Keeping track video game releases isn’t as easy as it once was — the volume of games released each week is constantly expanding, and they’re spread over a mind-boggling array of platforms (consoles, PC, Mac, handhelds and mobile).
Well, I’m here to make things a little easier on you. Every week I’ll rattle off five games I think you should check out. These articles are not meant to be comprehensive lists of everything coming out that week — think of them as a nice rounded tasting menu. Each week I’ll try to highlight several games from different corners of the gaming landscape (handhelds, consoles, indie, PC, you name it) then finish up with a “Pick of the Week”.
Hit the jump for the five games you’re going to want to check out this week…

This Week’s Handheld Game

Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS eShop, May 24th)

Hey, did you know they made a new Donkey Kong Country game for the Wii? They did, and it was pretty damn good! Now Donkey Kong Country Returns comes to the 3DS with, of course, 3D graphics, new levels and an easy mode if you’re a lame-o. If you never played the Wii version, this new version is definitely worth a look.

This Week’s Downloadable Western

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger (Xbox Live, Playstation Network & PC, May 22nd)

The oft-overlooked western-themed FPS series Call of Juarez returns with an easy-on-the-budget downloadable title this week. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger only costs 15 bucks, and if you buy it on Steam you even get a free copy of 2009’s Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood. Not bad.

This Week’s Indie

Element4l (PC & Mac, May 24th)

Element4l is a stark, stylish puzzle-platformer in which you progress and surmount obstacles by switching between four elements (ice, water, fire and uhhh, a fourth one). The game certainly seems to have some pleasingly chill music. Here’s the game’s page on Steam.

This Week’s Retro Download

Kirby Super Star (Wii U eShop, May 23rd)

Fun fact — I’m the world’s biggest Kirby fan. Don’t even attempt to challenge me on this. Kirby Super Star is the second best Kirby game ever (the best is Kirby’s Adventure on the NES) and the game is hitting the Wii U Virtual Console this Thursday along with another couple pretty solid Kirby titles (Kirby’s Dreamland 3 and Kirby’s Dream Course). Hooray!

Pick of the Week

Resident Evil: Revelations (PC, PS3, Xbox 360 & Wii U, May 21st)

The best Resident Evil game since Resident Evil 4 comes out on every platform under the sun this Tuesday. If you found yourself disappointed by Resident Evil 6, or have ever uttered the words “I wish Resident Evil would focus more on horror again” then you need to buy Resident Evil: Revelations. Send Capcom a loud and clear message — there’s still a market for real Resident Evil.
A solid week — one more week of May, and then things really start to heat up in June. Planning to grab any of the above-mentioned games? Any games you’re itching to get your hands on that I failed to mention? Hit the comments and let everyone know.