While Grand Theft Auto 6 didn’t hit its anticipated May release window, the month proved to be an exceptional period for gaming regardless. We saw heavyweight titles like Forza Horizon 6, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and 007 First Light make significant waves. Simultaneously, standout indie projects like Mina the Hollower and Zero Parades: For Dead Spies garnered critical acclaim, and Subnautica 2 continues to be a commercial juggernaut in early access.
<p>Beyond these blockbuster releases, the sheer volume of games last month meant several hidden gems were easily overlooked. As June’s calendar begins to clear, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the standout titles you might have missed. If you're looking to curate your backlog, make sure these three selections are at the very top of your list.</p>
<h2 id="phonopolis">
<span class="item-num">1 </span>
<span>Phonopolis</span>
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<p>Amanita Design has built a stellar reputation with visually inventive titles like <em>Machinarium</em> and <em>Creaks</em>, yet <em>Phonopolis</em> arguably stands as their most ambitious project to date. Set in an immersive, cardboard-constructed world, the narrative follows a character named Felix as he mounts a resistance against his dystopian city, where citizens are mindlessly led by booming loudspeakers. The gameplay utilizes clever, tactile point-and-click puzzles that feel like physical toys you can manipulate. Whether you're sabotaging a cardboard vehicle to shake off the authorities or mastering a complex, eccentric cooking machine, the game remains consistently engaging. Despite a few obtuse puzzles toward the end, it’s a masterclass in atmosphere and features what is arguably the best original soundtrack of the year.</p>
<h2 id="luna-abyss">
<span class="item-num">2 </span>
<span>Luna Abyss</span>
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<p>For those who appreciate a pure, adrenaline-fueled shooter, <em>Luna Abyss</em> is an essential play. Kwalee Labs has crafted a stylish experience that sits comfortably at the intersection of <em>Returnal</em>, <em>Doom</em>, and <em>Metroid Prime</em>. You are dropped into an atmospheric, sci-fi prison moon and tasked with battling waves of extraterrestrial threats. While the narrative is somewhat straightforward, the gameplay shines through its responsive lock-on mechanics, allowing you to weave through intense "bullet-hell" sequences with fluid precision. As you progress, the game seamlessly integrates platforming elements, turning movement into an art form. Clocking in at a focused six hours, it’s the perfect high-octane weekend experience.</p>
<h2 id="amberspire">
<span class="item-num">3 </span>
<span>Amberspire</span>
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<p>If you prefer a more methodical, cerebral experience, <em>Amberspire</em> is a must-play. From the creative minds behind <em>The Banished Vault</em> comes a unique dice-based city-builder that challenges you to cultivate a civilization on a harsh, desolate moon. Success depends on how you allocate your dice rolls to manage resources, construct vital infrastructure, and expand your influence. The game adds a layer of survival tension as you scramble to protect your settlement from erratic, hostile weather patterns. While the learning curve is present, the rewarding gameplay loop makes <em>Amberspire</em> an incredibly absorbing strategy title that feels both deep and approachable.</p>
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<img width="440" height="248" loading="lazy" alt="A mid-sized city in Amberspire" src="https://static0.polygonimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/amberspire-review.jpg">
<span class="article-card-label"><label>Related</label></span>
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<h5 class="display-card-title">I want to quit Amberspire, and that's why it's one of the best city-builders in years</h5>
<p class="display-card-excerpt">Decline and fall</p>
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</div>Source: Polygon
