South of Midnight | Previews Summary
- Set in a richly detailed and atmospheric version of the American Deep South, bringing regional folklore to life
- Gorgous art style, stands out with a handcrafted, stop-motion-inspired aesthetic for cutscenes (can be disabled during gameplay if distracting), creating a visually unique experience
- The protagonist, Hazel, is a Weaver with magical abilities, embarking on a quest to find her mother following a devastating flood
- An action-adventure which takes place over 10-12 hours of playtime
- 14 chapters of a folktale
- South of Midnight is "a curated experience, which is a complete reaction to us having a game that was procedural before."
- 60 FPS on
Xbox Series X|S
- Previews in particular praise smooth and fluid traversal mechanics, including double jumps and gliding, enhanced exploration and platforming sections
- Music and sound are integral parts of the game, resulting in a coherent visual an audiovisual experience
- Creatively designed boss battles against powerful, folklore-inspired creatures are highlights
- Combat involves battling supernatural creatures called Haints using Weaver abilities, though it may feel familiar and somewhat basic/repetitive
- The narrative intertwines personal themes with Southern folklore, featuring engaging and well-written characters
- The game's pacing occasionally slows due to exploration and puzzle-solving elements, which may not appeal to all players
- Performance issues, such as minor screen tearing and occasional hitches, were noted in preview builds but are expected to be addressed by release
- The world-building is captivating, filled with vibrant locales and creative interpretations of mystical Southern elements
- While the gameplay doesn't break new ground, its familiar mechanics may appeal to players who prefer classic action-adventure formulas
