"South of Midnight could be the thrilling action adventure B that Xbox really needs."

Compulsion Games, based in Montreal and acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has been developing South of Midnight. This gothic and fantastical adventure is set in a fictional town in the deep American South called Prospero and follows the story of Hazel, a high school graduate who loses her mother during a storm on her way to college. This tragic event sets off a folktale that could offer one of the most unique visual and auditory experiences in the realm of video games this year. Although the game does not reinvent gameplay, it presents a polished finish in terms of platforming, combat, and exploration.

In its first title under Microsoft's wing, South of Midnight demonstrates that the company has made sound investments in its acquisition. This game is presented as a mid-budget production, with an approximate length of ten to twelve hours, but the gameplay experience in its third chapter suggests a much larger scale. At this point in the game, Hazel has developed powers as a "Weaver," a healer of broken bonds and spirits, and embarks on a mission to rescue her mother while exploring the family history related to the Weavers, all while battling malevolent creatures known as Haints.

The territory has been corrupted by evil beings and thorny vines, areas Hazel must traverse using magical hooks to defeat enemies. The demonstration begins in chapter three, featuring a platforming section where various movement mechanics such as running, jumping, climbing, and executing directional changes while fighting can be experienced. Although it does not offer significant innovations to the action-adventure genre, the current mechanics feel agile and precise.

In this chapter, Hazel's main task is to free Catfish, a large catfish that is imprisoned by a giant tree fused with a human being. To accomplish this, players must collect spirits encapsulated in blue glass bottles while uncovering the tragic story behind the existence of this singular human tree. The narrative is enriched by a soundtrack that accompanies the story much like a Greek Chorus, adding a unique musical quality to the experience.

When not jumping between platforms or interacting with characters, Hazel confronts the Haints using her crochet hooks. The combat is straightforward yet dynamic and fun. The controls allow players to chain attacks and execute dodges or parries with good timing. Additionally, players can attract and push enemies, purifying them for extra health.

One of the most impressive aspects of the game is its visuals, thanks to the use of Unreal Engine 5. This work features a visual style reminiscent of stop-motion animation, similar to productions like Coraline. The fluidity of the animation, running at 60 frames per second, combines captivating art with impressive visual effects.

Sound also plays a crucial role in the experience. The soundtrack, filled with banjos and percussion, integrates with the narrative, while sound effects add realistic nuances to the environment and combat actions. Furthermore, the performance by actress Adriyan Rae as Hazel is noteworthy, and Catfish's Cajun accent adds authenticity to the dialogues.

In conclusion, South of Midnight stands out as one of the most distinctive releases of the year. Its stop-motion-inspired animation and a soundtrack that brings the game world to life suggest that this title effectively combines style and substance. If the rest of the game maintains this quality, it could become one of the most interesting offerings in the realm of video games.