A preview of the third chapter of *South of Midnight* showcases its enchanting visuals and captivating soundtrack inspired by Southern U.S. folklore. Players take on the role of Hazel, who heals mythical creatures using her abilities. While the gameplay features familiar mechanics, including platforming and combat, there is potential for more variety in future chapters. Overall, the game impresses with its artistic vision and atmosphere, leaving players eagerly anticipating its final release.
Preview conditions: We delved into the third chapter of the game on the Xbox Series X, enjoying around 2 hours of gameplay. Please note that this version is still under development, and details may evolve before the final release.
A Captivating Artistic Vision
Our journey through the third chapter offered a glimpse into the enchanting world of the game. While we won’t disclose the entire narrative, this segment introduced us to Hazel’s pivotal role in healing the ailments of mythical creatures using her newfound abilities.
Although it’s challenging to assess the narrative depth after such a brief experience, we found the initial impressions quite promising. The character of Hazel, along with the few other individuals we encountered, piqued our interest, and we look forward to further development once we have the complete game.
The character design is likely to evoke mixed reactions among players due to its distinctive artistic style, which diverges from conventional aesthetics.
On our end, we were thoroughly impressed by both the character designs and the meticulous attention given to the environments. South of Midnight embraces a unique artistic flair rather than relying solely on high-quality textures or cutting-edge technology. Compulsion Games has crafted a mesmerizing atmosphere in this magical bayou, where swamps, alligators, ruined cabins, and fantastical creatures coexist. It truly feels like a breath of fresh air.
The stop-motion technique used in cutscenes adds a charming, handcrafted vibe that enhances the overall experience.
Complementing these visual elements is a captivating soundtrack. Inspired by Southern U.S. folklore, the music, composed by the talented Olivier Derivière, is a true auditory delight. Initially subtle, the score intensifies throughout the chapter, evolving from gentle whispers to melodious songs, culminating in a breathtaking symphony that narrates the story of the mythical creature we aim to heal.
Familiar Gameplay and Structure
While we were enchanted by the game’s visual and auditory aspects, our feelings towards the gameplay and structure are more reserved. They are not inherently flawed, but they do adhere to familiar conventions without introducing groundbreaking elements.
The structure of South of Midnight can be organized into three main components. First, we have platforming sequences that allow players to combine various mechanics for progression. In the chapter we explored, Hazel could execute jumps, double jumps, and eventually unlock abilities like gliding and wall running.
As we gradually acquire these skills, we hope for even more diverse mechanics to keep the gameplay fresh. It would be disappointing to exhaust all platforming options by the third chapter, leading to a repetitive experience until the game’s conclusion.
The second notable component is the combat, characterized by arena battles scattered throughout the levels, requiring players to eliminate all enemies to advance.
Using a controller, we engaged with various enemy types, each featuring distinct attack patterns. The simultaneous assaults from foes created a sense of urgency, which could also lead to moments of confusion.
Defensive maneuvers involve attacking, dodging, and utilizing skills governed by cooldowns. For this preview, we had access to three skills: one to pull an enemy closer, another to push them away, and a third to immobilize foes.
While these mechanics may not be particularly innovative, the skill tree suggests a range of additional abilities, each capable of multiple upgrades. We hope for a rich variety in Hazel’s combat moves in the final release to ensure a dynamic experience.
The last aspect of the game’s structure relates to its narrative. Players collect echoes that present brief scenes, offering insights into the story and origin of the mythical creature we encountered. This gameplay element drew parallels to Kena, which features a similar loop.
While we encountered minor technical glitches, such as animals appearing frozen mid-air or inaccuracies when jumping between platforms, we recognize that the game remains a work in progress.
In conclusion, our first impressions of South of Midnight are overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its visual and auditory craftsmanship. We appreciate the gameplay concept and structural design but hope for refreshing elements throughout the adventure, including new movement mechanics, enemy types, and skills. The outlook remains bright, and we eagerly await more from this exciting new title.