Different kettle of Catfish.
From the moment Microsoft and Compulsion Games first teasedSouth of Midnightback in 2023, my interests have been piqued.
As soon asShakin' Bones began strumming on his guitar, I was left wanting to know more.
But, what is it actually like to play?
The entire world of South of Midnight is alive with natural energy.
Insects chirp, birds squawk, rabbits gamble around, alligators laze in the waters.
But, while the game itself has a wonderful atmosphere and setting, I do have some concerns.
But it is not just Hazel’s home life the hurricane has rather unexpectedly affected.
As Hazel makes her way through the world, it is clear there is something unusual going on.
There are also strange nightmarish creatures known as Haints popping up throughout the world.
These Haints appear when the very fabric of the universe is damaged by deep-rooted sorrows and trauma.
Yes, something otherworldly is afoot.
Much of this relied on Hazel’s recently acquired magical abilities, which are all themed around weaving.
I used this pulling and pushing technique with the other Haint variations I came across.
Each blow steadily whittled down the creature’s health.
But, here’s the thing.
But soon, the rhythm of using these techniques became a little underwhelming and predictable.
For those unfamiliar with them, bottle trees are intertwined with folk beliefs in the South.
It is said that a glass bottle placed on a tree can attract and capture evil spirits at night.
South of Midnight’s bottle trees follow a very similar premise.
“He was my brother, Benjy his name,” it began.
I am still singing it now.
I felt buoyed by my climb, and empowered.
Will this way of progressing begin to feel a little stale?
I guess we will have to wait and see on that one.
The world Compulsion has crafted here is a magical one, and it holds a real spark of promise.
