Discover the Best Gamezone Games to Play Right Now for Ultimate Fun
I remember the exact moment South of Midnight clicked for me—it was around the six-hour mark, when Hazel’s world shifted from intriguing to genuinely unsettling. Up until that point, I’d been playing in short bursts, sometimes just 20 or 30 minutes at a time, partly because the combat felt a bit disjointed from the exploration. But something changes in the latter half of the game. The tone deepens, the stakes rise, and suddenly, exploration and combat don’t just coexist—they amplify each other. Hazel’s circumstances take on this dangerous, disconcerting vibe that mirrors the dire nature of the fights you get into, and that harmony makes all the difference. It’s one of those design choices that doesn’t just improve gameplay; it transforms it.
I’d estimate that around 65% of players might feel that early-game friction, where combat can come across as more of an interruption than an extension of the experience. I certainly did. For the first few hours, dodging felt sluggish, abilities didn’t always land with impact, and I found myself avoiding encounters just to soak in the atmosphere. But then, as the world darkens and Hazel’s skill trees fully unlock, everything evens out. I’m talking about those final-tier perks—once you invest in them, Hazel’s dodge becomes significantly stronger, her abilities gain real viability in combat, and the playing field feels balanced for the first time. It’s not just a subtle tweak; it’s a game-changer.
What’s fascinating is how this shift affected my playstyle. Before, I’d maybe play for an hour, feel a twinge of annoyance, and put the controller down. But once those upgrades kicked in, I blitzed through the remaining six hours in one sitting. No breaks, no frustration—just pure, undiluted fun. I’d wager that the developers intentionally structured the progression this way, letting players sit with that early irritation so the payoff feels even sweeter. And honestly? It works. By the time I unlocked the last of Hazel’s combat perks, I was seeking out fights, eager to test her new capabilities against the game’s more formidable foes.
This kind of pacing isn’t unique to South of Midnight, but it’s executed with a finesse that’s rare. I’ve played my fair share of action-adventure titles—probably over 50 in the last decade—and it’s not often that a game manages to turn its own weaknesses into strengths through smart progression. The way combat and exploration align in the later stages doesn’t just ease the transition between the two; it makes you appreciate the journey. Hazel’s early struggles make sense in retrospect, and that “aha” moment when everything clicks is one of the most satisfying feelings in gaming.
If you’re like me and you value games that reward patience, South of Midnight is a gem. It’s not perfect—those first few hours might test your resolve—but stick with it. The payoff is worth it. By the end, I wasn’t just playing; I was fully immersed, dodging, exploring, and battling with a sense of flow that few games achieve. And honestly, that’s what keeps me coming back to Gamezone recommendations—finding those titles that start strong or build slowly but ultimately deliver unforgettable experiences. South of Midnight does both, and I’d rank it among the top three games I’ve played this year for sheer, unadulterated fun.