Introducing “South of Midnight,” an enthralling Southern Gothic monster adventure developed by Compulsion Games. This third-person action adventure takes place in a captivating realm brimming with magic, monstrous creatures, and blues-playing skeletons of colossal proportions. The initial trailer provides a cinematic glimpse into the narrative, featuring the determined protagonist, a young woman named Hazel, as she confronts an immortal apparition on a shadowy dock. Hazel embarks on a perilous quest to hunt down a fearsome creature, or perhaps it hunts her, as the trailer ominously suggests. Armed with luminous threads of enchantment, she wields the power of magic.
“South of Midnight” is currently under development for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with a release planned for Steam, as well as inclusion in the Game Pass lineup upon launch. Compulsion Games, known for their previous titles “We Happy Few” and “Contrast,” is a Canadian studio that joined forces with Xbox in 2018.
Immersed in a fictional town situated in the southern United States, “South of Midnight” seamlessly blends magical realism into its gameplay. Creative director David Sears aptly describes the game as a Southern Gothic love letter, showcasing the studio’s admiration for the genre.
The pivotal mechanic in the game revolves around Hazel’s mastery of a unique form of magic known as Weaving. This ability not only enables her to engage in combat but also allows her to traverse the expansive world. Hailing from the small fictional town of Prospero, Hazel assumes the role of a “protector.” Her duty encompasses not only hunting down supernatural creatures that roam the South but also repairing the ruptures in reality that serve as gateways for these menacing beasts. Drawing inspiration from Southern folklore, the game incorporates a significant musical presence, featuring blues, gospel, and folk music.
While discussing the protagonist, it is worth noting that Hazel is a young Black woman, a representation that remains regrettably uncommon in the realm of video games, as acknowledged by Sears. He further emphasized the importance of portraying her character with authenticity and understanding, necessitating the inclusion of Black women and women of color on the narrative team. This approach ensures a thoughtful and empathetic portrayal of Hazel’s voice within the game.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Southern Gothic monster adventure
What is “South of Midnight”?
“South of Midnight” is a Southern Gothic monster adventure game developed by Compulsion Games. It follows the story of Hazel, a young Black woman, as she hunts supernatural creatures using magic and music in a fictional town in the southern United States.
What platforms will “South of Midnight” be available on?
“South of Midnight” is being developed for Xbox Series X/S and PC, including a release on Steam. Additionally, it will be available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day.
What is the central mechanic in the game?
The central mechanic in “South of Midnight” is called Weaving. It is a form of magic that Hazel, the protagonist, practices. Weaving is used for combat against supernatural creatures and for traveling around the game world.
Is there a specific release date for “South of Midnight”?
As of now, the exact release date for “South of Midnight” has not been announced. It is currently in development, and further details regarding the release date will be revealed in due course.
How does “South of Midnight” incorporate Southern Gothic elements?
“South of Midnight” is infused with magical realism and draws inspiration from Southern folklore. It features a fictional town in the southern United States, and the game’s atmosphere, narrative, and music are designed to evoke the themes and atmosphere of Southern Gothic storytelling.
What makes the protagonist, Hazel, unique?
Hazel is a young Black woman, which is still a relatively rare representation for video game protagonists. The development team aimed to bring authenticity and understanding to her character by ensuring the inclusion of Black women and women of color on the narrative team. This approach aims to provide a fresh perspective and a deeper level of complexity to Hazel’s story.
More about Southern Gothic monster adventure
- Official Website of Compulsion Games
- Xbox Wire – South of Midnight Announcement
- Xbox Game Pass
- Steam Store
- Summer Game Fest
4 comments
Wow, “South of Midnight” sounds super cool! A Southern Gothic monster adventure with magic, monsters, and blues-playing skeletons? Count me in! Can’t wait to see Hazel in action and experience the unique world created by Compulsion Games.
Finally, a game with a Black woman protagonist! It’s about time we see more diversity in video game characters. Kudos to Compulsion Games for taking the initiative and representing different voices and experiences. I’m excited to see how they bring Hazel’s story to life.
Weaving magic as the central mechanic? That’s a fresh and intriguing concept. I love games that incorporate unique gameplay elements like this. And with the infusion of Southern folklore and music, “South of Midnight” promises to be a captivating and immersive experience. Can’t wait to explore the Southern United States in this dark and magical adventure!
Xbox Game Pass is such a fantastic deal! I’m glad “South of Midnight” will be available on launch day. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting games to try out. Compulsion Games has delivered some great titles in the past, so I have high hopes for this one. Bring on the magic, monsters, and immersive storytelling!