First and foremost, WrestleQuest feels like a game developed by and for fans of professional wrestling. Not only does the title have an immense level of respect for real-life legends of the industry, like “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, but it also backs up this fans service with some unique gameplay, as well as a fun, interesting story telling us about the journeys of new and upcoming wrestlers through their careers.

The most interesting thing about WrestleQuest, however, is its gameplay. Sure, it might just seem like a traditional turn-based JRPG, but there’s a surprising amount of depth available for anyone to dig through, since wrestling can often be an incredibly complex business if you start looking behind the scenes. For example, not only do you have the classic options of attacks and using items, but you also have the ability to unleash devastating signature moves through the use of gimmicks, or setting up awesome tag-team tandem offensive moves. All of these combat options tie into the game’s Hype system.

"It also backs up this fan service with some unique gameplay, as well as a fun, interesting story"

When it comes to combat abilities, you get quite a few options to choose from, assuming you have the AP for it. If you want, you can kick off just about every fight by using Randy Santos’ South of the Border Stunner to try and fatigue them early on. Or you could slowly build up to it like you would see in an actual wrestling match, and finish things off with a glorious moonsault off the top rope.

Every time you get into a fight or a match, you have to also pay attention to the level of Hype your match is creating. Doing things like nailing your entrance moves and cutting promos adds to your Hype before the match. You can also equip your wrestlers with a Hype Type, allowing you to generate Hype in different ways, be it by doing power moves, putting your enemies in technical submission holds, or even just showboating by using the taunt ability. Having enough Hype at the end of a match gives you extra rewards, which can range from banal bonuses like extra cash or exp, to more interesting things like consumables and gear.

Of course, you aren’t just limited to regular singles and tag matches either. WrestleQuest can also throw gimmick matches at you if the situation calls for it, which match types like No Disqualification matches—where you can use weapons without problems—or ladder matches—where the objective is to climb a ladder and retrieve a reward—also come up from time to time. Thankfully, however, these gimmick matches seem to be more of a way to punctuate story beats or offer up some variety rather than constantly popping up as yet another fight.

"WrestleQuest can also throw gimmick matches at you if the situation calls for it"

Interestingly, matches important to the game’s story also tend to present you with a few extra objectives, some of which are just bonuses for extra rewards while others are mandatory to successfully complete the match. An early example is a tag team match where you have to do a series of moves before the scripted conclusion of the match kicks off. Through this, WrestleQuest is able to offer a clever take on the predetermined nature of professional-wrestling, which also tends to tie into the main driving story arc behind one of the protagonists.

The core RPG mechanics of WrestleQuest are rather simple—take part in enough fights or complete enough quests to get experience so that you can level up, which in turn also boosts your stat points. These stats can also be changed by making use of specific equipment, which in turn also tend to have different effects against elemental attacks. You can also change the nature of your regular attack by equipping different kinds of “hands” or “feet” to your character, allowing you to switch to not only between elemental attacks, but also between sharp and blunt attacks.

"At the very center of WrestleQuest is the question of whether professional wrestling is “real” or “fake”."

Just about every single aspect of WrestleQuest indicates that the studio knows exactly what it’s doing when the game throws around words like “work”, “shoot”, or “gimmick”, since those words tend to have very specific meanings in the world of professional wrestling. Like I mentioned earlier in the review, the game also features a surprising number of wrestling legends, not only from the past, but also figures in the industry who are still have an active career, like Jeff Jarrett, who currently works at All Elite Wrestling, and Conrad Thompson—a figure well-known for being the host of several pro-wrestling podcast alongside other wrestlers.

At the very center of WrestleQuest is the question of whether professional wrestling is “real” or “fake”. This is perfectly embodied by our first protagonist, Randy Santos, a wrestling rookie who is such a massive fan of the Macho Man that he often likes to punctuate his sentences with an “Oh si!” On the other side of the coin, we have the tag team of the Logan Brothers in Brink and Stag Logan—a duo that’s hoping to make it into the big leagues after paying their dues and taking scripted loss after loss in an effort to help their father’s wrestling company.

Of course, the whole story is wrapped up in the conceit that all of this seems to be taking place in a world populated by sentient toys. Wrestlers are action figures, and characters can range from being a nod towards Barbie, to a knock-off Mr. Potato Head, to even just straight up dinosaur toys. This also means that just about every location in the game is made to look like it’s in a toybox, from the piles of coffee cream at the base of a Randy Savage statue to the underbelly of Box Town.

"The use of the toy aesthetic also means that there’s a refreshing variety in the game’s various settings"

This wonderful aesthetic makes exploring the overworld in WrestleQuest an absolute joy, since you get to see a toy box-styled interpretation of what a city would look like. The use of the toy aesthetic also means that there’s a refreshing variety in the game’s various settings, from the green pastures of the early zones to the icy zones of the northern territories. It certainly also helps that every zone tends to have its own distinct take on the wrestling arena, which goes a long way in also offering some visual variety in the fights you’ll often find yourself getting into.

WrestleQuest quite honestly feels like a love-letter to professional wrestling. Not only does it feature an absurd level of fan service, especially for fans of classic wrestling, but it also manages to tell fun and interesting stories about the nature of the pro-wrestling business, all wrapped up in a wonderful aesthetic that manages to offer the perfect balance between the game’s serious moments and the more comedic bits. Throw on top a simple-but-robust RPG system that rewards understanding the ebb and flow of a typical wrestling match, and you get one of the most interesting takes on the wrestling medium in video game form out there.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Originally set to release today, publisher Skybound Games recently announced on Twitter that WrestleQuest has been pushed back to a bit later in the month, until August 22. Apparently, a code that can cause players to lose their save progress was discovered “in the final checks” prior to launch “on multiple different devices”, leading to the last-minute delay.

“Because this is a game filled with hours of content and player progress is so important, we could never bodyslam our fans like that,” the announcement message reads. “We are truly proud of this game and believe that we have a product that delivers on all counts.”

When WrestleQuest does release later this month, it will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android. For more details on the game, make sure to check out our recent interview with Mega Cat Studios founder James Deighan.

An update to our fans. See you in the ring August 22. pic.twitter.com/rvBXFu2Upj

— Skybound Games (@skyboundgames) August 8, 2023

Last year, shortly after the game’s announcement, in an interview with creative director Zack Manko, we learned plenty about WrestleQuest’s story, combat, progression mechanics, and much more, but of course, with the game’s launch now just around the corner, there’s plenty more information about it that’s become available. To follow up on all of those details and learn more about the game in the lead-up to its release, we recently reached out to developer Mega Cat Studios with a few more of our questions. Below, you can read our interview with Mega Cat Studios founder James Deighan.

"The lifeblood of both JRPGs and pro-wrestling is story and larger-than-life characters. We wanted to give players that epic-scale JRPG story they expect, told through a wrestling lens."

How much of an emphasis is WrestleQuest placing on story and storytelling, especially given its JRPG influences?

A ton! The lifeblood of both JRPGs and pro-wrestling is story and larger-than-life characters. We wanted to give players that epic-scale JRPG story they expect, told through a wrestling lens.

One of WrestleQuest’s most interesting visual elements is how it represents its characters as action figures. How did the idea for that first come about, and what does it add to the experience?

We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have a unique visual identity, maintain a pixel art aesthetic, and evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. For many of us, our strongest and earliest memories of wrestling started with the action figures. It also allows us to capture some of the fantasy that we wanted in WrestleQuest, from the animation to the feeling of being “in the playroom” throughout the game.

WrestleQuest is of course making use of plenty of external licenses. How complex has the process been of managing to nail those down, especially given the game’s unique premise and how it intends to use those licenses?

The licensing was interesting with WrestleQuest. We made a constant effort to do our due diligence as to not step on WWE’s toes, and make sure that, front and center, we were doing the character and estate’s justice to put them on the pedestal they deserve. Having a unique gameplay genre, visual identity, and use of licenses allowed us to follow our WrestleQuest dream as we’re exploring the use of these characters in a way that hasn’t been done before.

WrestleQuest is looking like Mega Cat’s biggest project ever, and by quite some margin. Can you talk to us about what that behind-the-scenes escalation has looked like and how your studio has grown to deliver a game on this scale?

I wish I had a more romantic version of the story. At one point, we decided that life is too short, and we may as well love the games we’re working on. As any indie studio can attest, it’s a constant challenge to stay excited and engaged with work for hire projects when the entire reason you joined the games industry was to make an impact, build a legacy, and contribute something to the fandom you’re personally invested in. WrestleQuest is our big bet on ourselves.

"We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have a unique visual identity, maintain a pixel art aesthetic, and evoke a strong sense of nostalgia."

The quality and volume of optional content can tend to make or break JRPGs. What should players expect from WrestleQuest on that front?

WrestleQuest does not pull any punches in the content department. Each legendary wrestler has their own themed side-quest, which unlock the game’s best rewards. For example, if you complete the Andre the Giant quest, you get the ability to summon him into combat, where he picks up the entire ring and slams it down, damaging your enemies.

Add that to numerous minigames, risk-reward arenas, and 40+ hours of core story content, and you’ll see that WrestleQuest has more than enough to keep you in the ring for the long run.

What can you tell us about the enemy variety and bosses in WrestleQuest?

Creating a spectacular combat system was one of our primary goals with WrestleQuest. We wanted to take that classic turn-based JRPG system and wrestlify it to make it better than ever.

Our enemies are a large part of that wrestlification process. Some enemies are just grunts that can be taken out easily. However, enemy wrestlers aren’t out when you reduce them to zero HP. To truly eliminate them, you’ll have to Pin them through the game’s reaction mechanics. Fail, and they’ll kick out with HP restored, ready to fight again.

Bosses go one step further in their presentation and spectacle. Before each major battle, you’ll perform a customizable walk-on routine down the entrance ramp. After that, you’ll cut a promo on your opponent, talking trash on the mic. Both of these systems allow you to build Hype, so you can start the battle with some buffs!

Additionally, boss battles themselves are themed after various match types, to increase the drama. You’ll take part in tag-team matches, hair vs hair bouts, multi-opponent rumbles, and more!

What can you tell us about the different locations and worlds that players will explore in WrestleQuest, and how varied they’ll be in terms of their design, visual style, and the kind of content they’ll have on offer?

WrestleQuest wrestlifies the tired, stale JRPG environments we’ve all been through time and time again. Rather than one more medieval-themed fantasy world, WrestleQuest is full of fresh locations. You’ll springboard off turnbuckles through ring-themed dungeons. You’ll track down a wrestling cult through a face paint store. You’ll battle through the corporate enclaves of scheming pro-wrestling execs.

Furthermore, each town in WrestleQuest is themed after a different regional style. Puroshi, for example, is themed after Japanese strong style puroresu. Early in the game you’ll come to a hardcore/extreme wrestling city. There is an entire continent inspired by lucha libre. We wanted to show every spice wrestling has to offer.

The Xbox Series S features lesser hardware compared to Xbox Series and Microsoft is pushing it as a 1440p/60 FPS console. Do you think it will be able to hold up for the more graphically intensive games as this generation progresses?

Seeing what Unreal 5 is capable of, I’m excited for the next generation of consoles. That said, I do think that great games don’t require great hardware, but great hardware makes great graphics accessible to developers and players alike.

"Creating a spectacular combat system was one of our primary goals with WrestleQuest. We wanted to take that classic turn-based JRPG system and wrestlify it to make it better than ever."

What frame rate and resolution will the game target on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S?

For frame rate, we’re looking at a buttery, baby oily 60 fps on PlayStation and Xbox platforms.

What are your thoughts on the Steam Deck? Do you have plans for any specific optimizations for the device?

We are absolutely massive fans of the Steam Deck, and have included it as a target device since its launch!

Baldur’s Gate 3

It’s a testament to the kind of year that 2023 has been that Baldur’s Gate 3 is only one of many major releases. Nevertheless, Larian Studios’ tremendous role-playing game is a dream come true for Dungeons and Dragons fans. It offers a dozen classes, 46 subclasses, over 600 Spells, 11 races, 31 subraces and many more options to customize your character.

With a massive campaign that spans over 75 hours on a single playthrough with dozens of quests and multiple locations to explore, Baldur’s Gate 3 promises peak role-playing when it launches on August 3rd for PC.

Tower of Fantasy (PS4, PS5)

Hotta Studio’s Tower of Fantasy is an open-world action RPG, albeit with a sci-fi twist. As a customizable character, players travel the surface, learning more about the fall of civilization at the hands of Omnium, and battling all manner of threats. With four-player co-op, World Bosses and numerous quests, Tower of Fantasy also features an arena mode for PvP.

The combat also employs some interesting mechanics like equipping three weapons with different roles, building up charge and switching between them for more damage, and Simulacrums to transform into a unique character. Though currently available on PC, Tower of Fantasy arrives on August 8th for PS4 and PS5.

WrestleQuest

Wrestling video games are often simulations, rarely arcade titles, with the hottest talent. WrestleQuest takes a different approach, imagining the hero’s journey from the perspective of an up-and-coming wrestler in a fantastical pixel art universe. You start as a rookie and work through the ranks by training and learning from the greats like “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Andre the Giant and more.

As you customize your wrestler’s moves and entrance, you take on all sorts of opponents and fight alongside legends like Diamond Dallas Page, the Road Warriors and more. WrestleQuest launches on August 8th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Atlas Fallen

In a world where everything has become sand and humanity is oppressed, you play as an Unnamed and discover a magical gauntlet. With the ability to manipulate and weaponize sand, you embark on a quest to take down Thelos and restore humanity. Developed by Deck13 of The Surge fame, Atlas Fallen is more of an action-adventure title with three weapons – the Dunecleaver, Sandwhip and Knuckledust – that change shape as you accrue Momentum in combat.

They can further be upgraded with over 100 Essence Stones, encouraging experimentation. Atlas Fallen releases on August 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, and on top of lasting 25 to 30 hours, the entire game supports two-player co-op.

Sprawl

Would it be much of a month without a retro-style FPS? Probably not, but even by boomer shooter standards, MAETH’s Sprawl looks intriguing. Set in a cyberpunk city, you control former special ops SEVEN, who seeks to escape and venture to the SPIRE, while a mysterious voice pushes her onward. Corpo forces oppose you, but thanks to the Icarus implant, you can wall-run and slow down time, slaying enemies with katanas, pistols and a shotgun. Sprawl is out in August for PC, with a more definite release date to be announced.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

From the team behind Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun comes a brand-new strategy stealth title. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is set in the Golden Age of Piracy, as you venture the Lost Caribbean with eight crewmates, each possessing unique skills. You can freely select crew members for a mission and take any approach, utilizing new magical abilities to one-up enemies.

In addition to cleverly executed strategies and split-second timing, you can pause the game and instantly rewind to a previous point to try something else. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew arrives on August 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Madden NFL 24

For the uninitiated, EA Sports’ Madden NFL series is its other golden goose that has proven a monstrous success year in and year out with even fewer changes than FIFA. However, as EA transitions from FIFA to its new EA Sports FC franchise, Madden NFL 24 offers several improvements. FieldSENSE returns for added realism and control; the AI is smarter and more reactive; Franchise Mode features Free Agency changes and new commissioner tools; and new modes like 3v3 Superstar Showdown promise some unique experiences. Launching on August 18th, Madden NFL 24 will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC with cross-play support.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk

Lethal League developer Team Reptile presents a spiritual successor to Sega’s Jet Set Radio – Bomb Rush Cyberfunk. As Red, players join the Bomb Rush Crew and compete against rival crews for turf, tagging spots and earning REP while executing all kinds of tricks, whether it’s inline skating, skateboarding or BMX. Police forces will try to stop you, and new members join the crew, backed by the tunes of Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma. Bomb Rush Cyberfunk arrives on August 18th for PC and Nintendo Switch.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Based on the 1974 classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a new asymmetrical multiplayer title, which previously published Friday the 13th: The Game. Releasing on August 18th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, it sees Ana Flores, Julie Crawford, Connie Taylor, Sonny Williams and Leland McKinney searching for Ana’s sister Maria.

Of course, the Slaughter family, including The Hitchhiker, The Cook and good ol’ Leatherface aren’t keen on letting them escape. The victims must use stealth and complete objectives to escape while the killers stop them. It’s pretty straightforward and backed by plenty of realistic kills.

Fort Solis

This cinematic sci-fi adventure game from Black Drakkar Games and Fallen Leaf is unique in its immersion. There are no camera cuts, loading times or a HUD, and its story is composed of four chapters with an all-star cast featuring Roger Clark (of Red Dead Redemption 2 fame), Troy Baker (The Last of Us) and Julia Brown (World on Fire). As engineer Jack Leary, players venture to the titular Fort Solis for a routine inspection and find the crew missing. Strange events begin to occur, pushing Leary to the brink. Fort Solis launches on August 22nd for PS5 and PC.

Immortals of Aveum

Ascendant Studios’ magic-based first-person shooter has been five years in the making, utilizing Unreal Engine 5.1 for its stunning visuals and Michael Kirkbride of The Elder Scrolls fame to help craft its narrative. Set in the world of Aveum, with Lucium and Rasharm at constant war, players control Jak, a recruit in the Order of the Immortals who looks to take down the big bad Sandrakk.

As a Triarch, Jak can utilize all three Colors of magic in devastating ways. With several different spells and talents, tons of gear pieces, and a meaty campaign with plenty of side content, Immortals of Aveum could be a dark horse in a jam-packed month. It releases on August 22nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

FromSoftware’s latest entry in the mech combat series begins with a clean slate, taking players to Rubicon 3, where megacorporations and factions battle over a precious resource Coral. As a mercenary pilot, you pilot a fully customizable Armored Core, utilizing different long-range and melee weapons while battling all manner of mechanized opposition in fast-paced combat.

Larger environments, seamless switching between projectiles and melee attacks, a new stagger mechanic, multiple endings and more await fans along with the return of the Arena when Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon arrives on August 25th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

It’s hard to keep a band of heroes down, especially the Heroes of Trine. Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight embark on a new adventure to battle the Clockwork army. As a 2.5D action-puzzle platformer with co-op support, players must use each character’s skills to traverse environments in unique ways (like using Pontius’s shield to skate across water).

A new combat system and bosses, more variety with skill quests, and an adaptive difficulty to encourage replay value await fans when Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy launches on August 31st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

RIDE 5

If you’ve looked upon The Crew Motorfest or Forza Motorsport and wanted something more bike-oriented, RIDE 5 may be worth checking out. The latest in Milestone S.r.l.’s motorcycle sim franchise features over 35 tracks and 200 bikes to ride. This year’s Career Mode sees players working through various Rivals to make a name for themselves, braving the dynamic weather to succeed.

Along with extensive motorcycle customization, the Race Creator lets you shape custom tracks and scenarios while riding aids help ease newcomers into the experience. RIDE 5 is out on August 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle

As the sequel to Invader Studios’ Resident Evil-inspired Daymare 1998, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle is a prequel with new characters, improved visuals and a revamped UI. It also features dismemberment, a la Dead Space, and a scanner for revealing items and puzzles in the environment. While it won’t compete with Dead Space Remake, Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle may be an enjoyable blast from the past for fans of 90s survival horror when it releases on August 30th for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

As a newcomer to the wrestling world, players start as a rookie and train tirelessly to become world champion. You’ll customize a character with different moves, taunts and entrances while battling Legends like Diamond Dallas Page, Jeff Jarrett and much more. Perform well, and some of those Legends will assist in combat like the Road Warriors unleashing the Doomsday Device.

With over 50 hours of content, including “tons” of side missions, WrestleQuest looks like a massive experience. Check out our interview with the development team here. There’s also a demo live for PC via Steam, which showcases updates to the World Map, visuals, and user interface.

Announcing the delay on Twitter, the developer revealed that WrestleQuest has been in the works for four years with a “200,000-plus original word count.” En route to its original release month, it “secured a new partnership we are extremely excited about,” but this “resulted in certain issues outside our control. As such, we wanted to get an update out to everyone that has continued to wave their foam fingers in anticipation.”

After discussing it with Skybound Games, it decided to delay the game. A new release date will be announced later this month. “While we are disappointed that we couldn’t share the entirety of WrestleQuest with you sooner like we hoped, we firmly believe this is the right choice with respect to our players and the sweat, sweat, and more sweat we have poured into building the best game we have ever made. We can’t wait to get your hands on it!”

In the meantime, Mega Cat Studios has performed “multiple focus groups” and gathered “hours of playtesting feedback to get the game to style and profile.” It also revamped the user interface, updated the world map, enhanced the visuals, further balanced the game and added accessibility options. You can check out all these improvements in the latest demo, live as part of the Steam Sports Fest until May 22nd.

The full game will have over 50 hours of content, which the team is eager to share with the world. Stay tuned in the meantime for more updates and check out our interview with developer here.

An update on #WrestleQuest from our friends at @megacatstudios. pic.twitter.com/bASOkvJ9as

— Skybound Games (@skyboundgames) May 15, 2023

There’s much more to indulge in, so don’t worry. Let’s look at the big games launching next month.

Redfall

After Dishonored’s fantasy steampunk and Deathloop’s retro time-looping, Arkane Studios is exploring uncharted territory with Redfall. It’s a four-player co-op first-person looter shooter with a large – though not massive – open world to explore. Also, vampires, as a botched experiment by Aveum Laboratories turns its billionaire elites into undead blood-suckers.

As one of four survivors, you’re fighting against the rich and powerful, who have encased the titular town in darkness, preventing anyone from leaving. There are cults of humans to deal with, a massive tanky vampire called The Rook that can randomly appear, and optional dungeons called Psychic Nests to tackle. Each character is unique from Devinder’s vampire-killing inventions to Layla’s telekinesis and can acquire items like Grave Locks to augment their abilities.

There’s also lore to discover in houses, random guns to outfit characters with, and no 60 FPS mode at launch on consoles. Nevertheless, Redfall launched on May 2nd for Xbox Series X/S and PC, not to mention Game Pass.

Hogwarts Legacy (Xbox One, PS4)

Even after all the controversy, Hogwarts Legacy was a massive success for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Set 100 years before the first Harry Potter book, the action RPG focuses on the player traveling to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a fifth-year student. They also have a connection to some ancient magic, because, of course, they do and run afoul of Viktor Rookwood and his dark wizards and the Goblin rebellion led by Ranrok.

Hogwarts Legacy has a massive world to explore, from the Hogwarts campus and Hogsmeade to the surrounding highlands. There are dozens of side quests, several memorable NPCs to interact with, some great magical combat, and even your own Room of Requirement with a Vivarium to raise fantastic beasts.

The problem is how it will perform on Xbox One and PS4. Portkey Games and Avalanche Software have yet to reveal the resolution and frame rate, and even then, the actual day-one performance is another matter entirely. Still, it’s out on May 5th – if you don’t have a current-gen console, it may be worth picking up on the previous-gen.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched in 2017 alongside the Nintendo Switch and remains one of the greatest, if not the greatest, games ever. To say that the wait for Tears of the Kingdom, announced under the moniker “Breath of the Wild sequel” at E3 2019, has been agonizing would be an understatement. Nevertheless, it’s almost here. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is out on May 12th.

So what can you expect? Despite being set in the same Hyrule as Breath of the Wild, the world has changed dramatically, with familiar locations transformed, new Sky Islands to explore in unique ways, and fresh characters to interact with. New abilities like Fuse, which combines multiple items to create novel weapons, shields and arrows; Ultrahand to combine larger objects to create vehicles; and Ascend, to pass through ceilings, have looked simply stunning. That’s not counting other things like a new Hookshot-like ability or Rewind, which sends objects back along their previous path.

Nintendo has been somewhat coy on the story, aside from Ganondorf returning and Zelda being in trouble, but the sheer amount of stuff teased in trailers has been incredible. Skydiving through laser webs, minecart fights, new enemies, ghost ships sailing through the sky, defending villagers from monster attacks – there’s just so much. Needless to say, Zelda fans will be busy for a good long while after its release.

Amnesia: The Bunker

For how fresh and downright terrifying Amnesia: The Dark Descent was, its follow-ups – A Machine for Pigs and Rebirth – haven’t exactly recreated that same magic. Frictional Games’ Amnesia: The Bunker may finally break that curse, embracing random chance and claustrophobic surroundings to amplify the terror.

Set during World War 1, players control Henri Clement, a soldier trapped in an abandoned bunker. Even worse, there’s a ravenous monster hunting him. Having nothing but a wind-up flashlight, a gun with one bullet and their wits, the player must navigate the bunker and somehow escape without dying to the monster, various hazards, and so on.

Unlike previous games, Amnesia: The Bunker is an open-world sandbox. You can freely pursue objectives, scavenge for resources and solve puzzles. The world is completely randomized, so every playthrough feels different, and the monster will react to your tactics. If that weren’t enough, you have limited time to escape. If all that sounds like sunshine and a good time, Amnesia: The Bunker may be for you when it launches on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4 and PC on May 23rd.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum

The Lord of the Rings franchise has been explored from many angles, the most well-known being Monolith Productions’ Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War. However, Daedalic Entertainment’s upcoming stealth action-adventure sees players embodying a unique perspective when it launches on May 25th – that of the deceitful yet sympathetic Gollum.

Venturing through various Middle-earth locations, Gollum will encounter familiar figures and seek the One Ring. Set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the emphasis is on sneaking, platforming and exploring the world. You’re not running through armies of Orcs and Uruk Hai, but you will have to make decisions that either cater to the more sadistic nature of Gollum or the merciful Smeagol, with long-reaching consequences.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is launching for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Despite numerous delays, it’s looking like an intriguing experience for Tolkien fans.

System Shock Remake

From a Kickstarter campaign and engine shits to delays and restarting development, it’s been a long journey for Nightdive Studios’ remake of the classic System Shock. Nevertheless, it seems like it will finally be released on May 30th. If you’ve never played the original, the experience mixes first-person shooting, role-playing game mechanics and non-linear story-telling that influenced many future titles.

You venture through Citadel Station in a cyberpunk future and must deal with the various terrifying creations its malevolent AI, SHODAN, throws at you. In terms of changes, the remake offers fully HD visuals, new music and sound effects, a brand-new UI and revamped controls. Various aspects like Cyberspace are also redone, but don’t worry – SHODAN’s voice actor returns to ensure the same level of terror as before.

System Shock Remake launches in May for PC first, with console versions releasing later.

Darkest Dungeon 2

Going beyond the dark, dank dungeons that defined the first game, Darkest Dungeon 2 is a rogue-like adventure where four heroes traverse the ruined world via stagecoach. Embark on an expedition through five regions, with different encounters, enemies and rewards, as your heroes bond and become stronger.

As you complete an expedition, new classes become available, some from the first game and others brand-new (like The Runaway). Artifacts help bolster your skills, while the new combat system relies on Tokens for more direct control in combat. If that weren’t enough, each hero has their own origin story, delving deeper into their pasts, and the aesthetic has been overhauled for gorgeous 3D models and environments.

Darkest Dungeon 2 may seem like a scary new endeavor for fans, but it offers the same nightmarish combat, heavy cosmic horror and sanity-testing quandaries as the first game. It leaves early access for PC on May 8th.

The Outlast Trials

Remember the sheer terror and insanity that was Outlast? Red Barrel Games has been slowly plugging away at the next entry in the series and invites you to experience the horror with friends. The Outlast Trials is out on May 19th for PC via Steam Early Access and sees players partaking in human trials for the Murkoff Corporation during the Cold War.

Playing either solo or co-op with up to three others, you’ll customize a character and lead it through various gut-wrenching experiments. But don’t be fooled – you’ll still need to sneak around and flee from enemies, using tools to improve your abilities. Throughout these experiences, you can find various documents to use against Murkoff.

The early access build will have all the main features, though more trials, perks, enemies and so on are coming in the future. The Outlast Trials may not make for the sanest experience, but for those seeking a compelling horror game, it could be worth a look.

LEGO 2K Drive

If you ever enjoyed the LEGO Speed Champions DLC in Forza Horizon 4 and wanted an entire game for the same, LEGO 2K Drive may just be the ticket. Developed by Visual Concepts and set in BrickLandia, players can freely explore and partake in races, creating vehicles with 1,000 different pieces. In addition to everything being destructible, your vehicle can also transform based on the terrain in a race.

Along with quick races, Cup Series tournaments and mini-games, there is a story to pursue, albeit a classic LEGO tale full of humor as players compete to earn the Sky Trophy while dealing with various rivals (like the dastardly Shadow-X). Online co-op and local split-screen are supported, and the actual racing leans into boosting and power-ups for a more fun, arcade-like experience.

Releasing on May 19th, LEGO 2K Drive will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

WrestleQuest

While the WWE 2K series has delivered some fun realistic experiences over the past two instalments (we don’t talk about before that), what about those who want epic RPG storylines? A fantastical adventure that combines over-the-top mayhem with professional wrestling? Skybound Games’ WrestleQuest aims to cater to the same.

Releasing in May for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, the pixel-based title sees you starting as a newcomer to the art of wrestling. Train yourself up, learn new moves and different styles, explore locations based on legends like Andre the Giant and Jake the Snake Roberts, and eventually become champion. You’ll also lay the smackdown on enemies in turn-based combat.

Though its release date is still unsure, WrestleQuest is one of the more bombastic titles to look forward to next month.

After Us

So the world has ended (yes, again) in Piccolo’s After Us. However, this isn’t a tale of despair and doom but of new beginnings. As Gaia, you explore the ruined world, collecting the souls of different animals. You’ll learn how each one met their end, which should provide some relatable morals about environmental preservation as Gaia goes about rejuvenating everything she touches.

Even the enemies, known as Devourers, are covered in oil, which Gaia can clear with her abilities. After Us provides some beautiful environments and a gorgeous atmosphere befitting its aesthetic. Whether there are enough challenges to keep the journey fresh is a different thing altogether, but it’s got our attention. It releases on May 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Miasma Chronicles

If a post-apocalyptic wasteland epic with an environmentally conscious message isn’t for you, then something a bit more tactical may suffice. Miasma Chronicles is, a squad-based tactical strategy game with some fun gameplay. It’s set in the future, where the Miasma has laid waste to the United States.

Players control Elvis, an orphan who can somehow manipulate the Miasma using a mysterious glove. What could this mean for the future of humanity? Maybe some hope in the long term. In the short term, it’s road trip time, as Elvis and his brothers travel the world, learning more about the Miasma while gaining new weapons and abilities and encountering strange characters.

It launches on May 23rd for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Combining fantasy with professional wrestling, WrestleQuest sees the player venturing through a pixel art universe. As they train and slam through various opponents, they’ll learn new techniques and taunts, and even customize their entrance. Build the Hype Meter in matches by executing various moves, earning different buffs, and ultimately overwhelming the opposition.

World Wrestling Entertainment icons like Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Andre the Giant, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage are also featured, with various worlds based on their storied careers. It’s pretty massive, with the developer promising 40-50 hours of gameplay and even more for those who want to explore everything.

Check out our interview with creative director Zack Manko here for more details and stay tuned for more updates in the coming months.

It’s a curious and exciting blend, so of course, we have been itching to learn more about WrestleQuest. To that end, we recently sent across some of our questions about the game, learning quite a bit about the game’s structure, combat, world, and more in the process. Below, you can read our interview with WrestleQuest’s creative director Zack Manko.

"Between a deep narrative spanning toy continents and playsets, a large playable cast that would make any stable tremble in their tights, and drama that unfolds both inside the ring and behind-the-scenes, the game puts a premium on narrative and characters."

WrestleQuest is combining old-school RPGs with the world of wrestling, which isn’t a combination we’ve seen all too often. How did the idea for that first come about?

It’s the shared DNA between pro-wrestling and RPGs. Just like a good JRPG, pro-wrestling has always been about story. From rivalries and partnerships to in-ring surprises, dramatic reveals, and behind-the-scenes machinations, part of the spectacle of wrestling is its amazing narrative and characters. With storytelling being so fundamental to both pro-wrestling and JRPGs, WrestleQuest doubles down on this element. Between a deep narrative spanning toy continents and playsets, a large playable cast that would make any stable tremble in their tights, and drama that unfolds both inside the ring and behind-the-scenes, the game puts a premium on narrative and characters.

What are the biggest ways WrestleQuest is looking to leverage its wrestling motif on the gameplay front? In particular, how have you approached how to build the game’s combat system?

On top of a story of heroism, redemption, and some seriously sweaty body slams, WrestleQuest offers JRPG players something fresh—a slamtastic battle system. Our goal with the combat was to turn up the excitement and engagement of JRPG battles by capturing the drama, action, and spectacle of pro-wrestling matches through a number of combat-specific features.

The most important of these is the Hype Meter. Every battle in WrestleQuest takes place in front of a live audience, and the Hype Meter is an on-screen indicator that represents the crowd’s interest in the fight. If you keep them engaged and entertained by putting on a good show with plenty of variety, you’ll increase the Hype Meter and unlock buffs for your party, like extra damage or extra experience. Some special moves require the Hype Meter to be above a certain level, so controlling the momentum of the fight is paramount to your success.

However, you won’t be the only ones vying for control of the audience’s interest. Your enemies can also generate hype with every attack and ability. If they can put on a better show than you, the Hype Meter will swing in their favor—meaning you’ll be hit with debuffs and penalties instead of bonuses.

Similarly, pinning opponents was an easy thing to adopt from pro-wrestling. While reducing an enemy to zero HP is enough to claim victory in most RPGs, enemies are not truly defeated in WrestleQuest until you go for the 1-2-3 count. Nail three button presses and the enemy is down and out, but miss one and they’ll kick out with partially restored HP, ready for vengeance.

Of course, wrestling isn’t just about the battle in the ring—it’s also about the battle on the mic! Before pivotal boss battles, you’ll have the opportunity to do some trash-talking when Cutting Promos to get inside your opponent’s head, gain Hype, and start the match with a huge advantage. Beware, however, as your rivals will also get the chance to sling some insults and get the crowd on their side instead.

There are several other wrestling-based combat systems we have in store, and combat isn’t the only element that’s been wrestlified. We’ve also taken a wrestle-first approach to other aspects of the game, including many familiar JRPG mechanics. For example, instead of “find the key to unlock the door” trope from JRPG dungeons, players will be slamming through tables that block the way. Even NPCs have been given a fresh, wrestly coat of face paint.

"There are several other wrestling-based combat systems we have in store, and combat isn’t the only element that’s been wrestlified. We’ve also taken a wrestle-first approach to other aspects of the game, including many familiar JRPG mechanics."

It seems WrestleQuest is going to focus quite a bit on various wrestling icons and use them as a basis for the places players will visit in the game. Can you tell us more about that? How directly will different worlds be influenced by different wrestlers?

Truly a wrestling fan’s dream project, WrestleQuest features legendary wrestlers like André the Giant, Booker T, Jeff Jarrett, and Macho Man Randy Savage—our roster spans decades and promotions, featuring talent from all over the world. These larger-than-life icons appear as Statue of Liberty-esque shrines across the land, inspiring new generations of slam junkies to get into the ring and chase their dreams!

Each of these statue-shrines offers a side quest that is based on the wrestler. For example, the Road Warriors shrine holds the key to an exciting adventure through a Mad Max-style desert wasteland. Completing these quests results in powerful loot, unforgettable battles, and even the chance to summon these wrestlers into battle! That’s right, while other RPGs might let you summon a dragon or monster to the battlefield, only WrestleQuest lets you call in Jake the Snake to rip an earth-shaking DDT on your foes.

Some of the wrestling legends play a more intricate role in the game’s central storyline, but we don’t want to give away anything, so you’ll have to play to find out.

What can players expect from WrestleQuest in terms of what kind of side content it will offer?

WrestleQuest is definitely a JRPG in terms of its main storyline and character arcs. However, there is plenty of side content to explore. For example, the game offers a crafting system, and to get the best components for it, you have to defeat enemies with the Hype Meter above a certain level, which means putting on a good show during combat.

Additionally, the game offers numerous minigames, like Pile Driving Racing, Kaiju Gauntlets, Pachinko, and more. You’ll encounter several of these as part of the main story, and you can revisit them in the game’s arcade. Getting the high score on all the arcade cabinets can be quite rewarding…

Of course, the biggest chunk of side content comes from the Wrestler Statues. Each real wrestler shrine serves as the starting point for a special side quest dedicated to that wrestler. Most of them are optional, but they lead to some of the game’s most powerful abilities and gear.

How much of an emphasis will the game put on exploration?

Getting through the main quest line is as easy as following the steps in the Quest Tracker and the objective markers on the minimap radar. However, you’ll miss out on a ton of content if you only follow these guidelines. Many treasure chests, side quests, and other rewards await those willing to search for them. This is especially true of late-game content, where the most challenging (and rewarding) quests and dungeons are optional and require some exploration to be found.

"While other RPGs might let you summon a dragon or monster to the battlefield, only WrestleQuest lets you call in Jake the Snake to rip an earth-shaking DDT on your foes."

Can you talk to us about WrestleQuest’s progression mechanics? How expansive will they be, and what can players expect in terms of how much the game emphasizes options and build variety?

At its core, the character progression in WrestleQuest is similar to that of a classic JRPG, with stats increasing and new abilities unlocking upon level up. However, we’ve injected some player choice and customizability within that framework. For example, the game has a Face/Heel (karma) system that impacts what type of passive abilities are available for each character.

Additionally, players have complete control over how they influence the Hype Meter through the Hype Types system. Hype Types are classes players can assign to units to determine how they generate hype. For instance, the Powerhouse type will generate hype by attacking and scoring critical hits. Technicians will get a bonus by applying debuffs and submissions. The Showman type taunts and pulls off button presses to raise the meter.

Any character can take any Hype Type, so finding the right mix adds depth and customizability to the combat. How you approach battles and the Hype Meter is up to you—and it’s also just one thing you’ll have to consider in between the slams and suplexes.

Equipment is another avenue for customization. Many accessories and other gear will give you more than just a stat boost. For instance, a character equipped with the Gusher Badge will generate hype when they take damage, encouraging the player to use them as a damage soak. Combine this with the Underdog Mask, which raises damage when the unit’s HP is less than half, and you’ve got a powerful combination.

WrestleQuest also offers a massive stable of playable characters, each with their own flavor. More importantly, these characters can tag up for tandem Tag Team maneuvers. Players can pick their party based on a well-crafted hype generation strategy to achieve combat superiority, or based on which characters appeal to them the most. It all comes down to slamming the way you want to slam.

Roughly how long will an average playthrough of WrestleQuest be?

WrestleQuest will keep you slamming and adventuring for 40-50 hours, and more for anyone that wants to explore every corner of this sweaty universe. We hope that WrestleQuest’s storyline, characters, and fun stay with you for much longer!

WrestleQuest sees players assuming the role of a young wrestler climbing through the ranks of WWE. Players will be facing licensed WWE Legends including but not limited to Booker T, Andre the Giant, Jake “The Snake” Roberts – all renderd in cutsy pixel art. The turn-based combat works as one would expect, and players need to build up a hype meter before a finishing move is unlocked – following which one should be able to pin down the opponent.

Additionally, there’s also party members to collect, and new arenas to explore. All in all, the game certainly looks promising – offering a fresh new take on this popular entertainment sport. WrestleQuest releases for Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S sometime in the near future.

In the meanwhile, check out our review of WWE 2k22 by clicking through here.