Happy’s Best New Games: May 2021
Updated monthly by the fine folk at Happy Mag, these are the best new games on offer from Australia and around the world!
Housemarque – Returnal
Returnal is a hard game. It knows how to punish your mistakes, and one slip-up can often mean the loss of hours of progress. Depending on what you want from a game, this could make it entirely unappealing.
On the other hand, its gorgeous graphics, evocative art direction and surprisingly fluid cinematic storytelling make it a must-try title. Returnal is also one of the first games to feel truly next-gen.
8.9
BUY HERE
Returnal
PS5
Capcom – Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village will leave you exhausted, breathless, bruised, and broken before its relatively short playtime is up. Depending on your tolerance for stress and anxiety, it will fall somewhere between a near masterpiece and trash.
While Resident Evil Village is unlikely to be many fans favourite game in the series, it will come in second more than any other. And that is something worth applauding.
8.5
BUY HERE
Resident Evil Village
PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows & Google Stadia
ZA/UM – Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is truly unlike any other game to come before, CRPG or otherwise. For this reason, it’s best played with as little prior knowledge as possible.
On the surface, it’s a detective story. Solve a murder, prevent a war. Simple. Oh, except that your detective is an alcoholic, drug addicted mess of a human, and the very skill points you invest into him become the voices in his head. This unique take on the role-playing genre deserves to be experienced, and this new edition provides the perfect opportunity for those that missed it on its first release.
9.8
BUY HERE
DISCO ELYSIUM: THE FINAL CUT
PS5, PS4, Microsoft Windows, macOS & Google Stadia
Studio Koba – Narita Boy
Narita Boy is a retro indie game that leaves a lasting impression. It’s like a tripped-out Tron played through a lo-fi filter; where the game that you are playing, is actually the game within a game.
The game itself plays like a cool combination of platformers; Hollow Knight and metroidvania-style games being obvious touchstones. However, Narita Boy is noticeably more forgiving in terms of difficulty, and doesn’t feel quite as responsive as some of those titles. This actually end up working really well; allowing you to focus on the amazing atmosphere and music.
8.0
BUY HERE
NARITA BOY
PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, macOS, Linux & Microsoft Windows
Capcom – Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise is a fairly simple tale that follows a well-meaning protagonist who is tasked with defending his local village from the plethora of monsters that inhabit the game’s world. But what will really get you hooked is the addictive gameplay loop of slaying these monsters.
Monster Hunter Rise is an excellent addition to the successful series, combining tried and true ideas with fresh ones, creating a breath of fresh air for seasoned players. The game’s combat is fluid and zippy, and the mobility offered by the wirebug offers new ways to approach an enemy, whilst giving some interesting options for retreat.
8.9
BUY HERE
MONSTER HUNTER RISE
Switch & Microsoft Windows
Iron Gate AB – Valheim
Drawing upon Norse mythology, Valheim allows the player to take control of a fallen warrior who, at Odin’s behest, has been transported to the 10th realm to slay Odin’s most feared nemesis. However, the way you go about this, or indeed if you do, depends if you feel like it. You could just go hunting if you prefer.
Valheim places you in a vast sandbox world and dares you to survive. The open nature of the game means it won’t be for everyone, but its challenging gameplay is undeniably addictive and satisfying. Currently, Valheim is in early access.
9.1
BUY HERE
Valheim
Microsft Windows & Linux
Bioware – Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Mass Effect Legendary Edition provides a fascinating opportunity to revisit a classic. The series had a lot to say when it was released, but after a decade of chaos and fearmongering, its moral storytelling is more relevant than ever.
While there are certainly aspects of the game, even with the Mass Effect Legendary Edition facelift, that feel dated, the crux of what makes the trilogy special is completely intact. Few games have managed to create a world as intricate, fleshed out, and full of mystery. Even fewer have managed to get you to care about it.
9.8
BUY HERE
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Tarsier Studios – Little Nightmares 2
Little Nightmares 2 is an example of developers knowing exactly what they’re doing. The game weaves an intricately presented story with intuitive gameplay that evokes childhood experiences of the darker variety.
The art direction is impeccable, the puzzles are captivating and the whole experience adds up to something very memorable. Also noteworthy is that it will be the final game in the series that Tarsier Studios works on. Bravo!
8.5
BUY HERE
LITTLE NIGHTMARES 2
PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Microsoft Windows & Google Stadia
Four Quarters – Loop Hero
With retro aesthetics, simple gameplay, and a fantasy plotline that leaves its mark, Loop Hero has won over the hearts of many unsuspecting gamers.
Loop Hero starts off like a typical RPG by entrusting you with one main quest: to save the lost world from a Lich and eternal darkness. Despite this, the game quickly throws in a twist that changes everything; the protagonist is stuck in a never-ending time loop, and must strive for victory through card-based gameplay. Not a game for everyone, but a really unique experience that deserves the attention it has received.
8.1
BUY HERE
Loop Hero
Microsoft Windows, Linux & macOS
Hazelight – It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a unique co-op game that not only offers an innovative approach to gameplay, but a surprisingly touching narrative about the turmoil caused by fractured relationships.
The game’s levels are ingeniously designed, often using specific mechanics that relate to what is going on in the story. It all amounts to an experience that you won’t soon forget.
8.8
BUY HERE
