Second Time Around: South of Midnight

 

South of Midnight is a game I'm glad I keep returning to because it just keeps getting better, and better and better. Yes, the gameplay is still the same action-adventure-platforming you've played in other games. Double jump here, glide there; double dash here, slash there. What this game does is take all of those familiar elements and slaps them onto an adult Disney film about the pains we feel; the pains we cause; the pains we choose to carry with us; and the pains we choose to let ourselves heal from. It's gorgeous from the start to Chapter 6 which is where I'm at now. So come with me and check out some screens from this game and then head on over to GamePass and download this amazing title today.

The Graphics

This game is gorgeous. It's like playing through an animated Disney film for adults. You've got tall tales from the south playing a huge part in the story so all sorts of fantasy elements exist throughout the world. One such character is Catfish and the other is Two-Toed Tom. Catfish is who you free from the dark and sinister tree-man (or should I simply say the misunderstood man of the woods?) and Two-Toed Tom is a giant crocodile that just eats everything in sight, the nasty critter.

The environments and level design are awesome. Look everywhere, because there are collectibles hidden all around the environment and as you level up you gain new powers and those allow you access to other types of areas. Each level is layered with things above it, below it, and hidden all around it. Just hit the right analog stick to see which path you're supposed to go on and then sally forth down every pathway that it's not. You'll thank me later when you have plenty of floof to purchase upgrade and your maximum health is increased. 

The Story

This is the biggest reason to play South of Midnight. The story is absolutely gut-wrenching at times and the music is so top notch that it only makes everything better. Seriously, from climbing to the top of the tree man to rescue Catfish and hearing the wailing of the bully brother's lament to Two-Toed Tom's catchy boss fight theme music, this game will leave a lasting impression long after you've turned off the system. I'm not going to spoil anything here. When I do a final thoughts blog, we'll do a full spoiler run through there.

The End?

When I look back at my 1st impressions of the game, I'd say they were pretty right in the sense that the gameplay is fun but something you've done before. The gameplay is butter smooth in this title. This is a Triple A, big budget feel, adult animated feature that is right up there with Split Fiction for me. It is polished to perfection. The controls, the graphics, the story, the music, the sound effects...everything in this game is fucking brilliant. If human empathy and healing are not your bag--then this might not be the story for you. It does tackle some pretty difficult subjects and some pretty dark material. This is a game that could traumatize people with childhood traumas of bullies and parents, etc. 

In a world full of Live-Service bullshit and tacked on multiplayer garbage, South of Midnight is a breath of fresh air. It's hauntingly beautiful and has me wanting to revisit its dark, fantastical southern town full of Taley-Pos and giant spiders; gorgeous vistas and lush, flooded forests. Check this game out so that Microsoft knows these are the types of games we want. Impactful, story-driven, satisfyingly controlled video games that are polished, complete packages. Unless this game ends up steering towards a steep cliff and driving straight off, I'm thinking I might have another A+ game on my hands. We'll see soon when I beat the game and can post up my final thoughts.