As the holiday season approached, particularly in November 2020, the gaming world found itself at an exciting crossroads. A massive influx of new consoles arrived, heralding a new generation of immersive experiences for players worldwide. This period was not just about advanced hardware; it was also defined by a phenomenal lineup of new games, offering something compelling for every gaming enthusiast.
The video above provides an excellent overview of many anticipated titles, but delving deeper into these releases can help illustrate their significance. From sprawling open-world RPGs to intense first-person shooters and engaging free-to-play options, the selection of new games November presented was truly remarkable. This complementary guide aims to expand upon those discussions, offering additional context and insight into the month’s biggest gaming events.
Major November Game Releases: Anticipated Blockbusters
Cyberpunk 2077: Diving into Dystopian Night City
One of the most highly anticipated new games November offered was Cyberpunk 2077, a title awaited for eight long years after its initial reveal. This ambitious project invited players to immerse themselves in Night City, a sprawling metropolis steeped in neon lights and corporate intrigue. As a first-person RPG, the game allowed for profound player agency, where character choices and even their chosen background subtly molded the unfolding narrative.
Imagine if every decision, from a dialogue option to the way a mission was approached, could dramatically alter future events and relationships. Combat within Night City was multifaceted; it was possible to navigate the underworld not only through intense first-person shooting but also through stealth, hacking, and compelling social engineering. The vastness of its gameplay systems and the depth of its narrative were promised to keep players engaged for many hours. This title was launched on November 19th across PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with free upgrades for players transitioning to the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War: Espionage and Action
The venerable Call of Duty series continued its legacy with Black Ops Cold War, which also debuted as one of the significant new games November provided. This installment plunged players into the heart of the real-life Cold War, weaving a gripping narrative of espionage and covert operations. Players were tasked with tracking a Soviet spy alongside CIA officer Russell Adler, experiencing the conflict’s clandestine nature firsthand. The gunplay, a hallmark of the series, maintained its signature slickness and satisfying feel, ensuring every encounter was impactful.
This particular title sought to maintain a closer connection to the original Black Ops storyline, foregoing the futuristic jumps seen in previous iterations like Black Ops 3. A popular mode, Zombies, made its return with an entirely new storyline, aiming to build upon previous lore. Furthermore, PlayStation players were granted exclusive access to a new Zombie Onslaught mode for an entire year. Released on November 13th for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, a full next-gen experience on PS5 or Series X reportedly required an additional upgrade fee.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: A Viking Saga in England
Another prominent addition to the new games November roster was Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, an action RPG that embraced Viking lore and exploration. Players assumed the role of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider, as they embarked on a journey to settle in England. This entry marked a significant return for the series, as 2019 was the first year without a new Assassin’s Creed game since its inception in 2007. This extended development cycle appeared to reinvigorate the audience, leading to renewed excitement.
The game fully incorporated robust RPG elements, including extensive loot drops and an emphasis on progressively upgrading equipment. England itself was depicted as a fractured land, allowing Eivor to forge alliances with various rulers and navigate intricate political landscapes. Imagine if every relationship forged had tangible consequences on the development of your burgeoning settlement. Activities were plentiful, ranging from Viking insult battles while drinking, to hunting, fishing, and exhilarating raiding parties. With extensive customization options and a gradual settlement upgrade system, this game was designed to captivate players for weeks, if not months. It arrived on November 10th for PS4, PC, and Xbox One, also featuring free upgrades for next-gen consoles.
Spider-Man Miles Morales: The Web-Slinger’s New Chapter
The beloved Spider-Man universe was expanded with Spider-Man Miles Morales, a standalone adventure focusing on one of the web-slinger’s youngest and most cherished incarnations. While not a full-length sequel in the traditional sense, this title was substantially more than a simple DLC, reportedly offering around 15 hours of engaging gameplay. Players who experienced the 2018 game’s DLC were aware that Peter Parker had been mentoring Miles, and this game presented Miles’s independent venture.
Miles boasted his own distinct set of abilities, a unique narrative arc, and even his own feline companion, Spider-Cat. The game could be acquired individually or as part of an ultimate edition, which bundled a remastered version of the 2018 game along with all its DLC. This highly anticipated title swung onto PS4 and PS5 on November 12th, offering a fresh perspective on the superhero experience.
Godfall: The Looter-Slasher Experience
Godfall stood out among the new games November as one of the first titles officially announced for the PS5, also releasing on PC. It was aptly described as an action role-playing game with distinct “looter-slasher” elements. The combat was characterized by its intense and often hectic nature, encouraging players to master various weapon types, from dual blades to imposing greatswords and warhammers. The core loop revolved around the addictive pursuit of progressively better loot, with increasing numbers on gear signifying power upgrades.
The game’s world was intricately divided into elemental realms of Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Spirit, each providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding narrative. Players assumed the role of one of the last remaining Knight’s Order members in an apocalyptic setting, leveraging these elemental powers to enhance their warriors. It supported three-player co-op with convenient drop-in, drop-out functionality, ensuring continuous action. Godfall launched around November 12th or 19th, coinciding with the PS5’s staggered global release.
Demon’s Souls Remake: A Return to Formidable Challenge
For those seeking an uncompromising challenge, the long-awaited return of Demon’s Souls was a highlight among the new games November delivered. This remake of the original PS3 title, considered the progenitor of the acclaimed Dark Souls series, arrived exclusively on PS5 launch day. Demon’s Souls was notorious for its brutal difficulty, demanding perfect knowledge of enemy patterns and precise timing for attacks and defenses. Its methodical gameplay meant that a lapse in concentration invariably led to swift and frequent deaths, cementing its reputation as a game for the truly hardcore.
A unique world invasion mechanic allowed players to enter others’ games, either to offer assistance or to hinder their progress. Imagine the intense satisfaction of overcoming a formidable boss after countless attempts, or the frustration of being unexpectedly invaded by a hostile player. The fidelity of the remake was expected to heighten both the beauty and the peril of its grim fantasy world. Many new DualShock controllers were anticipated to be smashed due to the game’s unrelenting difficulty.
Free-to-Play Games to Explore in November
Vigor: Post-Apocalyptic Survival in Norway
Among the noteworthy free games November presented was Vigor, an end-of-the-world survival title set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic Norway. Developed by the creators of DayZ, it shares a similar aesthetic and a focus on resource gathering. The premise was deceptively simple: players were tasked with upgrading their shelter, their central hub for crafting and recovery. To achieve this, expeditions into dangerous zones were required, necessitating looting valuable items and engaging in skirmishes with other players. The tension was palpable, as dying meant losing everything currently carried by the character, establishing a high-stakes risk-reward dynamic.
Shelters would update in real-time, providing a tangible sense of progression. Players crafted weapons, bullets, and medical supplies to prepare for subsequent deadly encounters. Multiple maps, complete with dynamic weather and terrain changes, ensured varied difficulty and replayability. Furthermore, random air-drops offered the best loot but also served as magnets for every player in the vicinity, guaranteeing a bloodbath. Teaming up with trusted friends was often advised to navigate these perilous landscapes.
Operation 7 Showdown & Bless Unleashed: Online Multiplayer Options
Another free-to-play option mentioned was Operation 7 Showdown, a third-person shooter that served as a console follow-up to the PC game Operation 7. While it bore a resemblance to games like PUBG, it was noted to lack some of the polish found in more established titles. The game modes focused on smaller-sided deathmatch-style engagements, emphasizing attacking and defending strategic points on the map. Vehicles were sparsely distributed, adding a minor layer of strategic variety to team play. This title was initially available in the NA region, with discussions of a wider global release by the end of November.
For those interested in a more expansive online experience, Bless Unleashed emerged as a compelling open-world MMO, available on PS4 and Xbox One. This free-to-play iteration served as a reboot of the Bless Online universe. Players could create a unique character and venture into a vibrant fantasy world filled with missions and quests. Bless Unleashed featured a class-based system, offering distinct roles such as the melee-focused Berserker, the magic-wielding Mage, the long-range Ranger, the supportive Priest, and the tank-like Crusader. Both PvE and PvP elements were integrated, including 15-on-15 PvP battles, smaller 3-on-3 micro arenas, and massive world bosses for cooperative play against AI. Dungeons were also available, providing further challenges for groups of players. Bless Unleashed was released on PS4 just days before this video was made, solidifying its place among the exciting new games November offered.
Other Noteworthy Mentions and Developments
While the focus has been on major and free new games November, it is important to acknowledge other titles that were part of the conversation. Destruction AllStars, an exclusive new IP for PS5, was originally slated for a November 12th release. However, it was later delayed to February 2021, with the silver lining that it would be offered free to PlayStation Plus subscribers. This move was intended to compensate for the delay and ensure a wider audience could experience the vehicular combat game. Although initially disappointing for those eager to play, the prospect of a free next-gen title for PS Plus members was generally well-received.
The month of November 2020 truly represented a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, characterized by innovation and an abundance of engaging content. The arrival of new console generations, coupled with an impressive array of new games November provided, ensured that gamers had an embarrassment of riches to explore. From epic single-player narratives to vast multiplayer arenas, the landscape of interactive entertainment continued to evolve, promising countless hours of adventure and excitement for the global gaming community.
