends the game a unique visual aesthetic, with certain animations intentionally rendered at lower frame rates to mimic traditional stop-motion techniques. Despite this stylistic choice, the game maintains a smooth 60fps performance during gameplay.
The gameplay centers around Hazel’s weaving abilities, which she utilizes for combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving.Players can expect a narrative-driven experience, with the main story estimated to take approximately 10 to 12 hours to complete.
Developer Insights
David Sears, the game’s director, emphasizes the importance of authenticity in portraying the Deep South’s culture and folklore. The development team conducted extensive research and engaged with local communities to ensure respectful and accurate representation. Sears notes, “We were aware of what we didn’t know and made concerted efforts to fill those gaps through genuine engagement and learning.”
