While video game releases for May 2020 have been majorly disrupted by the novel coronavirus, there are still some great games worth keeping on your radar to keep busy while you’re self-isolating. The biggest release news of the month was the delay of The Last of Us Part 2, which was originally slated for a May 29 launch but has now been pushed back to June 19.
There’s nothing quite as big as one of the most anticipated games of the current generation coming to fill its place, but here are some of the games we’re most looking forward to in May 2020.
John Wick Hex (PS4) – May 5
Originally available only on Mac and PC, John Wick Hex is now making its own to the PlayStation 4. This hex-based tactical game lets players experience the incredibly choreographed fight style of the John Wick movie series in the shoes of its titular hero.
Population Zero (PC) – May 5
Population Zero may not be on your radar yet, but if recent teasers are anything to go by, it ought to be. An online survival game with optional PvP, Population Zero looks like it will be more welcoming to newcomers than most games in the genre while still offering the hardcore experience that more experience players crave. Population Zero looks like it will feature a deep combat and upgrade system as well as a beautiful environment to explore when it launches in Early Access this May.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer (Switch, PS4) – May 12/26
The latest in a series of Star Wars re-releases, Star Wars Episode 1: Racer may be the best thing to come out of The Phantom Menace. A racing game may not be the first thing players have in mind when they want to jump into the world of Star Wars, but Episode 1: Racer perfectly translates the movie’s podracing into a fast-paced, fun game. The Nintendo Switch version launches on May 12, but the PlayStation 4 version was recently pushed back to May 26.
Related: The best new games released in 2020 so far
Deep Rock Galactic (Xbox One, PC) – May 13
Currently in early access, Deep Rock Galactic gets its official release this May. Deep Rock Galactic puts you and a group of pals in the shoes of a gang of space dwarves just trying to make a living as miners but keep getting sidetracked by hordes of angry alien insects on the way. Deep Rock Galactic is loads of fun for up to four players, whether you’re focused on collecting ore or fending off the bugs in the way.
The Wonderful 101: Remastered (PS4, Switch, PC) – May 19
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, The Wonderful 101: Remastered is hitting stores soon. Originally released on the Wii U, The Wonderful 101 lets players control massive armies of heroes that can combine their power to form gigantic weapons to fight foes. The upcoming remaster will feature updated controls as well as fresh new graphics.
Maneater (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC) – May 22
First revealed at the PC Gaming Show in 2018, Maneater puts players in the role of a shark on a rampage, gobbling up unaware swimmers, sinking boats, and going to war with anything else that invades its watery turf. Players can upgrade their shark with custom evolutions to bring even more carnage to the beaches on their quest to become the undisputed apex predator.
Saints Row: The Third Remastered (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – May 22
Saints Row: The Third marks the moment when the series was finally recognized as more than a GTA clone and fully started to embrace its uniquely over-the-top tone. A remaster of what’s widely considered the best game in the series, Saints Row: The Third Remastered hits the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC this May, following a Nintendo Switch port last year. The new version sports updated graphics and tons of add-on content, including three expansion packs and lots of new toys to play with.
Minecraft Dungeons (Xbox One, PC) – May 26
A standalone action RPG in the tradition of Diablo but set in the world of Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons won’t play anything like its namesake, but will borrow its iconic blocky style. Minecraft Dungeons was pushed back slightly from its end-of-April release date but it will be available in a standard and “Hero Edition,” which includes skins and future DLC. Minecraft Dungeons will also support local and online co-op, making it a great pick for some long-distance hangouts, just like Minecraft.
Ninjala (Switch) – May 27
After its troubled open beta, Ninjala is officially launching on the Nintendo Switch at the end of the month. Despite its beta’s technical problems, Ninjala looks like an interesting take on competitive multiplayer with kid-friendly, gum-powered action and Splatoon-like graphics. Ninjala is a free-to-play title, which makes it an even more attractive option for online fun.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch) – May 29
The original Xenoblade Chronicles perhaps didn’t get as much attention as it deserved, thanks to it only being available on the Wii. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition will get a chance to set that right when it comes to the much more popular Nintendo Switch. Featuring much improved graphics and a whole new epilogue chapter, this massive JRPG is a deep and rewarding experience that deserves a second look.
BioShock: The Collection, Borderlands Legendary Collection, and XCOM 2 Collection (Switch) – May 29
Announced during Nintendo’s recent Direct Mini, these three collections from 2K bring a trove of great games to the Nintendo Switch. BioShock, Borderlands, and XCOM are all series that need no introduction, but if these versions are the first time you’re playing any of these classics, you’ll be treated to the most complete version of each one, from BioShock’s cerebral, story-based FPS action and Borderlands’ significantly wackier take on the genre to the tactical alien hunting of XCOM 2.
