Compulsion Games, the studio under Xbox Game Studios and behind We Happy Few, announced South of Midnight at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, and since then fans have been waiting to hear more about it. The developer finally released a gameplay trailer at the latest showcase.
The brand-new gameplay trailer shows the unique and lively world of the game, which is set in the American Deep South. However, there is a debate going on about the approach of the developer to frames in the game, and if not taken care of, the franchise may not get the hoped reception.
South of Midnight Gets Its First Gameplay Trailer but Fans Aren’t Exactly Ecstatic
Xbox and developer Compulsion Games released a just-over-four-minute gameplay preview at Xbox Games Showcase. The trailer gave fans a first look at the in-game world of the Deep South of the United States and introduced the protagonist, Hazel, and one of the game’s monsters.
South of Midnight is a third-person action-adventure title and will be coming to the Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass in 2025. We got a glimpse at the magical gameplay twist and the stunning Gothic aesthetic that makes the whole world lively.
While fans are happy to see the unique in-game world, they are debating over the lower frame rates in cutscenes. As per the trailer, the frame rates in the cutscenes are janky, and it seems to be intentional, and fans are not happy with it when the gameplay is set at 60 fps.
#southofmidnight seems like a good concept thats not done baking. Very frame-y scenes.
— OG Xanos 💙 (@OGXanos) June 9, 2024
This might take time for fans to get used to switching between lower frame rates in cutscenes and fluid 60 FPS gameplay. It could also spell disaster for the title, as fans have said the concept is very good, but the cutscenes are “very frame-y.”
South of Midnight looks interesting, and I appreciate the artistic choice of drop-frame animation, but when you get the same sort of look from a *broken* game, I'm just not convinced that animation style works for games. #Xbox
— John (@jhanan) June 10, 2024
Many have said that the lower frames have put them off, but they hope that there is some option to toggle the framerate on and off. Fans have also said they understand the artistic choice and approach with lower frames, but this animation style may not work for such games.
Apart From the Frames, the Game Seems to Get Things Right
South of Midnight has a good story that follows Hazel as she gets powers of weaving, which is a magical ability that lets her rework the energy of broken spirits and use it. The protagonist is looking for her mother, who has disappeared after a disaster.
She will come across various monsters that she has to deal with before she goes any further. The gameplay looks thrilling, and Hazel’s abilities, like using the Weaver sailcloth for gliding, make it worthwhile.
The gameplay also shows Hazel dodging attacks and slashing an enemy with what appears to be magical daggers before the land turns lively with beautiful plants and flowers. The mix of folklore and magical abilities in the game is getting many excited about it.
However, the developer will have to do something before the lower frames damage the game anymore. What are your thoughts about South of Midnight? Let us know in the comments.
