How to play Xbox inside a giant alligator

Zoom in: The publicity stunt from Xbox celebrates the release of "South of Midnight" from developer Compulsion Games.

• In the game, "players take on the role of Hazel, a courageous young woman pulled into a world of folklore, mystery, and danger," a press release says. "As she explores a land shaped by ancient myths and supernatural forces, Hazel must harness her magical abilities to confront terrifying creatures, including the legendary Two-Toed Tom."
• That character, which is based on the Deep South folklore of the same name, is where Xbox got the inspiration for the houseboat stunt.

Between the lines: Compulsion Games is based in Montreal, but the game developers spent a lot of time in the South researching the region's myths and culture.

• They even recorded audio to work into the haunting, mystical atmosphere for the game.

Behind the scenes: Xbox invited me out for a preview tour, and I have to say, the whole thing was super impressive.

• I drove out to the swamp tour attraction adjacent to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. From there, I joined a group as we hopped onto a tour boat, signed a release form that warned that "I could be seriously injured or even killed," and took off.
• Gators slid through the water beside us or sunned themselves from the open marsh as we navigated the bayou, and then, between the trees, the Two-Toed Tom boat emerged.

• It sits in the middle of a clearing, nearly camouflaged by its coloring but exceptional in its size. On board, Xbox has set up several consoles and comfy benches from which players can test out "South of Midnight."

How it works: Fans 18 and up can pre-register to check out the attraction through Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours. It's only available for visits on April 5.

• You must register in advance.
• The visit includes a swamp tour on the way out to the houseboat, then once onboard, you'll get a half-hour of game time, Xbox says.

The game is set for release April 8.