But wait: it isn’t like the base game, insists the developer, despite featuring so many of the same weapons, tools and even some similar enemy types. That said, any fan of the original will tell you it’s about more than the sheer array of available content or the twerking Dwarves. Tweak a handful of factors, and you change the vibe into something else entirely (and potentially less agreeable).

The premise involves Hoxxes, a planet laden with precious Expenite that’s suddenly gone dark. After several failed attempts to take back its core, DRG decides to send in the Reclaimers, a crack squad of operatives who succeed at any cost. Or, as is usually the case, die, die, and die again until the enemy buckles under the attrition (or dies of boredom).

"When you’re playing solo, it even throws in some upgrades for ELIS, your little floating droid companion that provides cover fire. But in co-op, the game will randomly assign the pick order. This is where the rogue-lite structure meets co-op in annoying ways."

You have five classes to choose from, from the Falconeer, who can deploy a drone that automatically seeks out enemies and creates a barrier granting electric damage to those within, to the Slicer, who focuses on melee damage with his Plasma Blade while dashing around. Then you have wildcards like the Retcon, who can be kind and rewind to negate incoming damage (and then convert it to Rage to hit twice as hard for a period of time).

But aside from their kits and unlockable enhancements, which serve as equippable modules, like more health, increased carrying capacity, and so on, they don’t have weapons or ability upgrades to start with. Instead, you need to unlock supply caches before each run, selecting from one of three available choices, or hunt down Bio Boosters and choose one of two ability modifiers. Workbenches require locating toolkits and then selecting one of two upgrades for a weapon, equipping something else entirely – either as a backup or replacement – or further enhancing your own ability. Improving your Clearance Level will unlock additional stations for grenades and other tools.

Further to the procedurally generated levels – they’re less like the sandboxes of the base game, offering more structure and notable points of interest. Can you mine and drill in any direction? Sure, but the rallying cry of rock and stone is often more focused. Some liberal note-taking from its predecessor results in side objectives like scanning a dig site for nodes, then digging through every surface to find and deposit the ores. The Pickaxe is also essential for mining Expenite, which can be deposited into the REPD to unlock character upgrades, from flaming steps to more armor and improved ability recharge depending on damage dealt.

When you’re playing solo, it even throws in some upgrades for ELIS, your little floating droid companion that provides cover fire. But in co-op, the game will randomly assign the pick order. This is where the rogue-lite structure meets co-op in annoying ways. Any general upgrade could work for the Falconeer – play as the Slicer, however, and seeing teammates take any of the melee-focused perks can be a downer. Sure, you can tell them what you’d prefer, but that doesn’t mean they have to listen to you.

"You won’t truly know a rogue-lite without spending enough time with it – like a mineshaft, ironically enough – but just after a few hours, it’s clear that Ghost Ship Games has to dig deeper."

Furthermore, everyone needs to be present within the little circle around the REPD to receive their upgrade. What if they split up, covering more ground because that’s the most optimal strategy to net all the different upgrades (and one of the pitfalls of solo play)? Or if someone just spawned in? Have fun waiting for them, or drop whatever you’re doing and meet them en route to summon the REPD. You can – and most likely will – just keep depositing Expenite until you’re all forced together, likely at the next lift to receive your upgrades. While I appreciate how this creates friction, it’s already annoying enough when it comes to build-crafting. I don’t need the added element of trying to herd my team together.

“Well, it’s a co-op game, so what do you expect?” Remember how I mentioned that everyone splitting up is the most optimal strategy? That’s because there’s a timer. Think Risk of Rain-style, where the level becomes more challenging in terms of enemy spawns as you go along. Hit the red, and it’s a never-ending onslaught with only so much healing and armor to go around. On the one hand, I kind of like this because it encourages actually understanding the map and marking things for your teammates rather than mucking around; mastering the traversal tools and knowing whether that Expenite on the ceiling is worth the trouble.

However, it’s certainly more stressful, especially if you’re used to exploring at your own pace, Deep Rock Galactic veteran or not. The increased difficulty floor also makes solo play much more difficult because you’re forced to make tougher choices about what to prioritize (or, at the very least, dying repeatedly until you master the overall flow).

Each run comprises different floors, and you can choose a modifier for the next, either making the Corehead Creepers deal tons of melee damage in exchange for different rewards. You can spawn tons more Barnacle-like enemies that can ensnare and damage you unless rescued by a friend. Keeping all this in mind before eventually going toe-to-toe with the boss is also important, since dealing with tougher Creepers or faster tanks is hardly ideal. At least the timer resets on each floor.

You won’t truly know a rogue-lite without spending enough time with it – like a mineshaft, ironically enough – but just after a few hours, it’s clear that Ghost Ship Games has to dig deeper. The ability to equip any weapon and not be restricted by class is nice, and there are some pretty cool elemental synergies. But it currently feels like a solid foundation more than anything else.

"As it stands, you’re either going to like Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core because of its tension or ultimately reject it for the same reason."

Despite these complaints, especially when solo, I had fun with Rogue Core. When things really hit the fan, whether you’re trying to take down a boss or proceed to the next level, it can make for some hectic battles, especially as foes crawl on walls, leap from afar and throw increasing amounts of firepower at you. The responsiveness of each weapon is also on point, be it a satisfying headshot with the Bulldog Revolver or the satisfying ping of a Garand Sniper, especially when executing charged shots.

For a game preoccupied with subterranean breach and clearing, each biome feels distinct enough in its aesthetics and hazards to feel notable, especially when dealing with more complex jobs, which can have glowing crystals that emanate damage, or nodes that explode when shot. Each run also feels distinct enough between the experimental Expenite creatures that can explode and dot entire surfaces with the material, or the hostile Surveyor Drones, which provide data for a worthwhile node when shot down.

Granted, it doesn’t take long for the same set of staircases and corridors to become familiar, but it’s a small thing in the grand scheme of the level design. And of course, performance is on point while ensuring that the voxel-like composition of biomes looks as endearing as ever.

As it stands, you’re either going to like Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core because of its tension or ultimately reject it for the same reason. The rogue-lite elements, REPD upgrade nags, timer, and whatnot can all be adjusted accordingly as early access proceeds, and there’s a pretty hefty amount of content to be had. But unless you’re on board with the core gameplay, it may be hard to really embrace. If nothing else, you have to credit Ghost Ship Games for attempting something new – even if its biggest hit is most notable for the exact opposite gameplay flow. Here’s hoping it can hone a strong identity for Rogue Core throughout early access because while “rogue-lite DRG” sounds intriguing, the execution may leave some wanting.

This game was reviewed on PC.

A new narrative trailer for the game, delivered as a sort of PSA to all you miners out there, details how all mining facilities have suddenly gone dark in the wake of attacks by the Corespawn, an alien race that’s definitely hostile to your presence. You’re going to take on the role of a Reclaimer, a specialized unit that doesn’t flinch at entering mining facilities with just armor and a pickaxe, using their prodigious skill to gather potent weapons along the way.

The Reclaimers can also work with Exponite, a valuable power source to upgrade your gear in the field. Every Reclaimer has been encouraged to make the most out of Exponite they find. You’re going to need it all as you search for the elevator on each floor of hostile facilities, making your way to the Rift at the deepest levels of each one to rid the region of the Corespawn once and for all.

Overall, this looks like a roguelite spin on a popular franchise that’s sure to appeal to fans and newcomers alike when it enters early access on May 20th for PC. Rock and stone until then.

Forza Horizon 6

Almost five years since we bade farewell to the Horizon Festival, but this time it returns in perhaps the most anticipated location in the series – Japan. Relaxing drives through avenues of Sakura trees in Spring, frenetic Touge battles down winding mountain roads, or just hanging out at Daikoku, showing off your vehicle to all and sundry – that’s only the start. Forza Horizon 6 offers two major avenues to cement your legacy – exploration, gradually defogging Japan and discovering Aftermarket Cars, or racing through the ranks to become a Horizon Legend. Beyond everything else, however, it’s your journey. Fill up the scrapbook with memories. Outfit your garage and build out a base. The choice is yours when it launches on May 19th for PC and Xbox Series X/S.

Directive 8020

Say what you will about The Thing, but it reinforced a deep space fear that continues to resonate through gaming – that someone on your crew isn’t who you think they are. Cue Directive 8020 from Supermassive Games, which focuses on the colony ship Cassiopeia as it crashlands on Tau Ceti f. But things take a turn when a horrifying shapeshifting organism begins hunting the crew. Compared to previous Dark Pictures entries, there’s a bigger focus on stealth and combat, not to mention carefully discerning who’s who. Don’t worry if you choose wrong, though, since Turning Points offers a do-over. Directive 8020 launches on May 12th for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5, and after such a long wait, we’re ready to be terrified.

MOTORSLICE

Between monsters, robots, zombies and everything in between, who would have thought that construction equipment could be a threat? That’s the premise of MOTORSLICE, which is all about P and her chainsaw-wielding, parkouring self as she battles these massive threats in a post-apocalyptic world. But then there’s the megastructure – a winding, brutalist space that goes on forever. With its minimalistic art style and unorthodox premise, MOTORSLICE could serve up some hack-and-slash platforming goodness when it launches on May 5th.

WILL: Follow The Light

Unreal Engine 5 and adventure games go together about as well as…just about any other genre, honestly, but WILL: Follow the Light has a different aura about it. In a way, it reminds us of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter with its atmosphere, except you’re controlling a father who embarks on a journey to return home and find his son. It’s a tough task, especially when traversing by sea, crossing mountains and confronting the ghosts of the past. Maybe it could be a dark horse in gorgeous narrative adventures. Maybe not. Either way, we’ll find out on May 7th.

Luna Abyss

A game after my own bullet hell-loving heart, Kwalee Labs’ first-person shooter sees you banished to prison on Luna and tasked to venture into the Abyss for some “forgotten technology.” Enter the cosmic horrors, which aren’t known for being deep sleepers (or quiet dreamers), unfortunately, and you’ll have to slowly unravel the mystery of Greymont, clinging onto sanity the entire time. Having thoroughly enjoyed Saros and Metal Eden, I’m keen on diving into Luna Abyss and its crimson-tinged interiors when it launches on May 21st for PC.

Bubsy 4D

Bubsy is officially back, and no one is safe. Launching on May 22nd across every platform, Bubsy 4D sees the orange furball embarking on a new 3D adventure across 15 new levels. And it looks…not bad? Pretty sleek even, right down to the legally distinct “rolling around at the speed of sound” ability. While the prospect of the game as a metacommentary on Bubsy’s reputation is interesting enough, this looks like a genuinely compelling 3D platformer. Color us intrigued, if nothing else.

007 First Light

You only live twice, as a world-famous 00 agent once said, and thanks to IO Interactive, we’ll have the opportunity to look at death through the eyes of a younger, brasher, less cynical James Bond. First Light sees him enter MI6 to earn 00 status, but amid the charming arrogance is a desire to prove himself, and maybe surpass his limits. The building blocks of Hitman are all here – exquisite sandbox environments with numerous opportunities for stealth – but Bond goes beyond Agent 47’s capabilities in every way you’d expect. Parkour, sneaking, bluffing his way past guards and staff, clever usage of Q’s gadgets – and when “license to kill” is active, gunning down anyone that stands in his way with an array of weaponry and CQC tactics. And just straight up throwing empty guns at an enemy’s face. All’s fair in the world of super spies when 007 First Light launches on May 27th.

Thick as Thieves

A new stealth game from Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, whose credits include Deus Ex and Thief, respectively? Say less. Its alternate-history 1910s city and procedurally generated mission layout, which encourages quick thinking and improvisation, initially left us skeptical due to the PvEvP element. But that’s been changed to focus more on single-player and co-op, delivering an experience befitting the Thief legacy, as you hone your skills to become a legend in the business. Thick as Thieves is available on May 20th for PC.

Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core

Have you ever seen all the Deep Rock Galactic praise, heard all the calls of “rock and stone,” but could still never really get into it? Maybe a roguelite spin-off will do the trick. Entering early access on May 20th, Rogue Core focuses on the Reclaimers squad, which the Company calls in when there are some serious threats. In every run, you’ll need to make use of any weapons along the way while battling the Core Spawn and improving your skills. With how much work has gone on since its October 2023 announcement, one can only hope that Rogue Core lives up to the original’s brilliance.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book

Nintendo hasn’t necessarily managed to recreate the magic of Yoshi’s Island, but the Mysterious Book could be a cosy, easy-breezy platformer, much like Yoshi’s Crafted World. The premise this time involves venturing through the pages of Mr E, where Yoshi meets different creatures. Harness their abilities on top of the usual gliding, egg-hurling, and sprinting that the series is known for, and voila (hopefully). Yoshi and the Mysterious Book launches on May 21st, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Freshen up on your knowledge of the Dark Knight because Batman returns to the video game world on May 22nd. Granted, it’s in LEGO form, but Legacy of the Dark Knight is going out of its way to pull from every single piece of Batman media in existence, from multiple Batmobile types to the bizarre Batmite outfit. If that vast open-world of Gotham, coupled with the Arkham series’ Free Flow combat, wasn’t enough, there are seven other characters, including Catwoman, Nightwing, Robin and more to play as.

ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies

Yes, it’s not exactly all that appealing considering the whole ZA/UM business and how the original Disco Elysium creators were ousted. There’s really no getting around that particular detail. Still, if you’re in the mood for something in the same vein, albeit with an espionage bent and exerting yourself as operant Hershel Wilke, caught up in a conflict between three factions, Zero Parades may suffice when it launches on May 21st for PC.

Better Than Dead

Bodycam first-person shooters are no longer all that new as a concept, but embarking on a quest for vengeance in Hong Kong, hunting down targets while ensuring no one ends up like you? That immediately skyrockets Better Than Dead for us, and the obvious influence of old-school Hong Kong action films just adds that extra bit of hard-boiled grit. It enters early access for PC on May 12th.

Dark Light: Survivor

You’ve swapped between first and third person in Resident Evil Requiem, but how about top-down and third-person (or even between realistic and pixel-like visuals)? That’s one of the many quirks of Dark Light: Survivor, a roguelike survival where you venture on the Phantom Train, venturing through a terrifying multiverse, gathering resources to keep the engine running. Two maps are available when early access launches on May 15th alongside Artifacts, persistent upgrades, weapons, and more. It may be all about the destination, but right now, the journey of Dark Light: Survivor is shaping up into something intriguing.

Withering Realms

From the developer behind the unsettling Withering Rooms comes Withering Realms, where you control a creepy doll ferrying a ghost, as they venture through Penwyll – a town where surely nothing horrible resides. “Bloodborne” is obviously the first influence to come to mind, but the hack and slash action, perspective, and visuals lend an almost Nightmare Creatures vibe to it all. Withering Realms launches into early access in May, and, surprisingly, will be playable from start to finish with plans for 1.0 to launch later this year.

Much like Deep Rock Galactic, Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core will be a co-op first-person shooter. However, in stark difference to its predecessor, Rogue Core will feature a roguelike game structure. Players will start out missions with only a few pieces of equipment, and progressing through runs will allow them to get new upgrades, equipment and abilities.

The Steam store page for Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core is live right now, offering a little more detail about the game aside from the teaser. Among other things, the store page features a “living roadmap”, which indicates that the game will be getting a closed alpha launch in Q1 2024, while the Early Access release for the title will happen in November 2024.