Compulsion Games has already demonstrated their ability to craft visually captivating and engaging game worlds through titles like Contrast and We Happy Few. Their latest project, South of Midnight, excels not only in aesthetics but also in gameplay, inviting players into a magical Deep South that is both enjoyable to explore and perfect for confronting evil.

South of Midnight introduces a delightful and quirky companion, a unique addition that many games overlook. Meet Crouton, a charming magical ragdoll who adds a layer of cuteness and gameplay versatility to this adventurous journey.

With such a goofy character like Crouton, I couldn’t resist the appeal. However, Compulsion Games goes beyond relying solely on South of Midnight’s eccentric characters and stunning visuals. During a gameplay session, I was thoroughly impressed by the engaging combat, the intricate, secret-filled landscapes, and the compelling writing.

South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure title set to release on Xbox Series X and Windows PC this April. Players will embody Hazel, a young woman whose hometown, Prospero, has been altered forever by a hurricane. In the wake of this disaster, Hazel is called to become a Weaver, a magic-wielding heroine with a versatile set of powers. By manipulating magical strands, she conjures spells to fight malevolent creatures, create climbable structures, surmount obstacles, and navigate through the air. She even possesses the ability to run along walls, reminiscent of a Titanfall pilot, as she journeys through a fragmented Southern Gothic realm.

The enchantment of South of Midnight extends far beyond Hazel herself. Throughout the game, she will encounter ancestral spirits and engage with fantastical beings, including a giant friendly catfish. These interactions, along with Hazel’s own internal monologue, serve as key storytelling elements.

In my recent hands-on gameplay experience, it appeared that Hazel was still mastering her combat and movement techniques, reflecting her character’s growth. She can utilize strands to push and pull enemies or temporarily stun them. As I discovered collectible resources known as Floofs—quirky names given by Hazel to the unusual items she finds—I was able to enhance her abilities. Upgrading her spell-weaving skills allows her to deflect projectiles, drain health from adversaries, and deal increased damage to incapacitated foes.

South of Midnight’s game director, Jasmin Roy, explained that the combat system is designed to progress and intensify throughout the game. Most of Hazel’s fundamental attacks require a single button press, but managing her placement during fights, executing precise dodges, and monitoring cooldown timers ensures that battles retain a strategic depth. Importantly, the game offers varying difficulty levels; if combat becomes too challenging, players can choose to skip it or switch to a mode that emphasizes narrative and exploration instead.

Navigating the swamps and abandoned villages in South of Midnight is both enjoyable and intriguing. Like any compelling protagonist, Hazel earns abilities such as double jumping, gliding, climbing, and wall running. The developers at Compulsion have cleverly hidden numerous secrets and Floofs all around the environment, making the exploration deeply engaging. Even during my brief gameplay session, I was eager to hunt down every Floof I could find.

Crouton also plays a vital role in the journey. While I didn’t get far enough in the game to utilize him, Hazel eventually gains the ability to summon Crouton, who can assist both in combat and exploration. In fight scenarios, Crouton can possess enemies, referred to as Haints, to fight alongside Hazel. His small size allows him to access areas Hazel cannot reach, and I was shown footage of him navigating through a fox den’s tunnels, where mysteries and collectibles might await while Hazel stayed outside.

While the movement and combat mechanics evoke elements from other games like Devil May Cry, Metroid Prime, and Titanfall, the blend of “Southern Gothic with dark folktales” that Compulsion aims to achieve in South of Midnight feels refreshingly distinctive among higher-budget titles. Art director Whitney Clayton shared that the team drew inspiration from their Southern roots, as well as literature and film—such as The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Pan’s Labyrinth, Beasts of the Southern Wild, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Clayton explained that the developers incorporated themes of decay in America, quirky rural characters, Southern storytelling traditions, and the complexities of the South’s history, all wrapped in Compulsion’s signature exaggerated stylism. The animation itself is notably stylized, characterized by a stop-motion-like movement. (Players can opt to disable this stylistic feature, should they prefer.)

At its core, South of Midnight presents a poignant story. Writer and narrative director Zaire Lanier characterized it as a “very human narrative” focusing on the relationship between a mother and daughter. “While the game tackles significant themes, our aim is to maintain an empathetic tone,” Lanier explained. The design encourages players to form a connection with Hazel, crafted as a compassionate and relatable character who embarks on the classic hero’s journey throughout the linear narrative lasting about 10 to 12 hours.

South of Midnight undoubtedly captures the essence of its setting. As someone acquainted with the Southern landscape, I was enveloped in the game’s atmospheric world, lush with kudzu and Spanish moss. The audio, featuring the persistent sounds of frogs and cicadas, transports players to an authentic experience that is surprisingly well-crafted given that Compulsion is based in Montreal. Clearly, the developers behind South of Midnight are committed to bringing Hazel’s story to life, and I look forward to delving deeper into it this spring.

Mark your calendars: South of Midnight is set for release on April 8 for Windows PC and Xbox Series X.