Xbox Game Pass is getting a cracker of a new title here on day one as South of Midnight offers a brilliantly fresh console hit combining several classic gameplay tropesTech17:00, 03 Apr 2025South of MidnightThe art style of South of Midnight is worth the cover price alone, and thats not even considering the brilliantly unique storyline and wonderfully realised world.Built by Compulsion Games, this instant Xbox classic brings to life the mythology of the American Deep South like no title before it.Article continues belowAs such, it feels fresh and compelling, with a wonderful emotional exploration of love and loss, pain and healing.This is a third-person action-adventure game set in a fantastical version of the US South.As protagonist Hazel, the game tells a modern folktale that starts with a storm and your mum being lost as high waters wash away the family mobile home downriver.Its up to a determined Hazel, a bit of a prize runner as it happens, to chase after mum and try to save her.Then it gets all kinds of Alice in Wonderland, with our hero slowly learning shes a weaver who can heal the tangles of pain that create havoc just outside of normal vision.Youll meet weird and wacky talking creatures, as well as the unique locals, a giant meanie bosses - all to a beautiful backdrop of Southern-inspired lyrical music.There are elements of Infamous and Uncharted in the gameplayREAD MORE: Mario Kart 9: All we know about latest Nintendo racer ahead of Switch 2 eventGameplay combines various elements from other titles.Theres the puzzle platforming of Uncharted, complete with ledge traversing and wall climbing.Then theres the magic-inspired combat, which gave me Infamous vibes, as you battle dark monsters using a series of RPG-lite cool-down attacks mixed with a little Returnal.And the swordplay combos can feel like something mixed between an Assassins Creed and Soulslike game.Theres even wall running straight out of Titanfall.It all works really well together and the difficulty ramps up at a nice place so - while you will die - its not so frustrating that youll be throwing a controller against the wall.Over 10-12 hours, youll find your hero upgrading her weaver powers slowly with a Spider-Man style skills tree which results in epic boss battles occasionally with giant monsters, like crocs.But while the gameplay is good, its the storytelling and visual style that really elevates South of Midnight.Over 10-12 hours, youll find your hero upgrading her weaver powersREAD MORE: GameSir Super Nova review: An easy-to-use cable free versatile video game controllerThis is one of the very best looking games in Xbox, running at 4K 60FPS, with a stop-motion style of animation I dont think Ive ever seen before.Its done so well you cant help but fall in love with this amazing, lush part of America.Article continues belowPair that with incredible modern fairytale storytelling and a cast of excellent heroes and villains, all voiced to perfection by the actors - it really is something to see.Different, fun to play, with loads of collectibles to find and a deep story that pulls at the heart, South of Midnight is THE video gaming gem of the year so far.VERDICT 5/5