May 2022 Xbox Games With Gold schedule revealed

Microsoft has revealed the Games with Gold lineup for May 2022. As usual, Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Live Gold subscribers will be able to claim four games: Yoku’s Island Express, The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk, Viva Pinata: Party Animals and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. The freebies will begin rolling out on May 1st.

Released in 2018, Yoku’s Island Express beautifully marries the mechanics of pinball with the side-scrolling adventures of metroidvanias. You play as a beetle who arrives on a relaxing tropical island to become the new messenger. Unfortunately for Yoku, things don’t go as planned and he has to save the day. The cleverly designed world is filled with platform tests, as well as pinball boards that Yoku uses to jump and progress. It’s an enchanting adventure with colorful visuals and a pleasant atmosphere. It earned a 9/10 in our Yoku’s Island Express review and will be available to claim throughout the month of May.

The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk is a point-and-click adventure set in Asposia, a world led by the “flute nose dynasty”. Unsurprisingly, it’s a quirky game full of eccentric characters. The Last Wind Monk was praised for its humorous writing, interesting characters, and hand-drawn art. If you’re looking for a narrative-focused game with some light puzzles, The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk is worth a shot when it’s available on May 16th. It currently has an average user rating of “Very Positive” on Steam.

Viva Pinata: Party Animals is a Mario Party style game that was originally released for Xbox 360. Designed as a game show, you compete against friends in quick mini-games to see who can win the most candy. It’s a solid multiplayer game to play alongside family and friends.

Meanwhile, Hydro Thunder Hurricane was an Xbox Live Arcade boat racing game. It aims to be chaotic rather than realistic as it features crazy power-ups and obstacles.

Don’t forget you can also claim one of April’s Games with Gold giveaways, Hue, until May 15th.