Coming up in Gaming – May
May sees a relative jump in the number and quality of games that are set to release compared with the last few months. We look at some of the biggest launches across the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, as well as other platforms, including the long-awaited Project Cars, Splatoon and The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt.
Big Releases
The most anticipated release of May is without a doubt The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The final entry in the story of monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, it features a game world that is far bigger than any seen in previous instalments of the series and is comparable in size to Skyrim. The role-playing game from CD Projekt RED carries on the action-orientated gameplay and deep story that has made the series such a hit.
On the other hand, another game that many have been looking forward to is Project Cars. The racer has been delayed several times but will finally be available from May 7 worldwide. It will be playable on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation and allow players to experience one of the most realistic driving experiences across a huge range of tracks and vehicles.
Fans of Warhammer will be excited to learn that Warhammer 40,000: Regicide will be arriving through early access for PC on Steam. The turn-based strategy game will see players able to play two different modes as they battle enemies to turn the tide of the war. It will alter be released on Android and iOS, allowing cross-save functionality between the different versions.
Another high profile release comes in the form of Wolfenstein: The Old Blood. Rather than being a sequel to that last entry in the series, it is instead a stand-alone expansion to Wolfenstein: The New Order. The plot still centers around William Blazkowicz but will focus on events before The New Order. The game will be available to download from May 5 on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and a physical edition will be available in stores from May 15.
Nintendo’s latest IP will launch at the end of the month on May 29. Splatoon is a Wii U third-person shooter that sets players the task of teaming up with a group of other users to defeat the opposing team in a variety of different game modes. The unique gameplay mechanic involves that fact that the player doesn’t shoot projectiles but rather a special ink that coats the different arenas. It has already had a positive reception from critics who have played the game before release.
The other big Nintendo launch for the month is HAL Laboratory’s Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. Although it has been available in Japan and the U.S. for several months, it will launch in Europe and Australia on May 8. The title acts as a follow up to the Canvas Curse, keeping many of the same gameplay features. It has received a somewhat mixed reception but was praised for its game mechanics and visuals when it hit store shelves in other territories.
Those who enjoy the epic role-playing series Final Fantasy have plenty to get excited about in May as Square Enix is set to release two titles. The first is the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster that has previously been available on the PlayStation 3,that will be available from May 14. As well as updated visuals, audio and new features, the remaster will allow players to transfer saves from the earlier version and remote play with the PS Vita. The other release is a remake of Final Fantasy IV: The After Years for PC. You’ll be able to get your hands on it from May 12.
The somewhat surprising hit Farming Simulator, which involves players managing and expanding their own farm, will be arriving on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One for the first time on May 19. The PC market is also getting two high profile releases in the form of action-adventure game Magicka 2 on May 26, a game that will simultaneously launch for PlayStation 4. The second large title for PC gamers is the long awaited Galactic Civilizations III. The 4X turn based strategy game is a sequel to Galactic Civilizations II: Dread Lords and will feature online multiplayer for the first time in the history of the series. It will be available from May 14 worldwide.
Other Releases
May 4
- Snakebird – PC
May 5
- Not A Hero – PC
May 8
- Slice Zombies – Xbox One
- Ultratron – Xbox One / Wii U / PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4 / PS Vita
May 12
- Invisible Inc. – PC
- The Last Tinker: City of Colors – PC
- Windward – PC
May 14
- Axiom Verge – PC
- Knights of Pen & Paper 2 – PC
- Code Name S.T.E.A.M. – Nintendo 3DS
May 21
- Carmageddon: Reincarnation – PC
- Interloper – PC
- Technobabylon – PC
May 26
- Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX – Nintendo 3DS
- Ultra Street Fighter IV – PlayStation 4
May 29
- Chip’s Challenge 1 & 2 – PC
- Fossil Fighters: Frontier – Nintendo 3DS
Free Games
It’s a pretty busy month for both Xbox Live Gold members and PlayStation Plus subscribers in May thanks to a wide ranging line-up of games that will be made available to download for free throughout the month.
Xbox One users will have access to the tower defense game Castlestorm: Definitive Edition through the Games With Gold program. The game is an upgraded version of Castlestorm that originally released for PC and mobile devices in 2013. Meanwhile any Xbox One players will also be able to access Pool Nation FX for an additional month.
For those who have an Xbox 360, you will be able to download two games in May. The first is the third person-shooter/action-adventure game Mafia II. Originally released in 2010, the title will be available for the first half of the month before being replaced by Codemaster’s racer F1 2013 which will be available until June.
On the other hand, PlayStation Plus members have five individual titles on offer, including some very strong games. Firstly, Ether One by White Paper Games will be available as soon as it officially launches on the PlayStation 4, giving players access to a puzzler with a deep and mysterious story. Another game coming to the next generation console is the platformer Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition.
There are also three cross-play games that are available to download across the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. These include the experimental Hohokum, a puzzle adventure game in the form of The Unfinished Swan and a unique title where you must pilot a solar powered ship called Race the Sun.