Table of Contents
It’s that time of the month again… and by that I mean the time when I realize an entire month has passed me by in the blink of an eye and I take to the deep dark release lists of Steam that feature a fair too many games out of my comfort zone to mention... but I withstand the trauma to seek out only the best and brightest of the upcoming bunch.
I’m pleased to say that I’ve resurfaced, and with me I’ve brought 30 games that all deserve a bit of your time. Whether it’s your beautifully brutal RPGs, or coziest of causal life sims, we’ve collected an assortment of something for everyone.
Per usual, we've sorted our release list by genre, so you can skip anything you're not interested in. We’ve of course included the release dates, consoles the games will be available on, and their links, all for your easy access.
For now, let’s jump straight into it, so grab your favorite cup of tea (or coffee we don’t judge) and buckle up, because we’re starting you off with nothing but Action & Adventure.
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Plushie from the Sky
The very idea of fighting Soulslike bosses armed with only a Plushie seems too hilarious not to feature. Offering that Kingdom heart vibe while maintaining some challenge to the gameplay, if you’re someone who loves beating up bad guys gently, then this is one to consider. Don’t let its cuddly appearances deceive you though, it’s not going to be a walk in the Pillow Fort to beat this one.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 6th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: fishwind
Publisher: fishwind
Gatekeeper
If you’ve been around the Pillow Fort then you know my partner Derek adores Roguelites, and Gatekeeper has been on his radar since early of last year. Boasting multiple worlds and maps, hundreds of collectibles that will impact and change your gameplay, and the ability to do it all with your friends, is exciting for the world of roguelites. The visual and audio experience is set to be above average for the genre as well, so add that to the list of perks.
Game Information:
Early Access Release Date: May 10th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Gravity Lagoon
Publisher: HypeTrain Digital
Baladins
If you’re looking for a family-friendly, co-op adventure this month, then Baladins might be just what you’re looking for. Offering a make-your-own story approach armed with the ability of choice, each time you play, you’ll experience something new. With multiple different characters and dozens of different story combinations, you're bound to be entertained for a while.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 15th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Seed by Seed
Publisher: Armor Games Studios
Deep Beyond
We can’t help but appreciate the use of color in our next feature. The ability to use simple color palettes and create such an eerie atmosphere that only enhances the thrilling story, can’t be anything but complimented. While this one doesn’t fall into the horror category, it’s bound to keep you on the edge of your seat at points, especially if you’re afraid of what lies beneath the waves.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 15th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Avix Games
Publisher: Avix Games
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
Despite the fact that we struggle to get through titles as bloody as Senua’s Saga, we can’t deny the sheer beauty of the graphic and audio design, and the incredible writing throughout the stories. We harbor more than a few in our community who love intense RPGs that offer the rush of fast-paced yet methodical combat, complimented by exquisite sound and visuals, and it’s why we had to feature it. If that’s you, then you’re in for a good month.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 21st
Consoles Available: PC, Xbox S/X - Gamepass
Developer: Ninja Theory
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
If you’ve been around our Fort for a bit, you know that my partner and Husband Derek’s online persona is a duck. So, it seems only fair that we make SirDucky become the Duck Detective this month, doesn’t it? Regardless, if you haven’t heard of this charming upcoming title, then we’re happy we’re able to share it with you today. If a comedic adventure about solving clues as an adorable duck sounds like a good time, then give it a look.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 23rd
Consoles Available: PC & Switch
Developer: Happy Broccoli Games
Publisher: Happy Broccoli Games
Astor: Blade of the Monolith
Astor: Blade of the Monolith is inviting us to a vibrant world full of fantastic creatures, intense boss fights, and colorful constructs this month. With a flexible combat style that caters to many audiences, you’ll be able to define how you want play as you chase down the disappearance of the mysterious ancients. If you’re an RPG lover who wants to go on an adventure this May, then this is one to consider.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 30th
Consoles Available: PC & Switch
Developer: C2 Game Studio
Publisher: Versus Evil, tinyBuild
Now that we’ve gotten through our most adventurous games of the month, at least, the more excitable ones, let’s move into the ones that make our minds work just a bit harder to manage the more minute details of our gaming experience. You know, the ones that offer more freedom at the cost of more suffering from our poor choices. All in good fun though as we’re only human, but the following features are sure to put your decision-making to the test. It’s time to check out our Simulation, Management & Strategy titles for the month.
Foundry
For those of you who like to break your PCs with endless automation systems, you’ll be excited to know that Foundry is releasing this month. They claim it to be an infinitely scalable factory building and while I can promise your PC will collapse at some point, the very idea that you can attempt to do so is going to be exciting for a fair few. Releasing on May 2nd, you won’t have to wait long at all to get your hands on this one.
Game Information:
Early Access Release Date: May 2nd
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Channel 3 Entertainment
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Oceanarium World
I’m honestly not ashamed to admit that I love passive simulation games. Powerwash simulator, Cooking Simulator, Planet Zoo, heck, even your more comedic and adult ones like Viscera Cleanup Simulator, there’s just something so relaxing about the genre. Oceanarium World is offering you the chance to run your own little fish paradise this month, and I know plenty of people who might indulge, so it’s earned its feature.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 6th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Mazemind
Publisher: Mazemind
Fay's Factory
We can’t help but appreciate the growing trend of games to offer a choices-matter approach. Even in your more simplistic factory and management Sims, we’re starting to see these more minor choices inserted into the games that often have major impact. Insult the very first customer that enters your shop and you’ll be repaying a debt you never thought you’d incur. Praise what seems to be a peasant only to be rewarded realizing their a king. It’s a fun mechanic and the blend of it with the fun management systems in Fays Factory is what earned it the feature. If you’re looking for something casual and comedic to play this month, give this one a look.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 8th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: egor dorogov
Publisher: egor dorogov
Refactoro: Chaotic Farm
As simple and silly as this title might seem, we couldn’t help but feature it this month as if you’re looking for a casual coding experience that will help you understand a bit deeper into coding logic and functions, then this one is worth checking out. Even if it sticks to a simplistic approach, I love anything that teaches real-world or computing skills through the outlet of a game.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 9th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Sandboxia
Publisher: Sandboxia
Homeworld 3
Taking Game of the Year way back in 2003, the sequel to the beloved Homeworld 2 is finally upon us. If you’re looking for a breathtaking visual Sci-Fi experience, mixed with Real Time Strategy tactics and combat, then I can only hope this one is on your radar. While 21 years is a long time to wait for a sequel, if it’s as good as the second, we might be looking at a potential contender for 2024… at least in the strategy department.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 13th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Synergy
We tried the Demo of Synergy during the last Steam Next Fest and were impressed by the uniqueness they’ve managed to bring to the Colony-Sim genre. Blending RPG elements in with a gorgeous art style, it offered a challenge you don’t typically find with these ones. The ability to adjust the settings to our personal playstyle preference only made it all the better and is what earned it another feature on our platform.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 21st
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Leikir Studio
Publisher: Goblinz Publishing, H2 Interactive
Songs of Silence
While I ultimately struggle to get into the RTS and more Strategic genres, it’s hard to ignore Songs of Silence this month. Offering above-average visuals for the genre, and a level of story-telling that is usually only available at a higher price point, if you’re someone who enjoys the strategic planning of troops and their battle plan, then this one needs your fair look.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 23rd
Consoles Available: PC, PS5, Xbox S/X
Developer: Chimera Entertainment
Publisher: Chimera Entertainment
Reus 2
The Colony and Management Sim genres are only growing on me, and games like Reus 2 are the reason why. The idea of controlling my titans to cultivate different biomes and planets, all so that I can see how our little colony evolves based on their environments, sounds like an engagingly good time. Falling into the category of God-Game, we’ll be the ones in charge of their overall success, so you’ll have to decide if you’re going to choose mercy, or mayhem.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 28th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Abbey Games
Publisher: Firesquid
While I may not be the most technically skilled when it comes to platformers and controllers, as my ability rests with a keyboard and RPGs, I can’t help but adore the metroid and platformer genres as they offer such unique experiences in each one you play. It could be a colorful and imaginative adventure through the clouds or a brutal and bloody monster battle in the pits of hell. The versatility of the genre is impressive, and it’s why we’ve sought to bring you some of our favorite picks from the genre, coming in May.
Cosmic: A Journey Among Shadows
One title that’s making a more psychedelic splash into the gaming world this month is Cosmic: A Journey Among Shadows. You’ll, as the title teases, have to team up with your shadow to take on a not quite so friendly world. With vibrant visuals and hack-and-slash combat, you can expect to be jumping and dashing to new heights with even bigger bads to take down.
Game Information:
Early Access Release Date: May 6th
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, PS4/5, Xbox One/S/X
Developer: King's Pleasure
Publisher: Feardemic
Nerobi
May is the month of beautiful 2D platformers for sure, and we couldn’t help but feature Nerobi as well. With a fully hand-drawn art style that offers a gorgeous atmosphere and an engaging story, this one should offer you that thrilling and challenging experience we’ve come to love from the genre. Also, there are few titles that offer an entirely hand-drawn story and experience, so we can’t help but appreciate Nerobi for the immense effort that takes. Definitely give this one a look if you’re the type to appreciate the art of gaming.
Game Information:
Early Access Release Date: May 7th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: SANOBUSINESS S.R.L.
Publisher: SANOBUSINESS S.R.L.
Gift
This one seems deceptive from trailers alone, and it’s almost impossible to miss the depth that’s hiding under its surface. What starts as happy memories and moments with friends, takes a turn for the Titanic, and you’ll be climbing your way off the ship while also attempting to save the others. Even though this one might not jump at you the way something like Little Nightmares will, we can’t help but notice the similar gameplay style, and appreciate the less creepy approach. Even if this provides a few nerve-wracking moments, it should still fit the more casual crew nicely.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 8th
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, Xbox S/X, PS5
Developer: Toydium, Million Edge
Publisher: Bushiroad Inc.
Gestalt: Steam & Cinder
To any Retro fans, your month is about to be blessed with the beautifully handcrafted world of Gestalt: Steam & Cinder. Taking inspiration from 16 and 32-bit classics, you’ll be set in a Steampunk world where you’ll have to hack, slash, and shoot your way through. It’s hard to ignore how thorough they’ve been about the artwork, and the story doesn’t seem to have been forgotten about either. Definitely give it a good look if you’re looking for a Metroid to spark some nostalgia this month.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 21st
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, Xbox One, PS4
Developer: Metamorphosis Games
Publisher: Fireshine Games
Nine Sols
As a Metroid & Platformer lover, we can’t overlook Nine Sols entering the gaming fray this May. Offering fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, and plenty of platforming challenges, we’re excited to see how it stands up to others in the genre. From the beautifully crafted world and bosses to the Sekiro-inspired deflection-focused combat, it should be set up to be a good one.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 29th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: RedCandleGames
Publisher: RedCandleGames
Now, I feel the need to clarify our next category for some as a lot of our Cozy crew tends to lack enjoyment for some of the more casual games we feature... since they lack some of the cozy functions they love. Cozy crew, fear not, all of the following titles we’ve deemed as decently cozy, but a few sport the more casual title and may be meant for groups that love casual group experiences, not necessarily cozy ones. Don’t worry, there’s no shortage of features for either category, so just know that May is a good month regardless of whether you lean more towards Cozy, OR casual.
Surmount
There’s been a huge uprising in climbing games recently, and it’s quickly becoming a beloved genre. From streamers playing them in their downtime before PvP games, or friends competing comedically against each other to see who can reach the top first, it’s been a fun climb to see. Surmount is tossing its name into the Climbing ring and going above and beyond to offer some fun NPC and town interactions for when you get bored of the climbing range. As an added bonus, it’s co-op, so bring your friends… but… don’t expect them to be much help.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 2nd
Consoles Available: PC & Switch
Developer: Jasper Oprel, Indiana-Jonas
Publisher: popagenda
Endless Ocean Luminous
If you’re looking for something new to pick up on your Switch this month and enjoy a purely peaceful ocean exploration experience in which you can learn about dozens of different marine creatures, then Endless Ocean Luminous might be for you. This is no sister to Subnautica and there are not any ocean creatures that are going to jump out and scare you or threaten to eat you either, so to casual lovers, rest easy.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 2nd
Consoles Available: Switch
Developer: Arika
Publisher: Nintendo
Farm Together 2
For those who want nothing more than to spend hours terraforming, beautifying, and maximizing the perfect farm, all with their friends, then check out Farm Together 2. Even for solo adventurers, the experience promises to offer you that sense of community with the local townsfolk nearby ready to buy your homegrown produce. In the evenings, decorate your home, paint, or cook yourself a hot meal before going to bed. I have to be honest, it looks pretty fun.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 7th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Milkstone Studios
Publisher: Milkstone Studios
Little Kitty, Big City
If you’re a fan of all things cozy and casual, then you’ve probably known about Little Kitty, Big City’s release date for a while now, but we’re excited that it’s finally here. As a Game Pass subscriber, I’m ecstatic that we’ll be getting another comedic animal game all about causing chaos as an adorable kitty. Nothing beats mayhem and madness in a cute fluffy package, am I right?
Game Information:
Release Date: May 9th
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, Xbox One/S/X (Gamepass)
Developer: Double Dagger Studio
Publisher: Double Dagger Studio
Eggstraction
I can’t tell you how many hilarious nights I used to spend streaming ridiculous party and co-op games with friends. Eggstraction is the ideal game for such an occasion, boasting hilarious interactions, a playful graphic style, and nothing but pure chicken heist chaos. You can even dress up your little chicken however you want so that you can peck out your friend's eyeballs with style. Jokes aside, I’m curious to see how this one goes down in group-game history.
Game Information:
Release Date: May10th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: TwoShoedGames
Publisher: TwoShoedGames
Little Known Galaxy
We’re always on the lookout for beautiful Indie projects with heart, and Little Known Galaxy has loads of it. Offering beautifully colored pixel graphics and a sci-fi life sim adventure, fans of the farming and simulation genres should definitely give it a moment of their time. From futuristic gardens to alien crewmates to meet and befriend, and even foreign planets to unravel the mysteries of, we’re excited to see what the Little Known Galaxy has to offer.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 20th
Consoles Available: PC
Developer: Carbon & Kay
Publisher: Carbon & Kay
Paper Trail
You can’t deny how many unique game concepts have arisen over the last few years, and Paper Trail is set among them, offering a paper storybook world that literally folds and unfolds around you. With a touching tale about leaving home and the trials and tribulations that come hand-in-hand with it, it’ll likely offer those feels that some of us so often chase. I can’t forget to mention the beautiful art and audio too.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 21st
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, Xbox One/S/X, PS4/5, iOS
Developer: Newfangled Games
Publisher: Newfangled Games
Pine Hearts
If you’re looking for a wholesome adventure with nothing but cosy vibes this month, then we’re happy to introduce you to Pine Hearts. With that storybook charm and more narrative-driven approach, only complimented by its eclectic mix of puzzles and NPC interactions, it’s bound to offer that sense of childlike fun we often seek from this genre.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 23rd
Consoles Available: PC & Switch
Developer: Hyper Luminal Games
Publisher: Little Nook
Until Then
Lovers of all things Anime & Story-Driven will need to take a peek at Until Then. Offering a mysterious story that will have your mind spinning for answers, it’ll be up to you to figure out the truth before it's too late. This one does have a few seemingly heart-wrenching moments, so an added bonus for those who love to feel a little bit extra from the games they play.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 23rd
Consoles Available: PC & PS5
Developer: Polychroma Games
Publisher: Maximum Entertainment
SunnySide
It’s no secret that this one has been at the top of my want-to-play list for a while. From before the Kickstarter and all through the development process, we’ve been patiently waiting for the release date. With a more anime graphic style and the true freedom we all seek in a Life Sim, it’s no surprise why there’s so much excitement around its release. We can’t wait to stroll through the countryside and enjoy the views from our SunnySide garden.
Game Information:
Release Date: May 29th
Consoles Available: PC, Switch, Xbox One/S/X, PS4/5
Developer: Rainy Games
Publisher: Merge Games
With that, we’ve reached the end of another Monthly showcase. While we’d normally only feature around 20 titles, we couldn’t help but fall in love with a few of the Indie Projects we came across that were seemingly buried beneath the bigger releases, so hopefully we were able to shed a light on a few and provide you with something unique to keep you company through the rising heats of May. Make sure that you go and wishlist any games you’re interested in as it aids in their development more than I can emphasize. You can find all the links to them here, so no excuses.
Feel free to tell us what you’ll be picking up and playing this month, as while you’ll see a few of these beautiful titles come to our channels, we’re never able to cover everything, and we love hearing about the ones we miss from our community and friends. That’s going to be it for now, but as always we’d like to thank you for reading. The support and love for our content have been felt and appreciated, we’ll do our best to keep being our kind and informative selves. Until next time! Disclaimer: One human wrote, compiled, and edited this entire article / list, please be kind if there are any errors, and feel free to tell us in the comments if something needs fixing!
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