It has been one of those nicely varied gaming weeks where there is a bit of everything: chunky co-op endgame content, old-school arcade love, big subscription drops, strange Nintendo retro choices, and a survival sequel making an absolutely massive splash.
1. Ghost of Yōtei Legends’ Raid gets a proper post-game spotlight
PlayStation and Sucker Punch gave us a lovely behind-the-scenes look at the endgame Raid for Ghost of Yōtei Legends, and it sounds like the studio learned a lot from Ghost of Tsushima Legends.
The Raid is built around four-player coordination, supernatural boss battles, and puzzle-style teamwork, but the interesting bit is how Sucker Punch tried to make it less punishing to return to. Teams can replay boss sections rather than committing to one huge session, which feels like a very sensible improvement.
My take: this is exactly the kind of support multiplayer modes need. Keep the challenge, but respect people’s time.
2. Subnautica 2 has had a monster Early Access launch
Subnautica 2 entered Early Access this week and, according to Unknown Worlds, sold 2 million copies in 12 hours, with a huge concurrent player peak across PC and Xbox.
That is a ridiculous start for an Early Access survival game, but not a surprising one. The original Subnautica built up years of goodwill, and the sequel’s promise of co-op exploration on a new alien world is clearly landing with players.
There are some Early Access caveats, of course, but the overall energy around this launch feels very positive. People wanted more Subnautica. They got more Subnautica. They immediately dived in.
3. Forza Horizon 6 is nearly here, and Game Pass is stacked
Xbox’s latest Game Pass wave is a busy one, with Forza Horizon 6, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Subnautica 2, Mixtape, Outbound, and more either live or imminent. The big one, obviously, is Forza Horizon 6, which starts early access today for Premium Upgrade players before its wider Game Pass arrival on May 19.
Source: Xbox Wire
A Japan-set Forza Horizon is such an easy win on paper that it almost feels unfair. If Playground gets the roads, cities, mountains, and night-time atmosphere right, this could be the “clear your weekend” game of the month.
4. Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a better-value bundle this summer
Nintendo announced a Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle launching in early June at participating retailers. It includes the console plus a download code for one of three games: Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia.
Source: Nintendo
This is a smart bundle because it does not force everyone into the same pack-in. Mario Kart is the obvious crowd-pleaser, Donkey Kong is the big platforming pick, and Pokémon Pokopia gives cozy players something more relaxed. More choice at checkout is always welcome.
5. PlayStation Plus gets Star Wars Outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Time Crisis
May’s PlayStation Plus Game Catalog is a strong one. Star Wars Outlaws, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Thaumaturge, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Broken Sword: Reforged, and more arrive on May 19, while Premium players also get Time Crisis.
Time Crisis being back is the kind of thing that makes me instantly nostalgic. Star Wars Outlaws and Red Dead 2 are the headline names, but that arcade inclusion is a lovely little extra for anyone who still misses light-gun games.
6. Saros is showing more of its story side
Housemarque shared a new behind-the-scenes look at Saros, focusing on lead character Arjun Devraj and actor Rahul Kohli’s performance capture work.
Saros already had attention because it is Housemarque following up Returnal, but this update is a nice reminder that the studio is not just chasing bullet patterns and spectacle. It wants a stronger character-driven hook too.
I’m very into that. Returnal’s atmosphere was already incredible; if Saros can pair that level of action with a more front-facing cast, it could be something special.
7. Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 is officially coming this summer
Daybreak and Cold Iron Studios announced Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2, due this summer for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Epic Games Store, and Steam.
The sequel expands the squad size from three to four players and promises deeper customization, including mix-and-match weapons, abilities, and classes.
That already sounds like the right direction. The first game had a solid “squad vs xenomorph chaos” foundation, and a four-player sequel with more build depth could turn it into a proper co-op regular.
8. Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II finally has a date
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II launches on May 21 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC, timed alongside the Warhammer Skulls showcase.
The sequel has two playable factions, two campaigns, and a much bigger strategic layer around controlling territory. More importantly, the first Mechanicus had one of the most memorable Warhammer game soundtracks ever, and composer Guillaume David is back.
That alone is enough to get tactical fans listening.
Bonus: Nintendo is still making the Virtual Boy weirdly relevant
Nintendo also added more Virtual Boy classics to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, including V-Tetris, Jack Bros., Space Invaders Virtual Collection, Virtual Bowling, and Vertical Force.
Source: Nintendo
I still cannot quite believe Virtual Boy support is a real part of the Switch 2 era, but I love that Nintendo is preserving odd corners of its history rather than pretending they never happened.
Comments0