The weather’s starting to heat up, and so is this month of video games. From the long-awaitedSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2to a remake of a belovedPaper Marioclassic, there’s much to look forward to in the May 2024 games lineup.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: Xbox Game StudiosDeveloper: Ninja TheoryPrice: $49.99Release Date: May 21Trailer
Creeping in with some psychological horror this month isSenua’s Saga: Hellblade 2. Xbox promises a “brutal journey of survival” as we experience the myths of Viking Iceland. Ninja Theory has showcased some gorgeous visuals, striking performances, and phenomenal sound in early trailers. Theoriginal impressed, so hopefully the sequel lives up to its pedigree.Launching on May 21, it will be available on day one on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Switch)
Publisher: NintendoDeveloper: Intelligent SystemsPrice: $59.99Release Date: May 23Trailer
From a dark subdued atmosphere to a bright papercraft world,Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Doorpacks a dazzling amount of charm. While the game unfortunately runs at30 frames per second(as opposed to the original’s 60), the visuals reportedly pop on screen and suit a modern system.
Many will be reliving fond memories as they bounce on foes in time, find legendary treasure, and explore beautiful Mario environments. You should also expect funny dialogue from Bowser and others you know and love from the Mushroom Kingdom.Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door‘s story unfolds on the Nintendo Switch on May 23.
MultiVersus (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher: WB GamesDeveloper: Player First GamesPrice: Free to playRelease Date: May 28Trailer
Warner Bros-themed platform fighterMultiVersusis finally returning on May 28. Its open beta was popular, but wastaken offline for quite some time. Similar toSuper Smash Bros.,the aim of the game is to knock your opponent out of the ring. Characters like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and Finn fromAdventure Timebattle it out for dominance in the arena.
The game, however, has a unique focus on team-based gameplay, with some heroes like Wonder Woman having team-support abilities. The Amazonian can use her lasso to save her ally, for example. Hopefully, the game succeeds with a new server system and a transition to Unreal Engine 5.
Wuthering Waves (PC, iOS, Android)
Publisher: Kuro Game StudioDeveloper: Kuro Game StudioPrice: Free to playRelease Date: May 22Trailer
Those wanting an alternate take on theGenshin Impactformula may want to check outWuthering Waveson May 22.Available for free for PC, Android, and iOS, this anime-inspired game features pretty visuals,well-designed charactersto meet (and unlock through gacha mechanics), and fast-paced action gameplay. The combat system features counters and QTE elements, making it somewhat different to MiHoYo’sGenshin Impact.
We’ll see if this game can stand out in a competitive space withZenless Zone Zeroand other titles on the horizon.
The Rogue Prince of Persia (PC Early Access)
Publisher: UbisoftDeveloper: Evil EmpirePrice: Unknown currentlyRelease Date: May 14Trailer
Lastly, there’sThe Rogue: Prince of Persia,a new roguelike developed byDead Cellsstudio Evil Empire. Launching under Early Access onMay 14, this platformer sparks with color as the Prince acrobatically moves across each level and strikes his opponents. There are all sorts of weapons to collect, and a selection of secondaries, such as bows, shields, and grappling hooks. Ubisoft says on the Steam page that we’ll have to “Switch [our] loadout mid-run to adapt to new challenges.”
Despite having an excellentPrince of Persiagame already in 2024, a second might be a great dessert or perhaps even the main course.
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty otherMay 2024games to choose from, including indie darlings likeBraid Anniversary Editionand the fast-paced shooterXDefiant.
