Compulsion Games introduces Story and Gameplay Insights for South of Midnight

A Big Day for Compulsion Games

Thursday, January 23, was a landmark moment for all of us at Compulsion Games. Not only did we get to showcase our upcoming title, South of Midnight, during Developer_Direct, but we also dropped some exciting news: the game is set to release on April 8, 2025, with early access kicking off on April 3. And if that wasn’t enough to get the excitement bubbling, we launched a brand-new story trailer that dives deeper into the game’s narrative, featuring fresh gameplay, intriguing characters, and some truly mythical creatures. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this—South of Midnight is available for pre-order now!

The Story of South of Midnight

So, what’s the story behind South of Midnight? Our trailer introduces us to Hazel, our brave protagonist, who finds herself and her mother preparing for an impending hurricane. As the storm rages on, it brings catastrophic flooding, sweeping their home away with her mother still inside. The aftermath reveals the fictional town of Prospero, eerily calm yet irrevocably changed by the hurricane’s destruction. This sets the stage for Hazel’s quest to find her mother, all while uncovering the secrets of her family’s lineage.

As players step into Hazel’s shoes, they’ll discover a world filled with fantastical phenomena. One of the standout moments? Meeting Catfish, a massive, talking creature who’s found himself stuck in a tree post-hurricane. Catfish reveals to Hazel that she is a Weaver, someone with magical abilities who can perceive the threads that connect us all—like a cosmic tapestry of fate. How cool is that?

Players will learn to harness Hazel’s powers, tackling challenges that range from conjuring past versions of objects to combat spells that help her defeat formidable foes. As our Game Director, Jasmin Roy, pointed out during Developer_Direct, mastering spells like “Push,” “Pull,” and “Weave” can turn the tide of battle. Imagine pulling distant enemies closer to unleash a melee combo or pushing them back to interrupt their attacks. Timing is everything, and strategy will be your best friend!

Behind Each Monster Lies a Haunting Past

Now, let’s talk about the creatures Hazel will encounter. The game features Haints—an enemy class that comes in various forms. Using her weaving powers, Hazel will unravel the corruption that plagues these creatures and restore the environment around them. And let’s not forget about Two-Toed Tom, the colossal blind albino alligator we teased in our gameplay reveal last year.

But that’s just scratching the surface! We’re also introducing Huggin’ Molly, a monstrous woman-spider inspired by Southern folklore. Picture this: her dress is a patchwork quilt made from children’s clothes, and she spins red yarn like a web. Legend has it that she roams the mountains, snatching up wayward children. But, as with all good legends, there are countless versions of her story. Plus, players will get a glimpse of The Rougarou, a shapeshifting were-owl lurking in the dark forests at the mountain’s edge.

A Love Letter to the South

The town of Prospero and its surroundings are a melting pot of Southern-inspired landscapes—think flooded countryside, murky swamps, and the Appalachian mountains. While the game is packed with mythical creatures drawn from Southern fairytales, at its core, South of Midnight is a heartfelt tale about family and healing. When it launches on April 8, 2025, players can expect a rich narrative experience blended seamlessly with third-person action, typically taking around 10-12 hours to complete.

We’re thrilled to share that press and creators worldwide will soon receive a pre-release build of South of Midnight to explore and share their impressions. Keep an eye on our channels for a special preview coming in February!

Get Ready to Start Your Adventure

Mark your calendars! South of Midnight will be available on April 8, 2025, across XBOX Series X|S, the Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, and the cloud. And if you’re itching to dive into this macabre and fantastical world a bit earlier, consider snagging the Premium Edition, which lets you play up to five days early and grants access to exclusive digital extras.

For those opting for the Standard Edition or playing with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC, you can upgrade to the Premium Edition anytime to unlock early access and those delightful extras. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

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South of Midnight Artbook

: A visual feast organized by story chapters, featuring character art, environmental designs, and behind-the-scenes commentary.

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Original Soundtrack

: Crafted by the visionary composer Olivier Deriviere, this soundtrack marries traditional Southern music with a dark, ethereal vibe, immersing players in the game’s haunting atmosphere.

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The Boo-Hag Digital Comic Book

: Teaming up with award-winning comic artist Rob Guillory, this comic dives into Hazel’s encounter with a notorious mythical creature from Deep South lore.

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Music Video: Songs & Tales of South of Midnight

: A visual compilation celebrating the diverse musical genres that shape the game’s soundtrack, all while weaving a cohesive narrative.

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Documentary: Weaving Hazel’s Journey, Director’s Cut

: Go behind the scenes with an extended look at the development of South of Midnight, featuring exclusive interviews and insights from our talented team.

Minimum PC Specs

If you’re planning to experience South of Midnight on PC, here are the minimum specs you’ll need:

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CPU

: AMD Ryzen 3 1300X / Intel i3-8100
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GPU

: AMD Radeon RX 580 / nVidia Geforce GTX 1060
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Memory

: 12 GB RAM
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Storage

: SSD required (55 GB install size)
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DirectX

: version 12

We can’t wait for you to embark on this adventure with us! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to launch.

Background Information

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About AMD:

AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Intel:

Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About nVidia:

NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming expertise, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

  

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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Geforce: Geforce is a line of graphics processing units (GPUs) developed by Nvidia. It is the most popular GPU used in the computer industry today. Geforce GPUs are used in gaming PCs, workstations, and high-end laptops. They are also used in virtual reality systems, artificial intelligence, and deep learning applications. Geforce GPUs are designed to deliver high performance and power efficiency, making them ideal for gaming and other demanding applications. They are also capable of rendering high-resolution graphics and providing smooth, realistic visuals. Geforce GPUs are used in a variety of applications, from gaming to professional workstations, and are the preferred choice for many computer users.

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GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.

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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation

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