From vampires to Ganondorf
The May 2023 video games lineup is heating up as we dive (literally) straight back into the land of Hyrule inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomand stake vampires inRedfall.
The games keep on rolling in May after animpressive AprilwithMinecraft Legends,Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,andDead Island 2.Now, we prepare for stealth ramps, open-world titles, and an adventure into Metropolis. Here’s what to expect in May.
Darkest Dungeon II (PC)
Publisher:Red Hook StudiosDeveloper:Red Hook StudiosPrice:$19.99Release Date:May 8Trailer
The highly anticipated indie roguelike follow-upDarkest Dungeon IIwill finally release out of Early Access onMay 8.The sequel seems to be a step up in every way possible from the original. The art style has been improved with upgraded visuals and special FX. The new token system gives your character special perks and abilities, and your characters can get to know each other at the inn while reducing their stress.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
Publisher:NintendoDeveloper:NintendoPrice:$69.99Release Date:May 12Trailer
Breath of the Wildamazed uswhen it was first released on Switch (and the Wii U).The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomseems to be even grander as Link explores the skies above and reverses time to solve puzzles. One of the common complaints is how the weapons degrade quickly; thankfully, you can nowfuse items togethercreating all new swords, hammers, and tools. It looks expansive, andTears of the Kingdomeven lets you create your own vehicles that soar in the air and drive around the open world. This mysterious but exciting experience will be released onMay 12.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:Daedelic Entertainment and NaconDeveloper:Daedelic EntertainmentPrice:$59.99Release Date:May 25Trailer
The mostpreciousgame in the May 2023 video games lineup isThe Lord of the Rings: Gollum. You’ll be playing the unlikely titular protagonist as he tries to find his wonderful Ring of Power. Just like the character in the movie, he has a split personality between the violent Gollum and shy Smeagol. You’ll be making decisions along the way that will determine the former hobbit’s identity throughout the story; but the game will be mostly stealth-driven as you kill your way or pass through Middle-Earth’s deadly creatures. You’ll be looking for Gollum’s precious onMay 25.The Switch is getting the game later in 2023.
Redfall (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
Publisher:XboxDeveloper:Arkane AustinPrice:$69.99Release Date:May 2Trailer
After I realized thatRedfallis aFar Cry-like experience with horror elements, I was in. With three other players, you’ll be exploring Redfall, Massachusetts, a town that’s waging war against droves of vampires. Many haven’t survived but it’s up to you to protect the remaining citizens. Xbox says the game has “a deep story campaign as you unravel the mystery behind the vampires’ appearance.” Developed byDishonored‘s Arkane Austin, this game features stealth, all manner of different hero load outs, and cool weaponry to find in the wild. In addition, Xbox promises there will be “unique upgrades and abilities to suit your playstyle.” The action begins onMay 2.
Publisher:WB GamesDeveloper:RocksteadyPrice:$69.99Release Date:May 26Trailer
As of the time of writing,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueis still launching onMay 26.As the title suggests, you’re playing as the ragtag group of characters such as Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang against the Justice League’s Superman, Batman, and The Flash. It sounds ridiculous, but somehowBatman Arkham Asylumdeveloper Rocksteady has a somewhat promising story on its hands if the trailers are to be believed so far.
To the chagrin of many of Rocksteady’s fans, however,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueis a seemingly dull third-person shooter with a live service angle to it rather than the solid single-player experience of theBatmanArkhamseries. Hopefully, it can blow our expectations out of the water…or not.
[Update:Suicide Squadwas been delayed until 2024mere days after this article was published. What timing!]
Honorable Mentions
The May 2023 video games lineup is also host to a bunch of promising indies and other triple-A titles including:
