These are the game highlights in May

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