The video game releases for May 2021 are shaping up to be incredible. And leading the pack is the latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise: Resident Evil Village. It’s the next step in the ongoing, soft reboot of the franchise, and based on its trailers, it takes its aesthetic inspiration from Resident Evil 4 (2005), the widely agreed upon high point of the franchise. And that’s before the 9’6 Lady Dimitrescu and her three supernatural daughters reveal themselves and make your life a living hell.
Beyond that heavy hitter, we have a Legendary Edition of another classic franchise, a DLC for a critically acclaimed title from last year, and a number of high profile free games, available by subscription. Overall, there are some decent offerings for gamers gearing up for what could be a hot summer...outdoors.
Here is all your major video game news for May 2021.
Xbox Games With Gold Free Games for April 2021
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Xbox One
Armello (May 1-May 31)
This is a tabletop roleplaying game with fantasy elements, that incorporate virtual dice and cards to cast spells and use items. It takes place in the eponymous fairy tale kingdom of Armello.
Dungeons III (May 16-June 15)
Build a dungeon. Make it habitable. Defend it. Dungeons III casts you in the role of a dark elf sorcerer and comes with a dash of wry humor.
Xbox 360 (backwards compatible)
LEGO Batman: The Video Game (May 1-May 15)
With an original storyline, lots of Easter Eggs, and tons of LEGO brick-based humor, this game is a lot of wholesome, family fun.
Tropico 4 (May 16-May 31)
You build up a tropical island as El Presidente, the dictator of a banana republic. It’s a sim game, where you have to balance the needs of your citizens with pleasing the different social classes that keep you in power.
Playstation Plus Free Games for May 2021
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Playstation Plus Free Games for May 2021
Battlefield V (May 4)
Battlefield VI is on its way, scheduled for release during the holiday season. Until then, you can enjoy Battlefield V, a critically acclaimed, cinematic 1st person shooter, focusing on Allied exploits during World War II.
Stranded Deep (May 4)
You play as the marooned survivor of a plane crash, subsisting on what you can scrounge until help arrives. Build a shelter, find food, and steer clear of the sharks.
Wreckfest (May 4)
Until Sony gets its act together and blesses us with another Twisted Metal, this will make an excellent substitute. Wreckfest will have you racing to the finish line, while simultaneously trying to finish your opponents.
Google Stadia Free Games for May 2021
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Floor Kids (May 1)
This is a competitive dance game with cartoonish flair. Breakdance your way to victory, via improvisation and rhythmic button inputs.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number (May 1)
A sequel to the original cult hit Hotline Miami, this top-down shooter explores the lead-up and the aftermath of the Russian mob deaths from the first game. Instead of playing as just Jacket, you’ll have 13 playable characters, each with unique abilities.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (May 1)
This third-person action-adventure game is beloved by everyone who grabbed it, and while Cal Kestis’ journey hasn’t hit the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S yet, it’s available for free this month on Stadia. It’s the perfect way to celebrate “May the Fourth” all month long.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince (May 1)
This is a critically acclaimed co-op game, with lots of platform puzzles in a medieval fantasy setting.
'Resident Evil Village' (May 7)
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When Resident Evil 7 came out, its first-person perspective and narrative—separate from the series’ bloated Umbrella Corporation storyline—was refreshing. It captured something that the series had lacked for several years: a genuine feeling of horror. The new Resident Evil Village looks to continue that trend while also treading into Resident Evil 4 territory, with twisting castles and the depraved aristocrats that inhabit them.
'Hood: Outlaws and Legends' (May 10)
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First announced a year ago, this game is a dark reimagining of the Robin Hood property, with “Hood,” Little John, Maid Marion, and Tooke stealing treasure and riches from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. This is a multiplayer experience, with two-player teams attempting to break into a castle vault, guarded by an enemy CPU.
'Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Wrath of the Druids' (May 13)
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Delayed from its original April release date, the “Wrath of the Druids” DLC will send Eivor to Ireland, where he will cross blades with the Children of Danu, a mysterious cult with possible connections to the Order of the Ancients. Expect mysticism and magic.
'Mass Effect: Legendary Edition' (May 14)
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This is a definitive repackaging of the Mass Effect trilogy, about the efforts of one Commander Shepard to save the galaxy from the mysterious Reapers. The “Legendary Edition” includes Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, and nearly all the DLC. The earlier games have been updated significantly, with quality-of-life tweaks to bring the combat and gameplay up to date. And every game narratively carries over from the prior one, which means that your actions and morality matter more than ever.
'Knockout City' (May 21)
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Imagine dodgeball. Now imagine it being played in a colorful, city environment, with multiple game character archetypes as the players. Think Wreck-it-Ralph, but with dodgeballs, and you’ll get the idea. It’s a party game with depth, for those who want to look for it. Every game wants to be the new Rocket League that draws both beginners and competitors to the same table. Knockout City is the latest multiplayer game to attempt that lightning-in-a-bottle level of success.
