The weather’s starting to heat up, and so is this month of video games. From the long-awaited Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 to a remake of a beloved Paper Mario classic, 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 Studios
Developer: Ninja Theory
Price: $49.99
Release Date: May 21
Trailer
Creeping in with some psychological horror this month is Senua’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. The original 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: Nintendo
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Price: $59.99
Release Date: May 23
Trailer
From a dark subdued atmosphere to a bright papercraft world, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door packs a dazzling amount of charm. While the game unfortunately runs at 30 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 Games
Developer: Player First Games
Price: Free to play
Release Date: May 28
Trailer
Warner Bros-themed platform fighter MultiVersus is finally returning on May 28. Its open beta was popular, but was taken offline for quite some time. Similar to Super Smash Bros., the aim of the game is to knock your opponent out of the ring. Characters like Batman, Bugs Bunny, and Finn from Adventure Time battle 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 Studio
Developer: Kuro Game Studio
Price: Free to play
Release Date: May 22
Trailer
Those wanting an alternate take on the Genshin Impact formula may want to check out Wuthering Waves on May 22. Available for free for PC, Android, and iOS, this anime-inspired game features pretty visuals, well-designed characters to 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’s Genshin Impact.
We’ll see if this game can stand out in a competitive space with Zenless Zone Zero and other titles on the horizon.
The Rogue Prince of Persia (PC Early Access)
Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Evil Empire
Price: Unknown currently
Release Date: May 14
Trailer
Lastly, there’s The Rogue: Prince of Persia, a new roguelike developed by Dead Cells studio Evil Empire. Launching under Early Access on May 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 excellent Prince of Persia game already in 2024, a second might be a great dessert or perhaps even the main course.
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty other May 2024 games to choose from, including indie darlings like Braid Anniversary Edition and the fast-paced shooter XDefiant.
- Endless Ocean Luminous (Switch) – May 2
- Surmount (Switch, PC) – May 2
- V Rising (PC) – May 8
- Little Kitty, Big City (Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch) – May 9
- Crow Country (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – May 9
- Homeworld 3 (PC) – May 13
- Braid Anniversary Edition (PS4, PS5, PC, Netflix, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) – May 15 (16 for Xbox systems)
- Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut (PC) – May 16
- Lorelei and the Laser Eyes (Switch, PC) – May 16
- Paper Trail (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
- XDefiant (PS5, Xbox Series X/S) – May 21
- RKGK (PC) – May 22
- Pine Hearts (Switch, PC) – May 23
- Rocket Rumble (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – May 23
- World of Goo 2 (Switch) – May 23
- Songs of Silence (PC) – May 23
- Umbraclaw (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC)
- F1 24 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – May 31
- Hypercharge: Unboxed (Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S) – May 31
- Mutant Football League 2 (PC) – May 31
