Incoming! The most exciting 3DS and PS Vita games for May 2014

Each and every month, I compile a gigantic list of the very best upcoming games for PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.

You know, so that you can see what the next 30 days will bring for your handheld of choice.

It's another excellent month for both the Vita and the 3DS, so you can expect a good mix of game genres and art styles. Get ready for everything from classic re-releases to brand-new titles.

There's the long-awaited release of an action-RPG-shooter hybrid, the new instalment of a beloved Mario sports series, some hidden gems from the East, AND some lovely indie games.

Let's delay no longer and take a look at what's in store for May.

God of War Collection
By Sony Computer Entertainment - out on May 6th in Europe and in the US

Would you like to play both of the PlayStation 2 God of War games on your Vita? Fair play to you. I suppose someone has to.

This series just isn't for me, but I have it on very good authority that the melee combat, light puzzle solving, and platforming here could represent a perfectly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or two.

Borderlands 2
By 2K Games - out on May 13th in the US; out on May 23rd in Europe

The home console and PC version of this RPG-shooter came out in Q3 2012, and was met with plenty of critical acclaim. This Vita version attempts to cram in that home console version experience AND stuff a bunch of downloadable content in there.

It'll take up a pretty hefty chunk of your memory card, then, but it might well represent some of the best value for money on Vita this year.

The Sly Collection
By Sucker Punch - out on May 27th in the US

The Sly Trilogy is an odd one. The first game's a little over the hill now. Its sequel was a lot better. And the third is better yet.

Our man Wesley wasn't super-impressed with the EU version of this, mind. But if you enjoyed this series of games back in the day, you'll probably still enjoy them enough to warrant a purchase.

Jet Car Stunts
By True Axis - out in May

When I played Jet Car Stunts on mobile, the one thing I wished for was physical controls. With the move from iOS and Android to Vita, Jet Car Stunts is getting exactly that. Huzzah!

This is the closest you'll come to a TrackMania on handheld for a while, I reckon (unless you go back and buy the DS version). But this one also includes a small flying / gliding element that sets it apart slightly from that series.

Soul Sacrifice Delta
By Marvelous AQL - out on May 13th in the US; out on May 14th in Europe

Of the original game, Mike Rose said: "Deeper than the Grand Canyon and just as expansive, Soul Sacrifice will keep you and a bunch of friends going for some time."

If you've somehow completed everything in the first game, then you and your pals have some new quests to conquer in Delta, a game with major echoes of the RPG stylings of its predecessor.

Mind Zero
By Aksys Games - out on May 27th in the US; out on May 28th in Europe

If you like the Persona games, then you may well find Mind Zero is up your alley.

Mind Zero is an RPG, set in various districts of Japan. Here, you enter a weird spirit world in order to fight monsters and demons, which probably sounds similar to anyone who has ever used an Evoker.

This could be very good indeed, then, so we're waiting with bated breath. A lot of bated breath.

Mario Golf: World Tour
By Nintendo - out on May 2nd

Mario and pals are back to spoil another good walk with Mario Golf: World Tour.

According to PG editor Mark, it's predictably top fun. On reviewing it, he noted that it's "a tremendous golf game with a smart balance between realism and zaniness", but that "a short campaign and spotty online play can let it down".

Probably worth a swing, then. Especially if you like both golf and Mario.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe
By Nintendo - out on May 16th

The only lead character of a video game to be at his best when he sucks, Kirby returns for yet more slightly-too-easy platforming.

But just because it's not the most difficult game in the world doesn't make it any less charming. The Kirby games have always been adorable, and this is no exception.

Our review is incoming for this one. It's safe to say, though, that if you liked the previous games, you'll probably get along just fine with this.

Grinsia
By Kemco - out on May 8th in the US

We rather liked Grinsia when it was released on mobiles. And while reviewer Damien took issue with the game's graphics, "beneath the clunky visual exterior you'll find an RPG which manages to replicate the old skool charm of the 16-bit era".

It's making the jump to 3DS this month, so fans of classic JRPGs who have Nintendo handhelds will want to investigate further.

Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl
By NIS America - out on May 2nd in Europe

Another JRPG? Don't mind if I do.

Though this game's been out in America for a little while now, European audiences have had to wait until May to get their hands on this dungeon-crawler.

JRPG wunderkind Matt Diener slapped a Pocket Gamer Silver Award on the US version, stating that "you'll cherish your time with The Millennium Girl".

The "Denpa" Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll
By Genius Sonority - out on May 8th

Yet more questing, albeit this time with an augmented reality twist.

We liked the first two games in the series - They Came By Wave and Beyond the Waves - and see no reason why this delightful, colourful, and moreish third entry won't be just as good.

There'll be a full review up on the site soon, if you do want to wait and find out.

A bunch of Mega Man games
By Capcom - released throughout May

Not NEW Mega Man games, mind, though it's nice to have some more classics on the 3DS.

Hitting Virtual Console throughout the month of May is a bunch of classic Mega Man games from the NES, including Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3, Mega Man 4, and Mega Man 5.

Plus, making their way over from the Game Boy come Mega Man Xtreme and Mega Man Xtreme 2.

All of the above are rock(man) hard, and require some serious gaming skills to complete. So, if you're up for the challenge, they're worth a look.