The video game landscape appears to be relatively subdued in May, but it will be punctuated by the release of two highly anticipated titles. Bethesda’s latest entry, Doom: The Dark Ages, is set for launch on May 15, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. Meanwhile, FromSoftware’s Elden Ring Nightreign is slated to arrive a few weeks later on May 30. The third installment in the modern Doom franchise acts as a precursor to its two predecessors and introduces a medieval twist to its trademark run-and-gun gameplay.
On the other hand, Elden Ring Nightreign will incorporate the familiar mechanics of FromSoftware into a cooperative survival action format. Teams of up to three players will battle formidable foes in a procedurally generated universe, experiencing dynamic boss encounters and explorative challenges across a multiplayer map where survival spans three in-game nights before facing a final adversary.
This month also introduces The Midnight Walk, a first-person adventure game characterized by its unique clay models and stop-motion animation style. Developed by MoonHood and published by Fast Travel Games, the game is set to launch on PC and PS5 in May. Players will strive to illuminate a world engulfed in darkness, contending with malevolent forces.
Additionally, Xbox gamers will see Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition make its debut on PS5. This remastered edition of the classic strategy game, which initially launched on PC, expands its reach to PlayStation after prior releases on other platforms. The following is a selection of the most significant releases this month for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition
Release Date: May 6
Platform: PS5
This definitive remaster of the esteemed 1999 real-time strategy game enhances and expands upon the original. Following its 2019 PC release and a 2022 Xbox launch, the PS5 edition arrives alongside new expansion content. Notably, this marks the first Age of Empires title available on PlayStation since the original debuted on the PS2 in 2002. It also introduces adaptations designed for the DualSense controller and an intuitive interface.
For newcomers to the Age of Empires series, players engage with the pages of medieval history, constructing empires, managing economies, and leading troops through various civilizations from regions including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With over 35 civilizations to choose from, players can explore diverse strategies.
The Definitive Edition includes all previously released expansions and campaigns, complete with online multiplayer capabilities and cross-play options with PC players, enabling users to face off against opponents across platforms.
Accompanying the console launch is The Three Kingdoms expansion, which introduces new civilizations—Cao Wei, Eastern Wu, and Shu Han—each featuring unique mechanics reflective of the historical context. This expansion also adds a fresh campaign along with an innovative “influence” gameplay mechanic, appealing to veterans and newcomers alike.
Among Us 3D
Release Date: May 6
Platform: PC
Among Us 3D reinventing the classic 2018 game that rose to fame during the pandemic, now offers a first-person perspective that injects new levels of tension. Players will feel the adrenaline surge with each doorway they navigate and every corner they approach, heightening the sense of suspense integral to the original.
This latest version introduces various enhancements, including new interactive tasks and an updated proximity communication system, which allows players to hear each other based on their distance in-game. A newly introduced Tag Mode involves one infected player attempting to spread the infection, adding a quirky twist to the gameplay.
Whether a pandemic-induced newcomer or a seasoned player, the 3D iteration is an enticing entry point into the franchise.
The Midnight Walk
Release Date: May 8
Platform: PC, PS5
Step into the shoes of the Burnt One in The Midnight Walk, a first-person adventure game set in a world where you must protect your companion, Potboy, from malicious entities. Developed by MoonHood and released by Fast Travel Games, the story centers around the themes of fire and darkness.
Your journey requires unique mechanics, such as relying on another creature’s senses for navigation. Players can employ strategies like hiding, evading enemies, and using an innovative gun that shoots matches to light candles and guide the way. Throughout your adventures, you will encounter various enigmatic characters, each contributing to the narrative’s depth.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Release Date: May 15
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Since its revival in 2016, the Doom franchise has cemented its identity with heavy metal themes, intense action, and visceral combat. The forthcoming Doom: The Dark Ages shifts the setting to a medieval backdrop, situated between the timelines of Doom and Doom Eternal. Players will engage with the narrative of the Doom Slayer amid a war against hellish adversaries.
This installment presents a grittier, darker tone while emphasizing a tank-like gameplay style. The combat system integrates not just firearms but melee weapons, including a Shield Saw capable of double duty as both a defense and an offensive tool. Players can expect brutal melee kills, daunting boss encounters, and a soundtrack that amplifies the action.
Deliver At All Costs
Release Date: May 22
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
Deliver At All Costs, created by Studio Far Out Games and published by Konami Digital Entertainment, is a narrative-driven action-adventure game set in 1959. Players assume the role of Winston Green, a beleaguered delivery driver, as they navigate an explosive world full of surprises.
The game embraces a visually rich aesthetic and features an original soundtrack reminiscent of the 1950s, complete with period-appropriate voice acting and radio advertisements. Players will traverse semi-open environments both on foot and in vehicles, facing challenges posed by the quirky deliveries they must accomplish. Expect a mix of driving obstacles and platforming puzzles amidst chaotic scenarios.
Elden Ring Nightreign
Release Date: May 30
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
FromSoftware is set to release its latest action RPG, Elden Ring Nightreign, which incorporates cooperative survival elements into the acclaimed mechanics of its predecessor. Players will form teams of three within the new world of Limveld, designed to coexist alongside the original Elden Ring world.
This environment introduces procedurally generated maps and escalating difficulties, requiring players to survive a series of three intense in-game days before confronting a final boss. Players will face a new enemy at the conclusion of each day, with the landscape changing and shrinking akin to Battle Royale formats.
While the game can be played solo, it is designed to encourage teamwork and cooperation among players. Options for character selection will showcase different abilities and skills, along with a variety of environmental threats to contend with, as announced by FromSoftware. Elden Ring Nightreign is anticipated to make a significant impact upon its release at the end of the month.
