Justin Wicker breaks down the most notable gaming releases for May 2016.
Battleborn - May 3rd
The first of an upcoming slurry of
highly-stylized first-person arena shooters with MOBA and teamwork elements.
Gearbox Software uses its experience developing the Borderlands series
with elements of supremely popular titles like DOTA 2 and League of
Legends to craft a unique experience that should appeal to both shooter and
MOBA fans alike. Available May 3rd on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Stellaris - May 9th
For fans of the niche genre of 4x or Grand
Strategy games, a new entry is always welcomed. Sellaris takes a fun Sci-fi
spin on the typical fantasy or historical settling by having you exploring and
conquering outer space. Paradox builds on the Crusader Kings formula,
but places it in a grand and beautiful procedurally generated universe. While
it’s certainly not for everyone, I am glad to hear Paradox is continuing to
innovate in the grand strategy market. Stellaris is available May 9th on
Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Uncharted 4: A Thief's End - May 10th
The conclusion to the series that essentially
defined Sony’s first-party development in the PS3 era is finally here. E3
coverage and other early videos have showed off absolutely gorgeous cinematic
gameplay, and the kind of plucky quips and action that has defined the series
as a whole. The subtext of the title implies a potential sad end to Nathan
Drake, but I am still excited to see how it all concludes after its console
generation-spanning history. Uncharted 4 is available May 10th exclusively on
the Playstation 4.
DOOM - May 13
With John Carmack coding away on the future of
virtual reality, and John Romero kicking-off a crowdfunding campaign for his
own spiritual successor to the 90s classic, Id and Bethesda have taken it upon
themselves to make a modern rendition of the series. Some open betas and
multiplayer test weekends have been around recently, and seem to have been
divisive in both the old fanboy and modern shooter communities. It includes a
full single-player campaign complete with demons and trips to hell, and of
course the deathmatch mode that revolutionized PC multiplayer as we know it.
Still not sure what to expect with it quite yet, but DOOM will be available on
the 13th on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Homefront: The Revolution - May 17th
Homefront: The Revolution is the direct sequel
to the 2011’s Homefront, and comes from an interesting lineage as both
its original developer, Kaos Studios, and its original publisher, THQ, both
collapsed mid development. Crytek UK has since picked up the rights and
continued development, dropping its original moniker of “Homefront 2”. Your
guess is as good as mine about how the new Homefront will end up considering
its storied past, but it will be available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC on May
17th.
Overwatch - May 24th - PS4, XONE, PC
Seemingly the first announced of the new arena
shooter trio of Overwatch, Battleborn, and Paragon, Blizzard
Entertainment is running with its console success from Diablo 3 and making a
full-blown console shooter. After playing in the closed beta, I can say it is
the least MOBA-like of any of the three, and its closest comparison point is
Valve’s now free-to-play shooter Team Fortress 2. Pick your role, pick
one of the many unique and stylish characters and get to shooting and clubbing
your friends in this fast-paced and colorful shooter. Available May 24th on
PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Total War: Warhammer - May 24th
The digital experience that tabletop Warhammer
players have been requesting for decades is finally here. The makers of the
popular Total War series have shied away from their historical roots to
bring the game to the diverse universe of Warhammer. Control the the
human empire to conquer the hordes of chaos, or side with disorder to control
goblins, giant rats, or endless ranks of zombies as you do battle in the
flavorful and deep universe of war. Total War: Warhammer is available on
Windows, Mac, and PC on May 24th.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in
Manhattan - May 24th
I am not typically a fan
of many licensed games, they have a long history of being mediocre cash-ins on
popular media, but due to some recent trends this game is worth noting. This
TMNT title comes from Platinum Games, developer of some highly respected character-action
games like Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising, and the third in a
series of licensed titles from Platinum (After Legend of Korra and Transformers:
Devastation). You’ll be able to get your hands on this nostalgic romp on
May 24th for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC.
-Justin Wicker
