South Of Midnight Review - Investment Policy

Upon catching a glimpse of the trailer for “South of Midnight” in June 2023, its distinctive stop-motion aesthetic and unconventional bayou setting in America’s Deep South immediately piqued my interest. In a sea of games primarily set along America’s coastlines, this game’s Southern location felt like a refreshing change, and I instinctively sensed that “South of Midnight” would be exceptional.

I’ll make sure not to reveal any key plot points or new characters beyond what’s shown in the previews, to keep the viewing as spoiler-free as possible.

Speaking of unique experiences, “South of Midnight” certainly fits the bill. Developed by Compulsion Games, known for the popular “We Happy Few,” this game is set in the marshy town of Prospero, located in Chickasaw County. The story revolves around Hazel Flood, a track athlete, as she maneuvers through the aftermath of a vicious hurricane to save her mother Lacey. Lacey was tragically swept away by a flash flood in their trailer during the storm.

A Unique Take On Southern Gothic And Cajun Folklore

Eager to locate and save her mother, Hazel uncovers a traditional practice known as Weaving—a magical art that accesses the mystical threads within the Grand Tapestry, which binds together the fabric of all existence.

Embarking on an extraordinary adventure equipped with enchanted sewing instruments unlike any other, I, Hazel, stumbled upon a concealed realm teeming with supernatural beings and malevolent entities entwined in the rich tapestry of Cajun folklore. As I navigated through this journey, I crossed paths with countless individuals and creatures, their lives forever altered by heartrending experiences.

At the core of “South of Midnight” lies the Southern Gothic style, a unique blend that merges the ominous, otherworldly, and grim elements typical of the Gothic genre with the distinct backdrop of rural America’s South. This genre often delves into topics surrounding violence and the deterioration of Southern culture, and it isn’t shy about revisiting the lingering pain of slavery that remains deeply rooted in the region’s past.

To start things off, I believe you’ll find that South of Midnight is filled with genuine emotion and passion – a quality that will undoubtedly be mentioned frequently by many. The visuals and narrative of this piece beautifully capture the essence of the Deep Southern regions such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Orleans, mirroring their rich, profound, and diverse cultures and landscapes.

Y’all, You Can Feel The Heat And Humidity

If I were to sum up the overall atmosphere of the game “South of Midnight” in a single word, it would be “stiflingly humid.” Immersed in warm hues and teeming with nature and swamps, this game envelops you in the oppressive humidity of the southern region, to the point where you can almost sense the irritating mosquitoes ready to feast on your blood.

Not at all a negative aspect, on the contrary, it showcases just how deeply engaging South of Midnight is, given its artistic style. It skillfully portrays the gritty reality of the South, from the soaked earth to the mounds of manure, leaving you yearning for Hazel’s bath by the story’s end.

In a simplified manner, I’d say that “South of Midnight” combines the authentic charm of Cajun culture, as seen in Disney’s Princess and the Frog, with the eerie, lifelike animation style reminiscent of films such as Coraline and Mr. Fantastic Fox.

The visuals are truly breathtaking, effortlessly depicting a unique blend of American folklore with a touch of fantasy that’s hard to ignore. The human characters appear to be modeled with soft, clay-like textures, while the creatures and monsters seem to have rugged exteriors reminiscent of papier-mache sculptures and wooden carvings.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but appreciate how the stop-motion style adds a unique, rugged charm to this game. It offers a distinctive method of character and creature design that wouldn’t be as impactful in other games. Yet, it’s important to note that this effect is mainly showcased during cutscenes, as it can become less noticeable amidst the fast-paced action of gameplay.

The captivating soundtrack of “South of Midnight” mirrors the vibrant musical landscape of the American South, encompassing everything from the playful and carefree tones of banjos and harmonicas to the frenzied and intense improvisational jazz.

Apart from this, every pivotal moment in the narrative is accompanied by melodious tunes that narrate the painful journey of healing a trauma, reminiscent of the timeless tales that give rise to each mythical creature’s legend. I’m definitely adding these songs to my Spotify playlist.

A noteworthy yet subtle feature of the game “South of Midnight” is that an angelic choir plays every time Hazel demonstrates her platforming skills. This music, intertwined seamlessly with the in-game soundtrack, echoes the recurring motif suggesting your power derives from those around you. Whether it’s when you double-jump, wall-run, or glide over chasms, you’ll be accompanied by an unseen choir singing a heavenly melody.

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler (Let The Good Times Roll)

Admittedly, there’s a chance my comparison might seem unfair or inaccurate, but South of Midnight’s themes somehow evoke thoughts of Balan Wonderworld, the game often criticized for its quality. However, the only parallel is that their main characters aim to aid people in overcoming their traumas. In almost every aspect, South of Midnight surpasses Balan Wonderworld significantly.

The intricate and poignant stories told by South of Midnight leave a lasting impact and stir deep emotions, for they serve as symbolic representations of genuine problems faced in the South, such as mistreatment, psychological struggles, and economic hardship.

One of my favorite leading characters among young women is Hazel. She’s full of spirit, resilient, quick-witted, and isn’t shy about demonstrating her vulnerability when necessary. Her youth shines through her innocence, and she not only develops as a Weaver but also matures as a growing individual navigating the challenges and hardships of adulthood.

In the captivating world of “South of Midnight,” the design of characters, notably Hazel, deserves applause. Clothing in this series serves not just an aesthetic purpose, but also carries significant meaning. As Hazel’s narrative unfolds, her wardrobe undergoes a transformation, three times to be precise, mirroring her character development. While I can’t delve deeper for fear of revealing too much about the storyline, rest assured that this element adds depth and coherence to the tale.

As Hazel evolves in her role as a Weaver, battles lose their focus on vanquishing opponents, instead shifting towards understanding and battling the internal struggles of those involved.

Although South of Midnight doesn’t boast a large cast for Hazel to engage with, the characters it does have are just as memorable. For instance, Catfish from the trailers is one such character that Hazel befriends early on in the game. Not only does he assist her on her journey and transport her across the bayou, but he also functions as the game’s narrator between chapters, adding a touch of warmth and intimacy with his soothing voice and captivating Cajun accent.

In this story, even minor characters and mythical beings possess emotional pasts that account for their distorted forms. Some parts of the narrative might seem overly dramatic or implausible, but remember, this is a common characteristic of Southern Gothic literature, as these tales often serve as symbolic representations of unresolved traumas prevalent in the Deep South region.

In the world of South of Midnight, I found myself yearning for a more substantial confrontation with the game’s antagonist. The character’s potential was not fully realized, and their ending left me craving for a more satisfying resolution. To avoid spoilers, I won’t delve deeper into specifics, but let’s just say that I hope future installments will give this character the spotlight they deserve.

The tale possesses great strength, serving as a journey of self-discovery we follow as Hazel uncovers the past of Weaving, ultimately transforming herself into the woman necessary to rescue her mother and aid her people.

The Narrative Is Rich Like Gumbo

The main tale is broken down into six smaller narratives, symbolized by intricate patterns that players can gather as they progress through an engaging plot leading to a dramatic turning point revealing each character’s past. Handily, there’s a specific section where you can delve into the characters’ histories, Cajun legends, and the interesting artifacts you uncover during gameplay.

In her role as a weaver, Hazel assumes the responsibility of either soothing or challenging these characters, whose suffering mirrors a more somber and frequently neglected element of Southern history.

There is a sense of kindness and tenderness in which the story is told.

In every encounter with mythical beings, you’ll notice a radiant, scarlet mark that symbolizes their past wounds. Growing up, I was taught to anticipate a confrontation later on whenever I spotted this sign. However, it was quite refreshing to discover that some of these creatures can mend themselves entirely, without the need for any battle at all.

I’ve been expressing my fondness for the book “South of Midnight” quite a bit, and while there are aspects I adore, there are also certain areas that didn’t captivate me to the same degree.

Meaty Narrative, Bony Gameplay

As a fan, I’d say: In contrast to many games, South of Midnight isn’t primarily about intense combat. Instead, it immerses players in its captivating narrative through intriguing collectibles, atmospheric storytelling within the environment, and rich character histories. The game goes the extra mile to let you savor the story, offering a “Story” difficulty level and an exceptional feature that allows you to bypass combat encounters and chase scenes altogether, if you prefer focusing solely on the narrative experience.

Regardless, it possesses a straightforward fight system akin to Kingdom Hearts, where each strike and move transitions smoothly into an elegant ballet. By tugging on the threads of life within the Grand Tapestry, Hazel can cast spells that propel, restrain, stun, and even manipulate foes during battle. Admittedly, I would have liked to see more combo options, but I acknowledge that it’s not the main emphasis in this game.

Each battle is signified by a vast area enclosed by ominous black growths resembling cancer, and a cluster in the center where malevolent spirits known as Haints – these are twisted, amorphous entities symbolizing pain and sadness – emerge to attack you in great numbers. The game offers a range of enemy types, ensuring an interesting fight as each has its distinct shape and special moves.

In the game ‘South of Midnight‘, the battles feel extremely gratifying, yet they seldom provide enough resistance, making it challenging to build up speed and achieve a fluid battle rhythm. Often, I’d end up overwhelming enemies with forceful attacks before truly getting into the groove.

Surprise attacks from opponents might take you by surprise since they aren’t always easy to predict, potentially disrupting the rhythm you’ve established. Moreover, your hitbox can be a bit unpredictable at times. The game promotes the use of precise dodges, counters, and intricate combos, but it doesn’t offer sufficient rewards to motivate you to employ these techniques effectively.

Outside of battle, the gameplay often revolves around discovering visually stunning locations filled with hidden treasures and potential combat situations. You’ll locate and untie four knots along the way, which unveil snippets of backstory that eventually lead to a chase sequence. This chase is essentially a series of simple platforming hurdles with minimal tension. The puzzles, however, are quite straightforward and tended to feel like tedious tasks that hindered my immersion in the narrative.

Even though there are other things happening, I’m always captivated by the tranquil atmosphere that allows me to appreciate the scenery while playing. The game’s design encourages immersion in the environment and a sense of connection with my surroundings, especially when controlling Crouton, Hazel’s favorite stuffed toy.

Within every burrow resides a comfy habitat where forest creatures make their home, reminiscent of the setting in Wes Anderson’s movie, “Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Crouton might just be the best aspect of the game for me. While it can take over enemies during battle, what truly stands out is that it allows you to squeeze into narrow burrows that Hazel can’t fit into. Crouton is a comical character with a waddle and goofy noises when he pops like Sack Boy from LittleBigPlanet, providing an enjoyable, uplifting touch to the gameplay.

Within every underground den, there’s a comfortable habitat where forest creatures make their homes, much like in Wes Anderson’s movie “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” You might spot hares sipping tea or foxes observing you from their dwellings. Despite the occasional dangers such as fire ants and prickly shrubs, and the fact that each den is similar in appearance, roaming around them, just like Crouton does, is always a calming and delightful experience.

Fun, But Technically Unoptimized

In the game ‘South of Midnight’, advancement follows a straight path and is centered around the acquisition of Floofs, which can be discovered as hidden collectibles within puzzles or earned through combat. Unfortunately, due to the linear nature of your skill tree, you won’t find much diversity in play styles or character builds, unlike what one might anticipate.

Regrettably, South of Midnight doesn’t have a lot of reasons to replay it. Although hunting for every Floof and collectible could bring you back, the limited combat variety and challenges make it less appealing to dive into the game again except perhaps to enjoy its unique atmosphere once more.

Alongside a couple of technical glitches and performance problems that caused the game to freeze and audio disruptions that disturbed the flow, I experienced instances where the loading sections between chapters featured Catfish or Hazel narrating the story’s events accompanied by lively Cajun tunes. Unfortunately, these interludes were often cut short, resulting in awkward silences that detracted from the overall experience.

Closing Thoughts:

Despite some flaws in gameplay and technical aspects, South of Midnight stands out as a heartfelt tribute to the Deep South and Cajun mythology. The narrative, centered around Hazel Flood’s mission to save her mother, delves into the complexities of Southern society with sensitivity and respect. Although it’s a decent game with an engaging story and endearing characters, it falls short of excellence due to its minimal combat and limited replayability. Nevertheless, South of Midnight is a worthwhile purchase for its 12-hour playtime. Occasionally, the world felt sparsely populated, but I thoroughly enjoyed my journey through it and appreciated the inventiveness and dedication behind its portrayal of Cajun folklore. I eagerly anticipate more games that highlight the authentic culture of the American South, often misjudged by many.

South of Midnight is a game with some shortcomings in gameplay and optimization, but it’s a powerful tribute to the Deep South and Cajun folklore. The story, focusing on Hazel Flood’s quest to rescue her mother, sensitively explores the darker aspects of Southern culture. While it’s a good game with an enjoyable story and lovable characters, it falls slightly short of greatness due to its basic combat and lack of replay value. However, it’s still worth buying for its 12-hour playtime. At times, some areas in the game world felt empty, but I had a great time playing it and admired the creativity and passion behind its interpretation of Cajun folklore. I hope to see more games that accurately portray the often misunderstood culture of the American South.

2025-04-08 19:41