It’s the beginning of May, which means another month of games. There are so many games coming out that it’s difficult to keep track of all of them. Therefore, we have listed the five most anticipated games scheduled to release this May. This is not an opinionated list. The ranking was constructed based on Google Trends (specifically looking at worldwide search trends from the past month) and the number of views on the most recent trailer. Without further ado, let’s jump into it.
5. System Shock
System Shock was first released in 1994 and is regarded as groundbreaking thanks to its story and gameplay. It takes place on a space station that was taken over by an artificial intelligence named SHODAN. It spoke of complex themes that are still very much alive today, such as the risks of technological advancements. From a gameplay perspective, the original System Shock introduced non-linear design and interactions with the environment via hacking. Now, thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, System Shock is getting remade. The developers promised that it will remain faithful to the original since they are collaborating with the creators behind System Shock 1. With the return of such a groundbreaking experience, it’s no wonder it’s among the most anticipated games in May.
System Shock will release on May 30 first for PC.
4. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum has flown under my radar, but the legacy of the franchise probably boosted its search trends. Taking place before Gollum finds the one ring, the story explores Gollum’s history before the first book begins. As Gollum is not a strong character, the game will focus on stealth and acrobatics. In one gameplay trailer, we see him running into a tall patch of grass to hide from enemies and using the shadows to his advantage. We also saw him climbing several structures, which will be monitored by the game’s stamina meter. Out of everything in the Lord of the Rings, it’s odd that Gollum has the video game spotlight. As stated, he is not much of a fighter, so the stealth mechanics must be solid for this game to work.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum releases on May 25 for PlayStation 5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.
3. Farming Simulator 23
It seems like every time I do a most anticipated list, I come across a game that has flown under my radar despite having a passionate fanbase. To my surprise, there are thirteen farming simulator games, with the last one being Farming Simulator 2022. In the games, players build their own farms through forestry, agriculture, and more. They also boast numerous realistic machines and tools that can help get the job done. Much like Call of Duty every year, Farming Simulator 23 continues the same concept and formula over from the last game. However, it does add more than 100 machines, two new maps, and three new crops. Additionally, it is coming to mobile devices and Nintendo Switch, making it an ideal game to play on the go.
Farming Simulator 23 releases on May 23 for Nintendo Switch and mobile.
2. Redfall
Redfall might be getting a lot of searches due to controversy, not anticipation. However, with it being the first major Xbox exclusive to come out in a while, there is still some anticipation surrounding it. Redfall comes from Arkane Studios, who made the stealth/action Dishonored series. It is a co-op first-person shooter where players choose from four playable characters and survive in a town ravaged by vampires. From the trailers, people surmised that Redfall is a Left 4 Dead clone with vampires while others thought it was a live-service game. Despite the confusing marketing, I believe Redfall actually is a first-person open-world shooter, akin to the likes of Borderlands. There will be a storyline and missions to partake in alone or with up to three other friends.
One of the best things I’ve seen from Redfall is the abilities harnessed by each of the characters. One character’s telekinetic powers allow her to use an umbrella as a shield and manifest mini elevators that can be used as launch pads. Another character is a deadly sniper who can summon a raven to scout or damage enemies. Lastly, one hero has a robot companion while another character uses technological advancements, such as a translocator. Combining all these powers to become a confident vampire-slaying team does sound like a fun experiment for friends. I do hope it will capture a dedicated audience despite some bad press leading into its launch.
Redfall releases on May 2 for Xbox Series X and PC.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
To be honest, when I was researching this game, it showed up third on Google Trends. Confused, I looked up the most recent trailer and it had 9 million views. With this in mind, I knew that Tears of the Kingdom, beyond any doubt, was the most anticipated game of not only May but the year. It’s the sequel to what is regarded by many as the best game of all time referencing its genuine freedom of exploration. A feature many open-world games promise but rarely deliver. Tears of the Kingdom expands the open-world sandbox by giving players incredible tools to accomplish goals any way they want.
So far we’ve seen Link crafting boats with logs, flying contraptions, and even a makeshift mech. He can infuse two things together to make an all-new weapon such as putting a mushroom on a shield. When an enemy hits it, a puff of smoke explodes, interrupting the enemy’s vision. He could also infuse two spears together to make an extra-long spear. Tears of the Kingdom gives you all these tools and more to give players true freedom to play how they want. With this, on top of the introduction of sky islands, new environments that float in the sky, and the ability to transition from land to sky seamlessly makes the game one of the most anticipated releases in years.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases on May 12 for Nintendo Switch.
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A Nintendo Switch trailer was also released.
According to SteamDB.
An announcement trailer was also released.