This May is a huge month for horror fans, with major franchises releasing some of the biggest horrors of the year. Whether you like your scares in past, present of future, supernatural or grounded, you will have a great time with this month’s selection. Amnesia, Outlast and System Shock, some of the biggest names in the genre are all receiving releases. Of course, if you want something a little less mainstream, we have our indie offerings to dig into to.
For more horror content check out these articles below!
The Outlast Trials
The Outlast Trials is the 3rd games in the series and serves as a prequel. This time around the game comes designed for both solo and Co-Op play with teams of up to four players. You’ll need to survive through stealth, but with the ability to upgrade your character as you go.
The Outlast Trials is set during the Cold War. The Murkoff Corporation is testing methods of brainwashing and mind control, and sadly for you and your friends, you are the test subject. You’ll need to collect information on the trials and Murkoff as you go, with your ethics and survival skills being challenged along the way.
Outlast has been a popular series of horror games for years now, and the latest addition must place on the top 5 games releasing this May.
The Outlast Trials releases on 18th May in early access on PC, with a Playstation release TBA.
Amnesia: The Bunker
Since the release of Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Frictional Games has had a firm grip on the horror community, especially with the huge numbers of Lets Plays on YouTube. It’s been 3 years since Rebirth released and we are finally getting a new addition to the series.
Amnesia: The Bunker takes the series to the frontline of World War 1. You play as Henri Clément, a French soldier trapped in a decrepit bunker and must find your way out. Terrors lurk in the shadows though, so manage the light the best you can. The latest in the series brings some changes to the formula. Primarily you are armed this time. However ammo is rare. Furthermore, there is a crafting mechanic added to the game.
With the star power of the Amnesia franchise, The Bunker is no doubt one of the biggest horror games releasing this March.
Amnesia: The Bunker releases on 23rd May on PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One and Series X & S.
System Shock Remake
After a 2 month delay from it’s initial planned launch in March, we finally have a firm release date for the highly anticipated System Shock Remake. The iconic 1994 horror classic is a great choice for a remake, and will no doubt be another of the biggest games of both May and 2023. Nightdive Studios, creators of the 2015 enhanced edition are behind the game. The new version comes with updated graphics and revamped controls to make it easier for console players to get to grips with the game. The fantastic story and villain firmly place System Shock as a cult classic that horror fans can’t wait to get their hands on.
System Shock is set on the Citadel Space Station in 2072. The AI controlling the space station, SHODAN, has gone haywire. You play as a hacker racing to escape the facility and prevent the rogue AI from causing anymore death and destruction. The game is considered to be a spiritual predecessor of the Bioshock games, so if you enjoyed those, you will most likely love this game too.
System Shock releases May 30th on PC, with Playstation 4 & 5 and Xbox One and Series X & S planned for later release.
Decarnation
Described as a story rich adventure horror, Decarnation is a 2D game, with inspiration from movies such as Perfect Blue and Mulholland Drive. The game contains a blend of the classic survival horror gameplay, cryptic puzzles and symbolic mini-games, that can be real or metaphorical. It’s great art design and sprites, combined with an intriguing mix of gameplay stand to make this a fascinating game, and one of the biggest horrors of May.
The story follows cabaret dancer Gloria. Struggling with her existence, self esteem, and relationships she takes a proposal to start a new artistic endeavour at the behest of a strange and mysterious benefactor. This journey will take her through by the physical and psychological world, through dreams and nightmare as she faces her demons.
Decarnation releases in May (date TBA) on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Propagation: Paradise Hotel
VR offers a spectacular avenue for the future of horror games by literally putting you in the scares. Creators of Propagation VR and releasing a new game to add to this burgeoning genre. This survival horror puts you into first person to use stealth and action to survive as you explore. Trailers show the game to have some strong graphics and fun gameplay, with fun and fear in equal measure. With the immersive capabilities of VR, Propagation: Paradise Hotel makes the list of biggest horror games releasing this May.
The story follows your journey to find your sister. You play as Emily, stuck inside the paradise hotel. The residents are turning into brutal monsters as a plague rips through the hotel. You must fight, run and hide to survive, whilst solving puzzles and the mysteries of the hotel.
Propagation: Paradise Hotel releases 4th May on PC.
Indie Offerings
If you are after a horror game from a smaller team, then check out this months indie offerings!
- Troll Hunter VR: If you want a VR experience that pits you against colossal enemies, or you loved the 2010 film Trollhunter, then check out this upcoming game. Study, trap and hunt trolls through 80s Scandinavia as try to protect civilians from these monsters. Troll Hunter VR releases 25th May on PC.
- Pocket Mirror: GoldenTraum: Pocket Mirror is a surreal indie horror with anime style art. You awake with no memories in a strange mansion and must solve puzzles and explore the twisted building with nother but a pocket mirror. There’s deep lore and a multiple paths and endings to keep you engaged. Pocket Mirror: GoldenTraum releases 19th May on PC.
