New to Xbox Game Pass – May 2023 Wave 2

May started off with a small Xbox Game Pass wave with half of them being existing games that were added to more platforms. The next two weeks will see a total of eight more games, with two of them being day-one releases. Let’s break down everything to look forward to for the remainder of May.

Kicking it all off is FIFA 23 for console and PC. The leading soccer title is available right now and specifically through EA Play. While the Xbox One version won’t have it, a unique feature available in the Xbox Series X|S and PC versions is the HyperMotion2 system which uses machine learning algorithms to create thousands of in-game animations.

Following it is a pair of titles on May 18th that are both inspired by East Asian influences. First and coming to console and PC is Eastern Exorcist. This 2D side-scroller action RPG puts you in the shoes of an exorcist as they battle against various monsters. A Chinese ink painting art style and Chinese Opera-influenced cutscenes help it stand out from similar games.

Coming out on the same day is Ghostlore for console, which uses a procedurally generated world inspired by Malaysia and Indonesia. Those with PC Game Pass might recognize this as it was added to their library back in November as a game preview/early access. Aside from it making the jump to consoles, this is also coinciding with the full release.

May 23rd will see the day-one release of Planet of Lana for console and PC. This puzzle adventure has had a good amount of hype surrounding it due to its unique visuals and cinematic gameplay. It follows the titular Lana as she and a companion named Mui travel across their world.

Two days later on May 25th will see Cassette Beasts come to console. It applies a twist to the typical monster-catching battle system by utilizing a fusion mechanic. Players will likely recognize this as well, since it was released only last month and was added as a day-one release for PC Game Pass.

Two more games will join it on May 25th. First is Massive Chalice for cloud and console. Released in 2015, this tactical strategy game from Double Fine Productions places you as an immortal ruler of a nation. You’ll need to command heroes and forge marriages to defeat an enemy that’s been fought against for 300 years.

Second is the day one release of Railway Empire 2 for cloud, console, and PC. With a small railway company under you, the goal is to grow it into the largest by expanding your network. Six unique characters can be used to tackle a five-chapter campaign or the 14 different scenarios. Additional modes include construction, free play, and co-op multiplayer.

Ending this month of additions is Chicory: A Colorful Tale coming out to console and PC on May 30th. As the ultimate fan of the artist Chicory, you’ll need to use her Brush and go searching for her. Along the way, you’ll paint your way through this color book world and use the brush to solve puzzles and take on different quests. Players can do it alone or paint with friends in local co-op.

As always, we’re left with the games that will be leaving the library. All players will have until the following day on May 31st to play the following games: Europa Universalis, Evil Genius 2: World Domination, FIFA 21, Floppy Knights, and Lawn Mowing Simulator.