Games Released in May 1988

26 new games released in May 1988, with Family Computer being the most active platform. May 1 was the busiest day, with 7 new releases.

Top Platform

Family Computer

New Releases

26

Busiest Day

May 1

Zeliard

What was the most popular game of May 1988?

Zeliard

Zeliard is a side-scrolling action game with platforming and role-playing elements. The game world is divided into hostile labyrinths, which occupy its largest portion and contain maze-like passages for Duke Garland to traverse, as well as enemies that must be dealt with. Crests and keys must often be collected in order to ensure the progress to the next area. Garland takes damage from enemy attacks as well as the environment (hidden spikes, high temperature, etc.), but suffers no damage should he fall off a platform. The hero uses his sword to combat the enemies, and shield to defend himself. He can also learn and cast projectile offensive magic. Special items can restore his health, increase the damage inflicted with the sword, grant additional protection, etc. Various types of clothes can be equipped; these can bestow the hero with further enhancements and immunities, such as prevent him from slipping on ice, allow him to jump higher, etc. The Duke will visit different towns during his journey. In these towns, he can rest, replenishing his health, purchase and repair weapons and armor, acquire potions, and learn magic spells. Currency is obtained by exchanging enemy spirits for gold in banks. These spirits (called "almas") also serve as experience points: after the player has obtained a sufficient amount of them, the protagonist receives upgrades to his health and magic points from a local town sage.

Which days had the most releases?

May 1 saw the most activity with 7 releases.

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

Sun, May 1

7 releases

Mon, May 2

No releases

Tue, May 3

No releases

Wed, May 4

No releases

Thu, May 5

2 releases

Fri, May 6

No releases

Sat, May 7

No releases

Sun, May 8

No releases

Mon, May 9

No releases

Tue, May 10

No releases

Wed, May 11

No releases

Thu, May 12

1 release

Fri, May 13

4 releases

Sat, May 14

2 releases

Sun, May 15

No releases

Mon, May 16

No releases

Tue, May 17

No releases

Wed, May 18

No releases

Thu, May 19

No releases

Fri, May 20

4 releases

Sat, May 21

No releases

Sun, May 22

2 releases

Mon, May 23

No releases

Tue, May 24

No releases

Wed, May 25

No releases

Thu, May 26

No releases

Fri, May 27

1 release

Sat, May 28

3 releases

Sun, May 29

No releases

Mon, May 30

No releases

Tue, May 31

No releases

How did each week compare?

The first week of May was the busiest with 9 releases.

Week 1 (May 1–7)

9 releases
Phantasie

Most popular release in Week 1

Phantasie

The Isle of Gelnor is divided by a chain of mountains into two regions. The west is the traditional domain of human and humanoid beings - with a few renegade Orcs and Lizardmen - dedicated to order and goodness. The east is inhabited by more exotic creatures - dragons, trolls and giants. These regions have been waging war throughout the history of the Great land. Since the Great invasion by the evil sorcerer Nikademus, the isle of Gelnor has been terrorized by his merciless Black Knights. To maintain their reign of terror, the Black Knights travel from town to town, demanding sacrifices and homage. You are an adventurer looking for fame and fortune, as most of them do, and you see your chance here. Those Black Knights deserves your attention no matter the costs.

Week 2 (May 8–14)

7 releases
Zeliard

Most popular release in Week 2

Zeliard

Zeliard is a side-scrolling action game with platforming and role-playing elements. The game world is divided into hostile labyrinths, which occupy its largest portion and contain maze-like passages for Duke Garland to traverse, as well as enemies that must be dealt with. Crests and keys must often be collected in order to ensure the progress to the next area. Garland takes damage from enemy attacks as well as the environment (hidden spikes, high temperature, etc.), but suffers no damage should he fall off a platform. The hero uses his sword to combat the enemies, and shield to defend himself. He can also learn and cast projectile offensive magic. Special items can restore his health, increase the damage inflicted with the sword, grant additional protection, etc. Various types of clothes can be equipped; these can bestow the hero with further enhancements and immunities, such as prevent him from slipping on ice, allow him to jump higher, etc. The Duke will visit different towns during his journey. In these towns, he can rest, replenishing his health, purchase and repair weapons and armor, acquire potions, and learn magic spells. Currency is obtained by exchanging enemy spirits for gold in banks. These spirits (called "almas") also serve as experience points: after the player has obtained a sufficient amount of them, the protagonist receives upgrades to his health and magic points from a local town sage.

Which platforms saw the most releases?

Family Computer received 5 new titles in May 1988. The runner up was MSX2 with 4 new titles.

Family Computer5 releases
MSX24 releases
DOS3 releases
PC-9800 Series3 releases
Arcade3 releases
MSX3 releases
PC-8800 Series3 releases
TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine2 releases
Sharp X11 release
Commodore C64/128/MAX1 release

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in May 1988 with 7 titles. Role-playing followed closely with 6.

Adventure7
Role-playing6
Visual Novel6
Sport3
Arcade3
Racing2
Puzzle2
Simulator2
Platform2
Shooter2