In May, you’ll accompany nuns on trips of self-discovery, cats on big city adventures and ducks while they uncover a sausage conspiracy.
Our game highlight ten years ago was Mario Kart 8. It was released on 28 May, or 29 May in Europe for the Wii U. The Switch version is still one of the best-selling games month after month. The coming month also has a racing game on offer, albeit much less colourful.
Endless Ocean Luminous
Fancy a relaxed diving adventure? Then Endless Ocean Luminous could be just the thing for you. You can cross the ocean alone or with up to thirty players. Catalogue living creatures or let yourself drift with the ocean currents. Sounds cosy.
When? 2 May Where? Switch Multiplayer: co-op for up to 30 people
Indika
Indika is a pretty quirky adventure. You play the titular nun in an alternate 19th century Russia. On her journey of self-discovery, she meets the devil himself, and that might not even be the strangest thing in the game.
When? 2 May Where? PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Multiplayer: no
Heading Out
A mixture of racing, adventure and resource management awaits you here. On the run from the law, you speed away from the police while racing others. This increases your reputation, and you also earn money that you can invest in your vehicle. I particularly like the almost monochrome comic style.
When? 7 May Where? PC
Multiplayer: no
Candyland: Sweet Survival
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, if Willy Wonka mutated into a child’s nightmare. In this abandoned chocolate factory, you won’t meet singing Oompa-Loompas, but ravenous little monsters out to kill you. Survive deadly puzzles and unravel the mystery of Candyland.
When? 7 May Where? PC
Multiplayer: no
The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication
In Taiwan’s Wen Hua University, known for its disturbing hauntings, you take on the role of four characters trying to escape murderous ghosts. Fans of survival horror should make a note of this release.
When? 9 May Where? PC, PS4, PS5 Multiplayer: no
Little Kitty, Big City
After so much horror, you probably need to slow down a bit. What better than exploring a big city with a cute kitten? You can join other animals, complete quests or cause chaos in typical feline fashion. Numerous cuddly outfits are a must.
When? 9 May Where? PC, Switch Multiplayer: no
Gift
An old man in a diving helmet wakes up on a sinking luxury cruiser. Sick jump’n’run skills are required to escape. And since the ship is constantly turning, this isn’t a cake walk.
Along the way, he meets many interesting passengers who awaken nostalgic memories in him.
When? 9 May Where? PC, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch Multiplayer: no
Homeworld 3
The return of this legendary real-time spaceship strategy series is imminent. In Homeworld 3, you can fight epic 3D space battles and command huge fleets. A story of galactic proportions crowns the whole thing.
When? 13 May Where? PC
Multiplayer: online PvP and co-op
The Rogue Prince of Persia
Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells, is working on a new action roguelite. The gameplay remains similar to its predecessor. Fighting and athletics, a Prince of Persia classic. Then there’s the ability to run along walls, unusual for a 2D game. Launching in Early Access.
When? 14 May (Early Access) Where? PC
Multiplayer: no
Mullet Madjack
This frenetic retro shooter has been on my list since last year’s Gamescom. There, I was able to try it out and was extremely impressed by the design and non-stop action.
When? 15 May Where? PC
Multiplayer: no
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut
With Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut, another former PlayStation exclusive is making its way to PC. Sucker Punch’s open-world samurai thriller sends you to feudal Japan. There, you cut a bloody path through a wonderful world, liberating the island of Tsushima from Mongol invaders. The Director’s Cut includes all expansions such as the Island of Iki and online co-op mode Legends.
When? 16 May Where? PC, PS4, PS5 Multiplayer: online co-op for up to four people
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
When publisher Annapurna presents a new game, I sit up and take notice. With Cocoon, Stray and Neon White, they’ve proven time and time again that they have a knack for unusual games. That again seems to be the case with this surreal adventure puzzle game set in a mysterious manor.
When? 16 May Where? PC, Switch Multiplayer: no
Songs of Conquest
After two years in Early Access, Songs of Conquest has simmered long enough. The spiritual successor to Heroes of Might and Magic offers enchanting pixel graphics and turn-based battles. Explore a detailed fantasy world, build new castles and recruit ever larger mythical creatures to go into battle with you. I played it extensively in Early Access and was really impressed. Bring on version 1.0!
When? 20 May Where? PC
Multiplayer: online PvP and PvE
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2
The first Hellblade impressed with its unusual mix of the protagonist’s psychological trauma and an oppressive fantasy world. Part two goes one better visually, hopefully also improving the combat system. Alongside the surreal story, it’s the second pillar the game relies on.
When? 21 May Where? PC, Xbox Series Multiplayer: no
Paper Trail
From a bird’s-eye view, you travel through a lovingly designed paper world. You can fold it just like real paper, solving the numerous puzzles that stand between you and an escape from this realm.
When? 21 May Where? PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch, Netflix Multiplayer: no
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Salami. That’s what it’s all about. No really, you, a duck detective, have to uncover a sausage-based conspiracy. Looks cute, with a great jazzy soundtrack and lots of duck-based puns.
When? 21 May Where? PC, Switch Multiplayer: no
World of Goo 2
Nobody expected World of Goo to get a sequel 16 years later. However, the physics-based puzzles in which you build bridges out of viscous creatures and overcome other obstacles are still timeless.
When? 23 May Where? PC, Switch Multiplayer: no
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Anyone who missed out on the Gamecube classic or wants to experience it again in an improved version will soon have the opportunity to do so. Peach has disappeared, and Mario sets off in search of her. The paper world is full of surprises and offers plenty of variety, not only visually but also in terms of gameplay.
When? 23 May Where? Switch Multiplayer: no
MultiVersus
Now, I know what you’re thinking. «Wait a second, this game’s been around for ages.» And you’re not wrong. However, Warner Bros. took the Super Smash Bros. clone from the market shortly after its release in July 2022. The fighting game, featuring countless characters from DC comics, Game of Thrones and Looney Tunes, has been completely overhauled and now also offers a PvE mode.
When? 28 May Where? PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Multiplayer: up to four people
F1 24
A new physics and handling system is designed to make the racing experience even more realistic. Wheel suspension is now calculated correctly according to the laws of physics, making adjustments to the vehicle noticeable when cornering. Your driving style should also have a greater effect on tyre wear or temperature. Racing simulator fans should ready their gloves.
When: 31 May (28 May for the Champions Edition) Where? PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Multiplayer: online
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
