Three standout May indie releases you probably missed while playing the month's blockbusters
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon highlights three overlooked hidden gems from May's crowded release schedule, including the cardboard puzzle game Phonopolis, the fast-paced shooter Luna Abyss, and the strategic city-builder Amberspire.
May delivered a massive wave of major releases, from high-profile indies to massive blockbuster titles, which means a few brilliant games inevitably flew under the radar. As the summer release schedule cools down, it is the ideal window to clear out your backlog and check out some of the month's best sleeper hits that deserved more attention. Polygon recently highlighted three distinct titles that launched last month and quickly became hidden gems for players looking for something fresh outside of the usual AAA ecosystem.
First up is Phonopolis from developer Amanita Design, known for distinct visual styles in games like Machinarium. Set in a dystopian world entirely crafted from cardboard, this point-and-click puzzle adventure follows a character named Felix trying to disrupt a city controlled by loudspeakers. It combines inventive tactile puzzles with a standout soundtrack that easily ranks among the best audio work released this year. If you prefer fast action, Luna Abyss from Kwalee Labs delivers a sharp sci-fi shooter experience blending elements of Doom and Returnal. Running at a tight six-hour runtime, it offers a punchy mix of precise gunplay and movement mechanics without demanding a massive time sink.
For strategy fans, Amberspire offers a unique dice-based city-builder where players must cultivate a civilization on a harsh, hostile moon. The gameplay revolves around rolling dice to generate resources and construct buildings while managing severe weather threats like rust waves and floods. It provides a satisfying strategic challenge that rewards smart planning without requiring an encyclopedic rulebook to master. Head over to Polygon for the full breakdown and see which of these titles fits your current rotation.
Tags: Indie Games, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Strategy Games, Polygon
Original article: Polygon