Discover the Best Gamezone Games to Play Right Now: Our Top Picks

I remember the exact moment South of Midnight clicked for me—it was around the six-hour mark, right when Hazel’s world started unraveling into something far darker and more disorienting than I’d anticipated. Up until that point, I’d been playing in short, slightly frustrated bursts. The combat felt clunky, the pacing uneven. But then, almost imperceptibly, the game shifted. Exploration and combat began to align in a way that felt intentional, even elegant. Hazel’s circumstances grew more perilous, her surroundings more unnerving, and that shift in tone did something remarkable—it made the combat sequences feel less like interruptions and more like natural extensions of the narrative. Suddenly, I wasn’t just tolerating the fights; I was leaning into them.

That turning point is what solidifies South of Midnight as one of the best Gamezone titles to dive into right now. It’s a game that demands a little patience, but rewards it generously. Once Hazel’s skill trees fully open up in the latter half, the experience transforms. I unlocked perks that not only boosted her abilities but fundamentally changed how I approached encounters. Her dodge move, once a sluggish half-step, became a fluid, almost rhythmic evasion. I went from feeling underpowered to empowered, and that shift didn’t just balance the gameplay—it recontextualized it. Instead of dreading the next skirmish, I began seeking them out. The irritation I’d felt early on didn’t just fade; it was replaced by a kind of urgency. What had been a stop-and-start relationship with the game became an obsession. I played the final six hours in one sitting, completely absorbed.

It’s rare to see a game course-correct so effectively mid-campaign. Many titles promise a power curve, but South of Midnight delivers one that feels earned. By the time I’d maxed out Hazel’s agility upgrades, I was weaving through enemy attacks with a confidence that mirrored her growing resilience. The dire vibe of the world no longer clashed with the combat—it elevated it. And that, to me, is the mark of thoughtful design. I’ve played plenty of action-adventure games where progression systems feel tacked on, but here, the synergy between narrative tension and mechanical improvement is seamless. It’s not just about getting stronger; it’s about the world demanding that you do.

If you’re someone who tends to write off games in the first few hours, I’d urge you to push through with this one. The initial friction is real, but it serves a purpose. It makes the payoff that much sweeter. By the time I reached the final act, I was so invested in Hazel’s journey that every encounter felt consequential. The game doesn’t just hand you upgrades—it integrates them into the fabric of her transformation. And that’s a design choice I wish more studios had the courage to embrace. Not every game needs to be accessible from the first minute. Some experiences are worth the struggle.

Of course, your mileage may vary. I’ve spoken with a few players who dropped South of Midnight before that critical shift, and I get it—time is precious. But for those who stick around, the reward is a remarkably cohesive and emotionally resonant adventure. The final skill tree perks don’t just tweak numbers; they redefine movement, timing, and strategy. I went from chipping away at health bars to dismantling enemies with precision, and that evolution kept me hooked until the credits rolled. If you’re looking for a Gamezone gem that blends atmospheric storytelling with satisfying, growth-oriented combat, this is it. Just give it the time it deserves. You might find yourself, like I did, losing an entire evening to its haunting, beautifully realized world.