A new month is upon us, and that means it’s time to look forward at a set of new video games to be excited about.
May 2014 hosts some of the biggest releases of the year, including the long-awaited Watch Dogs and Mario Kart 8. There are a few treats you might have forgotten about, so be sure to check the calendar below so you know what gamers will be playing and talking about for the next four weeks.
May 2014 Video Game Release Calendar
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May 2nd - Kirby: Triple Deluxe & Mario Golf: World Tour
Kirby is bringing his platforming action to the 3DS to kick off the month. In Kirby: Triple Deluxe you'll traverse 2D platforming environments and conquer obstacles by inhaling enemies to acquire their skills. It looks like it could end up being one of the better Kirby games, which is saying a lot considering it's the 13th game of the franchise.
If you're not feeling up to platforming, Mario Golf: World Tour arrives on the same day. Despite its friendly presentation, it can be quite a challenging game. If you're a fan of golf games, then there's a demo on the eShop you should download and try out before deciding whether or not to pick it up.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe platform(s): 3DS
Mario Golf: World Tour platform(s): 3DS
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May 6th - MLB 14: The Show (PS4)
Yes, MLB 14: The Show launched last month, but that was the PS3 version. It was met with positive reviews, but those looking for the closest to lifelike simulation have had good reason to wait patiently for the PS4 launch.
MLB 14: The Show on PS4 looks ridiculously good, from the virtual versions of favorite baseball pros, to the fields they play on. This is the first next-gen baseball game, so you don't have many options. Thankfully, the one option is a good one.
Oh.... and that grass... so good.
MLB 14: The Show platform(s): PS3, PS4, PS Vita
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May 9th - Bound By Flame
There are a couple RPGs coming out in May, but Bound By Flame looks like the best of the small bunch. It's a fantasy-themed game heavily centered around demons. There's also all the great character customization you come to expect from the genre.
Bound By Flame plaform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360
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May 20th - Transistor
It seems like every week an indie game releases. Although they're plentiful, only a few can capture the attention of many, and Transistor is one of those types.
Developed by the well-known Supergiant Games, Transistor is an action RPG with a top-down point of view. As with Supergiant's last game, Bastion, combat is fluid and makes playing the game a real joy.
Transistor platform(s): PC, PS4
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May 20th - Wolfenstein: The New Order
Wolfenstein has been around a while, so you get the idea of what to expect here. What you might not be considering is that this is the first next-gen Wolfenstein, meaning that its fictional universe is more tangible than ever before. Made better, it'll be powered by the new id Tech 5 engine, the same platform that'll run Doom 4.
Playing as William Blazkowicz, in Wolfenstein: The New Order you'll be tasked with the nearly impossible mission of combating a Nazi regime that has just won World War 2. That's pretty heavy material, and hopefully it's as compelling as it sounds.
Wolfenstein: The New Order platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
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May 23rd - Tropico 5
Need something to really sink your teeth into? Few genres do a better job of that than construction and management simulation games. So SimCity 2013 bombed. Oh well. Tropico 5 is here and has the passion needed to be a satisfying game.
Tropico 5 is all about building up a successful country through some of the most important eras of mankind. During your reign as the overlord, you'll negotiate with other world powers, and build structures to satisfy your population.
With console releases, co-op, and more, you're in for a few hundred hours of entertainment.
Tropico 5 platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox 360
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May 27th - Watch Dogs
Originally slated to be one of the blockbuster games of next-gen launch, post-delay Watch Dogs looks to add entertainment to the desert dry month of May where next-gen games are seldom released.
Watch Dogs is an open world game... by Ubisoft Montreal. That in and of itself should make you excited. In the case that it doesn't, this is the kind of open-world game that is much more rich than some of the recent games we've seen. The population is alive and interactive, and the character has unique hacking skills. In other words, this is a game with a unique premise and a high attention to detail, which is just what the PS4 and Xbox One need.
If there's one game in May that commands the most attention, Watch Dogs is the one.
Watch Dogs platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U (Q4 2014)
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May 30th - Mario Kart 8
To say that Mario Kart 8 is an important game would be an understatement. The Wii U is in big trouble, and Nintendo is relying on Mario Kart 8's power to resuscitate it.
Past Mario Kart games have always been top sellers and mainstays in game libraries, but Mario Kart 8 is arguably the most well conceived of the bunch. Not only are there many game modes and options for mixing race content up, but it draws from the incredible diversity of the 3DS' Mario Kart 7 where there's more than just land racing; you'll glide through the air, and even submerse yourself underwater.
To put it plainly, Mario Kart 8 looks really, really good. And if you don't own a Wii U, there will be a bundle released that's going to be getting plenty of marketing material.
Mario Kart 8 platform(s): Wii U
