If you’ve played resource management games before, you’ll be familiar with the kind of gameplay Undead Inc. offers. The three different map biomes are divided into cells comprising the various properties you build and manage. As a director of an Endswell Medical subsidiary, you rent property and hire medical staff to sell pharmaceutical treatments and diagnose patients. There’s a feeling of pride when you hit a point in the gameplay loop when the cash flow from your operations overtakes the cost of building it all. Sitting back and watching your doctors and patients successfully generate profit in the well-oiled machine you’ve established provides a sense of accomplishment and joy that occasionally rivals the highs of other management sims. But the feeling of accomplishment is always short-lived in Undead Inc. due to the entropy of its risk/reward roguelike loop, and because of its modest quantity of content.

"Raking in cash is fun and rewarding, but very short-lived."

Undead Inc. expects you to engage in black market operations after establishing the basic above-board medical facilities. I tried avoiding the black market entirely during several runs, but the lack of available properties and rental space above-ground, in addition to the large franchise fee, rendered it a fruitless endeavor every time. The game funnels the player into performing a very specific routine to succeed, and there’s not much freedom or creativity left for the player to come up with unique solutions.

You must excavate and risk fighting gangs underground to establish black market money flow to succeed. Just as there’s no way to avoid black market deals in Undead Inc., there’s no way to avoid the pressure of the law and the need to do extraction. The cops will discover your underground base and catch employees in their transit to and from work, ultimately leading to employee casualties and large fines. This comprises Undead Inc.’s roguelike loop: establish above-board operations, expand into the black market, and extract what you can to start a new loop. It’s a fun loop, but it offers very little flexibility in playstyle and a shallow content pool.

"Black Market operations are fun to research and employ."

Despite all the covert underground activities like researching bio-weapons and manufacturing mutant gorillas, what you see is what you get, with very little new to explore after the first handful of successful campaigns. Career Mode mitigates this lack of content with randomized biome maps instead of the pre-set maps in Scenario Mode, but randomization can only do so much when there’s not a lot of content to play with in the first place.

The dozens of perks and goals add replayability by giving you checklists to work toward, sure, but they don’t vary up the gameplay much, instead providing an achievement system that rewards you with buffs and advantages during a campaign. I built 90% of the legal facilities in my first couple of hours of play and researched all the above-board pharmaceuticals in no time. There’s only one basic doctor’s office and one pharmacy you’ll be building the entire game with no variations on them whatsoever. The scant amount of above-board facilities is likely a design decision intended to funnel the player into the black market, yet this intention renders the basic phase underbaked and redundant.

The game could’ve done a better job of giving the player some creative tools like color schemes or custom names for employees to vary up the content. As it stands, there’s almost nothing you can customize in Undead Inc. If you want a more streamlined, linear sim experience, Undead Inc., does a good job supplying that.

"You cannot customize your workers, and the lack of at-a-glance info is a bummer."

But at the end of the day, if it feels great to control, lack of customization can be overlooked, right? Well, unfortunately, Undead Inc. is hit-and-miss when it comes to its interface and controls. One great thing about Undead Inc. is how easy its systems are to understand. The tutorial is optional and well-explained with story tidbits to keep one entertained throughout. I don’t play a ton of management sims, and even I felt at home with the familiar information overlays and drag-and-click gameplay of Undead Inc. Undead Inc. runs at a smooth 120 FPS on mid-powered PCs, to the point where even my five-year-old laptop could run it smoothly. The game is optimized well for a variety of setups and plays silky smooth with intuitive mouse and keyboard controls.

It’s a shame then, that there’s not more convenience features in some of the menus and overlays. I can’t count the number of times I wanted to highlight multiple workers to send them to a single location, either to mount a collective assault against the gangs or to gather maintenance workers to fix a bunch of rooms. You cannot control more than one worker at a time, which causes problems when you need multiple people for a situation ASAP.

What compounds this issue the inability to tell what a character is doing at a glance. You have to either manually find them on the map, or click on the Characters tab and then individually click on each character’s profile. That’s a total of three separate clicks just to see what your characters are doing, which is a tad much for multi-task-centered games like Undead Inc. There really should be a quick overlay that gives you character status at a glance like other management sims. The game has three fast-forward toggles and conveniently placed facility tabs, so it’s disappointing that controlling your workers is so clunky in comparison to the other intuitive menu designs within Undead Inc.

"Each mode has a limit of one save file accompanied by consistent autosaving."

By far, the biggest convenience flaw in Undead Inc. is the forced ironman mode limiting you to a single save file per mode. It belwilders me why a game that encourages trying out the different Directors and biomes would lock you to a single save file per mode where choices are set in stone with constant autosaving. People love experimenting with different scenarios and campaigns in management sim games, so I have no idea why this forced single save system exists in Undead Inc.

That leads me to the thing that makes me loathe loading up Undead Inc. the most: the bugs. The pre-launch bugs were bad in Undead Inc., breaking my save files multiple times and crashing the game consistently.  Kudos to the devs for being transparent about existing bugs such as the one mentioned, but the mere existence of these pre-launch bugs just magnifies the cons of a single save file auto-save system even more. Team17 has assured us that these known bugs are being fixed ahead of launch, but these problems should still be addressed here since it’s the version being reviewed.

"Bugs permeated my time with Undead Inc., but thankfully most of these should be patched ahead of launch."

Undead Inc. Is a fun and engaging management sim that provides a roguelike loop rife with future potential. Despite all the criticisms I have with the single-save system or the bugs, I was consistently engaged throughout the entire experience. The multi-tasking is fun and there’s a great satisfaction in those rarified moments when you feel on top of everything. I look forward to returning to Endswell Medical, but not until it gets a makeover with some patches. What we have with Undead Inc. are the beginnings of a great game with some novel ideas and a fun gameplay loop. I’m looking forward to the customization that modders will inevitably add to the game, as well as future expansions including more content. But as it stands, Undead Inc. is an underbaked management sim with a unique and promising roguelike structure.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs

We’ve seen the likes of Pac-Man 99 and its take on the battle royale format. Amber Studio’s PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs – try saying that five times fast – offers another spin, allowing up to 64 players to venture into each other’s mazes to consume them. It’s a dangerous game as mazes continually collapse during matches, but it’s a unique spin on a classic arcade formula.

Throw in some cosmetics and even indulge in Ranked Mode to place on the leaderboards. There are even private lobbies, complete with spectator support. PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs launches on May 9th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, and thankfully, supports cross-platform play.

Homeworld 3

It’s been almost 21 years since the release of Homeworld 2, and while Deserts of Kharak received a good reception in 2016, the franchise is finally moving forward with Homeworld 3. Launching on May 13th after multiple delays, the story sees the Hyperspace Gate Network in shambles and humanity embarking on another mission for survival. All the strategic tenets are here, from your fleet carrying over between missions to utilizing the Z-axis to flank and outmaneuver opponents.

New Megaliths mix things up, providing cover, while Fortresses demand clever flanking and trench runs to overcome. In addition to the story and PvP, there’s War Games, a rogue-like mode where players play through challenges and gain Artifacts to improve their fleet. It even supports up to three players.

The Rogue Prince of Persia

The Rogue Prince of Persia embraces an animated art style and sees the Prince fighting to halt an invasion from the Huns. The robust combat system offers several weapon types and opportunities for environmental kills. Launching on May 14th for PC via Steam Early Access, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers the first story Act with six levels and two bosses, with plans to effectively double the content with the 1.0 release.

Die by the Blade

Remember Bushido Blade and its emphasis on realistic, 1v1 fights between sword-wielding warriors? Die by the Blade by Triple Hill Interactive, Toko Midori Games, and Grindstone look to channel that visceral combat feel, albeit in a cyberpunk setting. You can customize the playable characters and blades alike, though opting for heavier weapons like the Nodachi could come at the cost of speed (which the katana is skilled at). Parrying and dodging are all here, with Practice, Tournament and Ranked modes, but remember: a single decisive blow is enough to end it all. Die by the Blade launches on May 16th for PC.

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut

Finally, Sucker Punch’s acclaimed open-world action-adventure is coming to PC. Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut has garnered acclaim for many reasons. Jin Sakai’s struggle between honor and fighting the Mongol invasion of Tsushima by any means necessary. The combat with its fluid mix of styles and Ghost Tools, from kunai and explosives to bows and powerful Ghost Techniques. The various side quests, whether it’s helping out your would-be companions or investigating the legends of Tsushima.

There’s just so much to get into, and that’s before venturing to Iki Island in the expansion. On PC, the Director’s Cut offers unlocked frame rates, Ultrawide and triple-monitor support, fully customizable mouse and keyboard support and various upscaling solutions from Nvidia DLSS 3 and AMD FSR 3 to Intel XeSS. Whether you loved it on console or have waited for its PC release, Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut can’t be missed when it launches on May 16th.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Despite the baffling lack of marketing from Microsoft, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is probably the company’s standout release for the year thus (if not the biggest game in May). It continues the story of Senua as she ventures through a Viking Iceland to seek revenge and save those who “have fallen victim to the horrors of tyranny.” Meanwhile, the Furies continue to ring through Senua’s thoughts, guiding her but still weighing on her mind.

Developed on Unreal Engine 5, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is an absolutely gorgeous title, from its realistic weather effects and photo-realistic lighting and textures to the lifelike facial animations. It’s almost enough to make you forget that this is a digital-only release for $49.99 and lasts about as long as the first game. Despite all that and the 30 FPS lock on consoles, it’s a long time coming and worth checking out when it launches on May 21st for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

MultiVersus

MultiVersus finally makes its long-awaited return after its beta was delisted from storefronts last year. Player First Games has retooled it extensively, from shifting to Unreal Engine 5 and overhauling the netcode to adding new fighters like the Powerpuff Girls, new stages like Dexter’s Laboratory, and adding new moves for all existing fighters.

There are even new mechanics like Dash Attacks and Parrying, with improved readability during combat and a more responsive camera that dynamically zooms in and out. A new PvE mode is also finally on the way and even promises “unique rewards.” MultiVersus will be available on May 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and PC.

F1 24

Say what you will about Codemasters’ yearly sequels in the F1 series, but F1 24 is looking quite good. It’s out on May 31st for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and delivers some brand new content. Driver Career lets you actually control one of 20 real-world Formula 1 drivers, earning accolades and earning recognition, while Challenge Career takes an episodic approach with unique events for community members vote on. With new Dynamic Handling, updates to iconic tracks, and much more, F1 24 could be the best new entry in years.

World of Goo 2

The first World of Goo launched in 2008 and received such extensive acclaim from critics that then-EA Sports head Peter Moore was annoyed that it was on a top 50 games list and FIFA 09 wasn’t. Believe it or not, World of Goo 2 is very much the same, as you use the gooey living creatures in various ways. Create bridges and other structures, reshape the world and, most importantly, survive through all kinds of new and potentially maddening puzzles when it launches on May 23rd for Nintendo Switch and PC.

MotoGP 24

Milestone’s MotoGP series hasn’t exactly been setting the world on fire these past few years, but there are fans, and they’ll probably be happy that MotoGP 24 is out on May 2nd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch. Career Mode is still here, but the game now offers Adaptive Difficulty to tune the challenge to your tastes. MotoGP Stewards helps curb rule-skirting, and LiveGP Championships promises monthly challenges for players to pursue. It may not unseat the usual racing sim kings, but MotoGP 24 could prove a fun alternative.

Undead Inc

Undead Inc. is described as a mix of Fallout Shelter and Two Point Hospital. Your job is to create a subsidiary for the totally-not shady Endswell Medical Corporation, building different officers, hiring staff, conducting research into bioweapons and viruses, and, of course, driving profits, ethics be damned. It’s not all smooth sailing – politicians and officials need to be kept in line, and there are rival corporations to deal with. Probably the best part is that it’s only a matter of time before things go south and descend into chaos. Undead Inc. launches on May 2nd for PC.

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic

What’s better than Blizzard monetizing your nostalgia for World of Warcraft’s good ol’ days? Monetizing the expansions as well. World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Classic is the “latest” and “greatest” new addition to the lineup, seeing players take on Deathwing to prevent the end of the world. Cataclysm offers seven new zones, two new races (Goblins and Worgen), transmog, a new level cap, new dungeons and raids and the Elemental Plane for players to venture into. The re-release also offers a new dungeon difficulty system, smoother leveling and a “streamlined” Auction House. It goes live on May 20th for PC.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire

Launching for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch (with a demo out now on PS5 and PC), it features a new 3D perspective for more immersive combat and there are five lands to explore and five factions awaiting your challenge, not to mention all the terrifying bosses to face. As a hack-and-slash action adventure, Morbid: The Lords of Ire could be a dark horse when it launches on May 23rd.

System Shock (Xbox and PlayStation)

One of the more underrated releases of last year, not to mention a solid remake in its own right, Nightdive Studios’ System Shock is finally coming to Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5 and PS4 on May 21st. While it’s enough to bask in the overhauled visuals and interface, a new update went live recently, improving the game even further. It added an option to play as a female hacker, reworks the final battle, and incorporates cloud sync. Furthermore, enemies have new attacks, and there are even waypoints on Easy difficulty for those focused on the story. Overall, these should make for an even better experience on consoles.

Braid: Anniversary Edition

Previously slated for April 30th, Braid: Anniversary Edition was delayed to May 14th on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and Netflix. Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One users have to wait until May 15th to get their hands on it, though the reason for the delay is unknown. It should still be worth the wait, whether you’re someone keen on experiencing the original with sumptuous new visuals and delve into the 35 new levels. The developer commentary should also be a treat, providing over 15 hours of worthwhile development details.