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Bloodthirsty Infected Await: ‘Flesh Made Fear’ Coming to Steam Q4 2025!

[Wiesbaden, Germany – 12th February 2025] – Assemble Entertainment is excited to announce the acquisition of a new and blood-laced survival horror experience Flesh Made Fear for PC Steam, releasing Q4 2025. A masterful and accomplished setting where flesh-seeking infected roam the streets looking for their prey, where the quest for the living and the dead plunges to new depths!! All set in a haunted world where twisted experiments and occultist nightmares bring a new dimension to the genre, that will have fans wanting more.

Flesh Made Fear is the terrifying brainchild of Michael Cosio, a California-based developer with an unrelenting passion for horror movies and games. Renowned for crafting immersive indie horror experiences, Michael is the creative force behind titles such as Terror at Oakheart, Suffer the Night, Weeping Falls Massacre, and Meat Saw—all available on Steam.

Descend into the madness of Flesh Made Fear

Flesh Made Fear is a blood-soaked love letter to the PSX-era of survival horror. It revives the genre’s intricate puzzles, pulse-pounding combat, and suffocating dread. But this isn’t just a nostalgic tribute—modern controls sharpen the experience, immersive cinematics pull you deeper into the nightmare, and a relentlessly gripping story will keep you teetering on the edge until the bitter end. You step into the boots of a Reaper Intervention Platoon (R.I.P.) operative—a member of a covert task force sent to stop the infamous Victor “The Dripper” Ripper.

Once a brilliant CIA agent, now a deranged architect of horror, Ripper has transformed a forgotten town into a grotesque slaughterhouse, where mind-warped infected and nightmarish creations lurk in the shadows. Your mission is clear: hunt Ripper, unravel his darkest secrets, and survive his mansion-turned-laboratory of terror. But in a world where reality itself is twisted, the real question is—can you trust what you see?

Choose Your Weapon: Two Playable Characters

Players can choose between two characters to take on the infected hoards. Each character’s unique stats and story arcs add re-playability. Jack is a resourceful survivor, balancing determination and ingenuity as he battles through a nightmarish world of terror. His companion Natalie cuts through the chaos with wit, determination and unrivalled stamina. Together they face an array of grotesque creatures born of Ripper’s experiments.

Equip yourself with weapons ranging from pistols to flamethrowers, all with limited ammo to test your skills and resourcefulness.

And the Creatures…

In Flesh Made Fear, the deranged surgeon Victor “The Dripper” Ripper has unleashed a waking nightmare upon the town. His grotesque experiments—an unholy fusion of psychoactive torment and occult rituals—have transformed the townspeople into monstrous, mindless slaves. Neither fully alive nor truly dead, these wretched puppets lurk in the shadows, their warped bodies twitching with unnatural hunger. Their hollow eyes see nothing, yet they hunt with relentless intent. Every encounter is a descent into madness, every corner a battleground for survival. Can you endure the horrors that await, or will you become another twisted creation of The Dripper?

Gameplay Features

Modern Innovations Breathe New Life into Classic Survival Horror

  • Fixed and Dynamic Camera Angles: Experience the tension of classic fixed angles with smooth transitions to modern rail and follow cameras.
  • Limited Saves: Collect items to save your progress strategically.
  • Inventory Management: Choose carefully what to carry with limited inventory slots and safe room storage.
  • Puzzle-Driven Narrative: Solve intricate puzzles that blend with the story to unlock hidden areas and secrets.

Set to push the boundaries of survival horror with Flesh Made Fear, this visionary project aims to redefine the genre for a new generation. Stay connected for exclusive news,  trailers, updates, and behind-the-scenes content as this chilling new nightmare is brought to life throughout 2025 until its release.

About Assemble Entertainment

Based in Wiesbaden, Germany, Assemble Entertainment is an independent games publisher founded by Stefan Marcinek in 2016. Known for its diverse and highly praised indie games, Assemble has published titles such as Roadwarden, Sticky Business, Lacuna, and Orbital Bullet.

About Tainted Pact

Tainted Pact is a solo game developer from California with an unwavering passion for horror movies and games. Tainted Pact is the developer behind several indie horror games including Flesh Made Fear, Terror at Oakheart, Suffer the Night, Weeping Falls Massacre, and Meat Saw.

CALLING ALL SQUIRES! THE KNIGHTLING’S FIRSTDEMO IS NOW AVAILABLE ON STEAM

Bash, dash, jump and slide with a giant magic shield in the opening chapter of this enchanting fantasy action-adventure game

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.Feb. 12, 2025 — Saber Interactive and indie developer Twirlbound are delighted to reveal that the first worldwide demo for The Knightling, a new fantasy action-adventure game featuring exploration, questing, combat and platforming, is now available on Steam, just in time for Steam Next Fest later this month! Wield a massive shield and experience the opening chapter of this epic journey of bravery and heroism, officially launching this year on PC via Steam, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

When Sir Lionstone, the legendary protector of the great city of Clesseia, mysteriously disappears, it’s up to his plucky knight-in-training to take up his magic shield, become the champion the people need, and find Sir Lionstone before it’s too late. Explore a vibrant semi-open world, battle monsters, miscreants and bandits, and unlock the extraordinary powers of Sir Lionstone’s mighty shield. Don’t forget — all heroes start small!

In The Knightling’s new demo, you’ll run, jump, slide and fight with your trusty shield while kicking off the game’s main story and exploring the world of Clesseia for the first time. Learn the ins and outs of platforming and combat, using your shield to traverse the realm with ease while harnessing its might to block, bash and parry enemies. Gather your courage and prove that even the smallest among us can make a difference!

The Knightling will officially release later this year on PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Wishlist the game today on Steam, the PlayStation™ Store, and the Microsoft Store!

For more information, visit www.theknightling.com, and follow along with the latest news and updates on Twitter/X, Facebook and Discord.

About Saber Interactive

Saber Interactive is a worldwide publisher and developer consisting of 13 studios in the Americas and Europe. Creating games for all major platforms based on original and licensed IPs, Saber’s titles include Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Jurassic Park: Survival, Turok: Origins, World War Z, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead, SnowRunner, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game and RoadCraft. Founded in 2001, Saber is known for two decades of development partnerships with leading developers and publishers, including producing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for Nintendo Switch, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Crysis Remastered, and many others. Learn more at https://saber.games.

About Twirlbound

Based in Breda, The Netherlands, Twirlbound was founded in 2013 by Marc Peyré and Matthijs van de Laar while in game dev school. Since releasing their award-winning debut game, Pine, the small indie team continues their quest to develop high-end action adventure games set in gorgeous open worlds, ready to be explored by players of all ages. They are currently working on the adventure-platformer The Knightling, set to release in 2025.

Take your game to the third dimension with ChessFinity; Steam PC demo available to download

Learn how the world’s most popular board game is being redefined; check out the demo trailer and gain access to the ‘Game Night’ multiplayer early access soon!

London, UK – 12 February, 2025. Following two years in development, publisher and developer Chessfinity Ltd. today proudly announces that its inaugural game, ChessFinity – a modern PC interpretation of chess, is available to try out now by clicking on the demo link below.

Wishlist on Steam, here

Part of Steam Next Fest 24 Feb – 3 March 2025

Expanding chess into the third dimension and supporting 3+ players, ChessFinity offers a diverse array of game modes, extensive player customisation, and online or local multiplayer options. Whether you are a veteran eager to expand your skillset or new to the game, ChessFinity provides any player with a flexible platform for strategic gameplay.

“We’ve spent the last few years evolving ideas that take the classic game of chess and spin it into something fresh, dynamic and ever expanding. Now were not stopping,” says Chessfinity Ltd.’s co-founder Alex Teslenko. “We want to continue on this exciting journey… that means new ways to play, fresh game modes, and a growing world of strategic twists. Chess is just the first step. We want to break, rebuild, and redefine classic mechanics across the gaming landscape, while keeping ChessFinity thriving with updates, challenges and surprises.”

What makes ChessFinity truly stand out from the crowd, however, is the nature of its unique 3D gameplay, where players can manoeuvre pieces across multiple levels allowing for unprecedented strategic depth. Whether you simply want to play in classic 1v1 duels, team-based matches, or even larger free-for-all games in local or online multiplayer, ChessFinity has something to offer the casual player or a budding Grand Master.

Key Features of ChessFinity:

  • 3D Gameplay – Move pieces across multiple levels for new strategic depth
  • 4-Player Chess – Play 2v2 battles with layered boards
  • Mana Chess Mode – A strategy game twist where you summon pieces with mana like a deck-builder
  • Modded Mode – Customize the board, pieces, and deck-builder mechanics for a new way to play
  • Customisation – Select 2D or 3D chess pieces, board display size/spacing and background colour

About Chessfinity Ltd
Chessfinity Ltd. is a small indie dev team and publisher founded in December 2022. Based in London, England the company has spent the last few years evolving ideas that take the classic game of chess and spun it into something fresh, dynamic and ever expanding. The plan is to continue on this exciting journey, including creating new ways to play, fresh game modes, and a growing world of strategic twists. 

RISE OF INDUSTRY 2 SHOWS OFF ALL-NEW GAMEPLAY AHEAD OF PLAYABLE DEMO

Leicester, UK – 12th February 2025. Kasedo Games and SomaSim have today revealed a new developer walkthrough video providing the most in-depth look yet at their upcoming business tycoon sequel, Rise of Industry 2, coming this summer to Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5.

The new developer walkthrough showcases a range of new and returning features that wannabe business moguls will get to grips with throughout Rise of Industry 2. From dealing with investors, to hiring staff, to buying land and researching the latest tech that businesses need to boost the bottom line, new and returning players will be able to get a flavour of what is to come.

PC players won’t have to wait much longer to get a hands-on experience of the game with a playable demo being released for Steam Next Fest later this month. The demo experience shows off the tutorial and all-new campaign mode with a scenario based in Cleveland, USA, where players will have the choice of starting out making carbon steel or glass. Buy in the raw materials, start a self-sustainable mining complex, or a mixture of both – it’s all about what makes more money.

Wishlist Rise of Industry 2 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5 by visiting RiseofIndustry.com.

ABOUT KASEDO GAMES

Kasedo Games work closely together with enthusiastic & talented indie developers from around the world to publish ‘Triple I’ titles that players will love.

Through our vast knowledge of producing, PR, marketing and distribution, we always strive for quality games made by quality indie teams and we understand that every game and every studio has different requirements. The support, creative freedom and platform we provide means we can make great games happen without forgetting their roots. Titles under the Kasedo label include: ‘IXION, ‘City of Gangsters’, Recipe for Disaster’, ‘Filament’, ‘Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus’, ‘Rise of Industry’, ‘Project Highrise’ and ‘Crowntakers’. www.kasedogames.com

PlayStation State of Play broadcast returns tomorrow, Thursday 13 February

PlayStation Australia is excited to announce that State of Play is back tomorrow, 13 February (AEDT)! State of Play is PlayStation’s video program, showcasing all the latest updates, announcements and new trailers from the world of PlayStation in a livestream format. 

Tune in live for news and updates on great games coming to PS5. The show celebrates a creative and unique selection of exciting games from studios around the world.

The 40+ minute show begins Thursday, 13 February at 9am AEDT on YouTube and Twitch, and will be broadcast in English and Japanese.

Head to the PlayStation blog to learn more.

For the latest PlayStation news, follow PlayStation Australia on FacebookTwitterYouTube, and Instagram

Fast wheels and dark deals arrive from 26 February in The War Within Undermine(d)

The wait will soon be over: Undermine(d), the highly anticipated 11.1 content update for World of Warcraft, arrives with the completion of regional maintenance from 26 February AEDT / UTC+8!

Dive into the goblin capital of Undermine, a vibrant and chaotic hub of intrigue, explosions, and unexpected alliances as The War Within story continues. As part of this exciting update, players can look forward to:

  • The War Within’s Next Chapter: Unite goblin cartels to stop Gallywix and uncover his mysterious connection to Xal’atath.
  • Dynamic Travel with D.R.I.V.E.: Introducing the G-99 Breakneck, a customisable hot rod designed for high-speed street domination.
  • Liberation of Undermine: A chaotic 8-boss raid leading players through the streets of Undermine, culminating in an epic showdown at Gallywix’s headquarters.
  • Operation: Floodgate: A 4-boss dungeon where you’ll race against time to prevent a catastrophic dam collapse within the Ringing Deeps.
  • New Delves: Explore Excavation Site 9 and Sidestreet Sluice, plus updated variants for existing delves alongside Brann Bronzebeard who gains a new tank specialisation.
  • PvP Arena – Cage of Carnage: Prove your mettle in a confined, trap-laden combat zone.
  • Goblin Cartel Dynamics: Align with one of four cartels—Steamwheedle, Blackwater, Bilgewater, or Venture Company—for unique weekly experiences.
  • Rewards and more: New raid-tier sets, Mythic+ dungeon rotation updates, and more await with (mother)loads of new rewards!

For more information on what’s coming in Undermine(d), check out the World of Warcraft website blog post here.

Build Something You Believe In: Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Now Available Worldwide

The next chapter in the critically-acclaimed, best-selling 4X strategy game franchise is available today!

Sydney, Australia – February 12, 2025 – 2K and Firaxis Games today announced Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII is now available worldwide. The revolutionary new chapter in the storied and esteemed strategy game franchise, which has sold-in more than 73 million copies worldwide, is available on consoles and PC simultaneously for the first time in franchise history, including PlayStation®5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo™ Switch, PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, and Mac and Linux via Steam. Civilization VII – VR, which was recently announced at the Civ World Summit, is scheduled to launch in Winter 2025; more information on Civilization VII – VR can be found here.

“This is an incredibly special moment for 2K as we launch Civilization VII, a game that honours and elevates the legacy of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history,” said Catharina Lavers Mallet, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Core Games at 2K. “The partnership with Firaxis, a team whose creativity and dedication are unmatched, is set to deliver another groundbreaking hit that will captivate fans old and new.”

Civilization VII is a key piece of our creative identity at Firaxis, with a passionate team that pushes the very boundaries of what strategy games can achieve,” said Heather Hazen, Studio Head of Firaxis Games. “We’ve crafted the most expansive and ambitious Civilization game yet, and want to express our deepest gratitude to the Civ community that has grown with us over the years. It’s time to embark on this new journey together and Build Something We Believe In.”

In Civilization VII, strategic decisions shape the unique cultural lineage of an evolving empire. You rule as one of many legendary leaders from throughout history and steer the course of your story by choosing a new civilization to represent your empire in each Age of human advancement. Construct cities and architectural wonders to expand territory, improve civilization with technological breakthroughs, and conquer or cooperate with rival civilizations as you explore the far reaches of the unknown world. Pursue prosperity in an immersive solo experience or play with others in online multiplayer.*

Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is PG. Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Online play and features require an Internet connection and 2K Account (minimum age varies). On Xbox, PlayStation, and PC up to five players supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages, and up to eight players supported in the Modern Age. On Nintendo Switch, up to four players are supported in the Antiquity & Exploration Ages, and up to six players supported in the Modern Age in games. Map size restrictions may apply to certain cross-play multiplayer games. More info available here: https://2kgam.es/Civ7FAQ. Console online play on Xbox and PlayStation requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe.  We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, and Zynga.  Our products are designed for console gaming systems, PC, and mobile, including smartphones and tablets.  We deliver our products through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services.  The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.  For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K; renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin®️ as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2K.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, including statements relating to Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.’s (“Take-Two,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or similar pronouns) outlook, are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including risks relating to our combination with Zynga Inc.; the risks of conducting business internationally, including as a result of unforeseen geopolitical events; the impact of changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; factors affecting our mobile business, such as player acquisition costs; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; and the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games.

Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Stunt Flyer coming soon to Nintendo Switch

Stunt Flyer, an arcade flight game starring aerial stuntmen, will be released on Nintendo Switch on February 14. Players can enjoy 3 charming islands and 40 heavily varied missions. Stunt Flyer was first released in 2011 for Nintendo Wii. On Nintendo Switch, the game offers, among other things, enhanced graphics, improved controls and a split-screen co-op mode. In 2025, Stunt Flyer will also hit PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

Stunt Flyer is an arcade flight game developed by independent Australian studio Torus Games. The title was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2011. Ultimate Games S.A. is responsible for developing and releasing the game on Nintendo Switch.

Stunt Flyer | Nintendo Switch Trailer

Stunt Flyer (Nintendo eShop): https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/stunt-flyer-switch

In Stunt Flyer, players will find 40 different missions on 3 islands. The title is distinguished by charming and colorful graphics, as well as positive mood and humor.

The gameplay is based on completing various missions. Among other things, the player takes part in races and aerial acrobatics. An aerial stuntman must fly through hovering rings and under bridges, avoid obstacles, glide over water and perform barrel rolls and other spectacular stunts.

Available missions also include, for example, target shooting and hidden treasure hunts. As you progress and earn special badges, you can also unlock various add-ons and new types of aircraft (such as a jet and a UFO).

The Nintendo Switch version of Stunt Flyer features better graphics and improved and more intuitive controls. The game also offers split-screen co-op.

Stunt Flyer – main features:

  • arcade flight game;
  • racing and aerial acrobatics;
  • 40 missions on 3 islands;
  • improved graphics and improved controls;
  • split-screen co-op mode.

The release date for Stunt Flyer on Nintendo Switch consoles is set for February 14, 2025. The game will also be released this year on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Steel yourself for a ruthless adventure of risk and reward

Legacy: Steel and Sorcery storms into Early Access on Steam 

Irvine, United States — February 12, 2025 | Welcome to Mithrigarde – a world that seemed lost to darkness, is now bursting with treasures ripe for the taking. Join the adventurers flooding the verdant lands of Legacy: Steel & Sorcery to loot lost treasures, brave the darkest dungeons and, most importantly make it out alive. The daring multiplayer title from Notorious Studios launches into Early Access today.

The ambitious next step for lovers of the MMO and RPG genres alike, this fantasy Extraction title sees players choose from a line-up of fantasy classes and dive weapons drawn into the monster-infested world Legacy has created. Each session is a truly open, instanced world, where precious spoils could lie around every corner. But, so too could fanged monsters guarding their hordes, or other players ready to steal the hard-earned treasure of others.

Utilising recognisable classes such as the Warrior and Rogue, Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is designed to welcome MMO and RPG players to the Extraction genre with open arms – or, rather, openly armed enemies. After selecting their class they can queue alone, find allies or join friends in teams of three and plunder this gorgeous world together!

Created by industry veterans who spent decades shaping World of Warcraft, Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is a love letter to PvP combat, resource gathering, exploration and the togetherness of MMOs, all while putting a fresh twist on a fantasy environment. WoW fans, however, can expect a totally new experience from Notorious Studios.

Perfect for fans of Dark and Darker or Escape from Tarkov who are looking for more of a Lord of the Rings-style fantasy touch, Legacy: Steel & Sorcery offers a breath of fresh air within the Extraction genre. 

Be it a bow, a blade or a battleaxe, arm yourself with your weapon of choice and prepare for the fight of a thousand generations in Mithrigarde today!

Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is now available to buy on Steam, and to keep up with the latest updates from Notorious Studios you can head over to X.

Notorious Studios

Notorious Studios is a venture-backed start-up headquartered in Irvine, California, with a global team of passionate developers. Founded by core developers from Blizzard Entertainment who worked on iconic titles like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch, the studio is committed to creating immersive and engaging worlds that foster community and creativity. With a team of 30 talented individuals, including remote employees from around the world, Notorious Studios is focused on delivering high-quality gaming experiences built for players not powerpoint. Our current project, Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, exemplifies our dedication to building rich, player-driven narratives within dynamic, ever-evolving gameplay environments.

South of Midnight Preview

South of Midnight

Developer: Compulsion Games
Publisher: Microsoft
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S (Previewed)
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Price: $39.99 USD – Available Here

Throughout our own world there have always been various myths, legends, and forms of magic that take on unique forms thanks to their origins and many of these elements have been explored in media and games before, but one that doesn’t seem to appear very often is that of the Deep South. In fact, outside of a certain Disney movie and some smaller less likely remembered films of the past, even games rarely, if at all, touched upon the myths and legends of the Deep South. That is until Compulsion Games revealed that their next game, following their creation of We Happy Few and Contrast, would be South of Midnight, a title set in a gothic version of the Deep South that would be steeped in its myths and lore, all uniquely stylized and presented as if in stop-motion. Many wondered just how well this would translate into gameplay and now that we’ve been able to play through close to an hour of a chapter set shortly into the game, we’ve gotten a small taste of what to expect.

This dark folktale follows the journey of Hazel, and we found ourselves jumping into the deep end nearly as confused as she was by her new powers as a Weaver, someone seemingly capable of being able to weave the past back to the present and view the history of a location all while purifying it of the evil that haunts it. Or should we say Haints it? As those are the enemies and “hives” of sorts that Hazel will need to eliminate. Hazel is thrown right into the thick of combat and trying to learn things on the fly as Hazel has access to a standard combo utilizing her magical weaving hooks, a set of attack skills that involved a shove to gain distance or repel projectiles, a grabbing whip to pull or throw smaller enemies, and even a stunning weave all set around cooldowns. Perfect-dodges seemed to allow Hazel to deal minor damage to Haints while also needing to avoid their temporary invincibility and counter-attacks before “unraveling” them and their hives, refilling her own health or tapping into the one healing location per combat arena. 

Combat seemed tight and fairly fluid once we got the hang of things, learning enemy tells and combos as well as the proper indications of enemies attacking from all sides as the Haints will always try to overwhelm Hazel, at least on the default difficulty. The lock-on was a bit on the iffy side though this is partially due to how random the Haints movements can be, leading to some unpredictable patterns when fighting multiple types. With a skill tree already partially unveiled in the combat menu and upgrade material coming both after fights and from exploration, South of Midnight’s combat already is showing signs of promise in these early moments.

Outside of combat we spent most of our time with Hazel navigating the bayou while following ghostly echoes and utilizing her ever-developing movement abilities to get around. This eventually included a double-jump, a glide, and even wall running all of which would eventually be combined into a lengthy chase sequence followed by plenty of ledge-climbing up a creature of myth. Of course, Hazel’s journey wasn’t for nothing, through this chapter her task was to help free a gigantic obviously magical talking catfish that would not only be our narrator but apparently Hazel’s form of navigation as well, helping guide her through her new weaving abilities including some powers and abilities that she never knew she was capable of or the reason why a glass bottle hanging from a tree might be so powerful.

Throughout this chapter we not only were able to get a glimpse at the pain that Hazel is feeling from being separated from her mother after their entire home was swept into this magical swamp by a hurricane, but also that of a long dormant pain that has twisted and tormented this portion of the swamp. To say that the story is dark is something of an understatement and it eventually took a rather surprising turn, making us wonder just how many hurts and haunts we’ll come across throughout South of Midnight and just what awful things we might uncover while trying to reunite with our own loved one. 

As mentioned earlier, outside of using its unique setting in the Deep South and using mythos that have long gone underutilized, one of the key aspects that sets South of Midnight apart is its unique visual styling. Everything inside of a cutscene and even some elements that appear in the game world look as if they were done using stop-motion animation, something that we haven’t really seen in modern day gaming and it really happens to work well in this action platformer’s cutscenes, begging the question as to how the developer managed to pull this off. This includes everything from standard wildlife roaming around in the back or foreground to Hazel’s own design to the strange and unique appearances of the more mythical creatures as well. Outside of cutscenes the title runs almost completely smoothly though the few small issues were likely due to the game’s early access nature. 

South of Midnight demonstrated not only tons of charm through its soundtrack and unique visual aesthetics and design but also plenty of dread as well, making this multifaceted action-platformer one to keep an eye out for. Though we only had a little under an hour with Hazel, it was incredibly easy to get invested in the world and mythos as well as her own personal journey, what little we were able to experience anyways. For the rest, we’ll need to wait until South of Midnight fully releases on April 8th for the Xbox Series X/S and PC where it will be launching as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and or for $39.99 USD.