What is There to Play This May?

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

2020 has been one hell of a year so far, hasn't it? Fortunately for the gamers of the world, Nintendo has blessed us with the delight that is “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.” Of course, across other platforms, the likes of “Ori and the Will of the Wisps,” “Doom: Eternal,” “Resident Evil 3” and “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” have likely kept most of us from being the slightest bit bored during these times. But what is on the horizon? Hopefully, a safe and healthy environment to go out and enjoy life in. However, quarantine or not, these are the games that caught my attention for the month of May. Let’s see what is coming to a console near you next month.



John Wick: Hex (PS4)

I love action movies and few modern franchises have had me more excited and impressed than that of “John Wick.” Keanu Reeves is a true badass in the role of the Baba Yaga himself, Mr. Wick. So, when I heard a game based on this series coming, I was excited. Suffice to say, I don’t usually play games at all on PC. So I missed out entries on this title. Now, however, “John Wick: Hex” is coming to the PS4.


Unfortunately, I don’t know that this is a game for me. I genuinely believe the “John Wick” films would fantastically lend themselves to a triple-a character action game. This is not that. The strategizing of this tactical action game looks a little slow for my taste. From what I have seen, “John Wick: Hex” looks like the type of game that is cool for fans of its genre and interesting on paper but something I am not very intrigued to actually play. And that is a shame given my love for the source material.


The Wonderful 101: Remastered (PC, PS4, Switch)

As someone who missed the Wii U entirely for better or worse, it took many Switch ports or sequels to catch me up on the surprisingly solid library. One of the most fondly recognized Wii-U exclusives was “The Wonderful 101.” For a little while now, fans wondered where it was on the Switch but dreams do come true as the remaster is finally releasing in May. Better yet, PS4 and PC players aren’t left out either. Though for some reason, I feel like I need to play it on the Switch.


And yes, I am interested in this one. I feel like “The Wonderful 101” at first glance based on gameplay mechanics may not be the most personally appealing. Yet, as I watch more of it, I cannot help but be interested. I think it looks so delightfully colorful, over-the-top and exciting. And Platinum Games rarely wrongs me. So, I think I will give it a shot and I am happy for the hundreds out there that missed it on the Wii-U.


Maneater (PC, PS4, XBO)

“Maneater” is a game that lets us take our fantasy of killer, man-eating sharks, to full effect. With films like Jaws and many other forms of entertainment making these creatures of the water out to be the bad guy, it’s only natural for a game as such to exist. “Maneater” puts you in the shoes of a baby bull-shark surviving and killing your way through life as such a species.

This action RPG is different first and foremost in the main character itself of course. The game takss players with growing and evolving the young shark. And I imagine fighting aquatic creatures, challenging life and survival itself and taking down any human in the way of this shark may turn out to be very fun. I hope this game delivers and doesn’t come off as underwhelming in its combat or mechanics; who knows for sure. But, at the very least, I’m compelled by “Maneater.”


Saints Row: The Third Remastered (PC, PS4,. XBO)

When looking back at the 2010’s, one of my absolute favorite games was “Saints Row: The Third.” I had such a good time with the wacky open work of Steelport. The game had endlessly entertaining gameplay with action-packed setpieces, hilarious side missions and characters, an exciting and crazy story and much more.

I ended up playing “Saints Row: The Third” a couple of times but when I heard about this year’s remaster of the 2011 game, I quickly got excited for more. Sadly I am not impressed with this nearly decade old title releasing for $40.00 as I felt 20 less would have fit but at the same time, it is a game with a lot of content and DLC and the remaster looks nice. I am not absolutely sold on buying “Saints Row: The Third” Remastered but there’s a good chance I do as, like I said, it is just such a hilarious and fun ride.


Minecraft: Dungeons (XBO, PC)

There are few games in recent years with such an impact that Mojang’s “Minecraft” has had. And with all the fans of the endless experience to this day, I am no different. I played some “Minecraft” as recently as last month. And now the game has a new spin-off coming that brings the crafting and co-op delight to a dungeon crawler.

While I do love the modern classic for the ability to build things to my heart’s content, this new take on “Minecraft” is still quite appealing. “Minecraft: Dungeons” looks like it could be a lot of fun with its action-adventure gameplay. As a dungeon crawler with tons of loot, enemies to fight with your friends and the style of “Minecraft,” this could be a very fun game for a lot. Especially since it’ll be on Gamepass, I think I’ll hop into “Minecraft: Dungeons” with my friends next month.


Ninjala (Switch)

“Ninjala” is the next big exclusive for the Switch. This game was announced some time ago but very recently it was in the limelight as the last Direct showed us what it is all about, ending with the release date. On May 27, “Ninjala” will come out as a brand new multiplayer action game, one with a lot of color and charm.

“Ninjala” looks a little like “Splatoon” but instead of being a first person shooter, it is about melee action. This game has a bright color palette with vibrant, fun characters and places players in a small battle royale so to speak. The best part is, at the time of writing, a beta will have just been released but this Switch title is also going to launch free-to-play. “Ninjala” could have a lot of promise should it include well-crafted combat and multiplayer madness and enough content to keep players interested.


Shantae and the Seven Sirens

WayForward’s platformer series “Shantae” has been around for ages, releasing new adventures more often than some realize. Or maybe that’s just me. But this platforming franchise is quite good. The times I have dove into “Shantae,” have left me satisfied with the cute and charming characters and worlds, fun, action platforming and great music that Shantae often dances to.

“Shantae and the Seven Sirens” is the next game in this series. It will release on the 27th of May for all consoles and PC, even Apple Arcade. “Shantae and the Seven Sirens’ looks like another joyous adventure for the pirate. This game features a very expansive world of levels, gorgeous animation like a TV series and plenty of fun to be had with new and old characters and mechanics alike. And even if this title hasn’t gotten traction like others around it, it is safe to assume the new “Shantae” will be a delight.


And those are a handful of the new games releasing in May, 2020. Next month admittedly doesn’t have the same hype surrounding its release as March and April. After “Animal Crossing,” “Doom,” “Resident Evil” and “Final Fantasy” got major launches, among others, it is a little hard to be excited for the aforementioned titles in comparison. But nevertheless, I think there is a lot of fun to be had with these and more. Those are the upcoming games that caught my attention for May. And yes, it still stings that “The Last of Us Part II” isn’t releasing next month. What will you be playing?