Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
After a wayward detour starward, Call of Duty is returning to its roots with visceral and gritty boots on the ground gameplay that thrusts players into the thick of a dark chapter in human history. Even multiplayer is said to be returning to its former glory, as a bunch of classic competitive modes compliment a star-studded campaign.
Brodie said: “Hard not to be excited about a return to a more grounded and realistic Call of Duty. I’ve always found their bombastic campaigns to be a whole lot of fun, and one of my fondest memories is of Call of Duty 2, so to go old school once again makes the hairs prick up on the back of my neck. If there’s anything like Hill 400 in this game’s campaign, then I’m going to be a happy camper.”
Ewan said: “The shift back to a historical shooter has got me really excited. With any luck, we’ll get a gritty singleplayer narrative worth playing before delving into the multiplayer. Speaking of which, I hope the online’s back-to-basics approach brings back the sophistication through simplification that made Call of Duty 4’s multiplayer so good. And a properly scary Nazi Zombies? Are you kidding me? Sign me up!
Jake said: “Keen to see how this franchise refreshes itself with a trip back in time. I’m hoping it takes the gameplay back to its roots and helps calm down the chaos that COD has become in recent years. Although WWII jetpacks would be cool…”[divider] [/divider]
Platform: Nintendo Switch
When it released on other consoles last year, DOOM was quite the surprise packet and single-handedly revitalised the classic, run and gun shooter. It was brutal, it was hardcore and thanks to Mick Gordon’s soundtrack it rocks harder than a bloke on set with Jenna Jameson. So as the franchise that has been to hell and back returns to Nintendo, there’s only one thing left to do. Rip and tear, until it’s done.
Matt said: “It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Doom game on a Nintendo console, and the Switch seems like the perfect fit for a shooter (well, for any game really). Another win for Nintendo’s latest offspring.”[divider] [/divider]
Release: November 14
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Of all the surprises this year had to offer, a re-release of L.A. Noire is up there with the most unexpected of them. Cole Phelps returns in the enhanced version of Rockstar’s neo-noir classic that changed the game in terms of facial animation. Plus, with the game making its way to Nintendo Switch, it’s going to be interesting to see how they make use of the motion controls.
Brodie said: “Although its development was marred by some inner turmoils at Team Bondi, I do consider L.A. Noire a classic. I’m a bit of a sucker for period pieces and Los Angeles in the late 40s made for a tasty setting. Plus, it’s Rockstar, there isn’t a whole lot they do wrong. So I’m more than happy to jump, once again, into the shoes of Cole Phelps and cast my doubts on a long line of weary suspects.”
Ewan said: “For whatever reason, I never played L.A. Noire. I remember liking the look of it when it was due for release, but never picked it up. It’s got a cool concept and is seemingly set in a interesting world; I love the idea of sneaking about solving crimes in a neo-noir 1940s Los Angeles. Hopefully, I find the time to play this before the year is out.”[divider] [/divider]
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
It’s a Star Wars nerd’s wet dream. The ultimate mash-up of fantasy fulfilment, a new bunch of lore that fills in the gaps between trilogies and a campaign that shows us what it’s like fighting for the bad guys. If it takes the solid gameplay of the original Battlefront and just loads up on modes and replay value, then this is looking to be one of the year’s best bargains.
Ewan said: “Since Battlefront 2 was first revealed, the messaging has been on point. It seems DICE and Motive have had their ears to the ground and have actually listened to the community. We’ve got space battles. We’ve got a dope looking singleplayer campaign. We’ve got Darth Maul (a.k.a. the best Sith Lord). What’s not to love?”
Jake said: “Can I really call myself a Star Wars fan if this game doesn’t excite me? Fanboy aside, the way that battlefront has been developed upon since the first game is truly encouraging to see, and in my opinion, one of the best showcases of listening to the fans. Fingers crossed it pulls through, but what we’ve seen so far it doesn’t look set to disappoint!”[divider] [/divider]
Release: November 22
Platform: PlayStation VR
It has been a quiet few months for PlayStation VR, but November looks to be a pretty big month for the platform, thanks in part to the release of The Inpatient. Once again expanding the Until Dawn brand, Supermassive Games’ brand of first-person horror is sure to be a hair-raising experience, to say the least. Horror is a huge part of what has made virtual-reality so tantalising, and there aren’t many better at it than the Until Dawn team.
Brodie said: “This is one of the games I’m gutted I never got to play at Gamescom when I was there. Although I haven’t had the nerve to finish either of them, I adore the world of Until Dawn and the fact they’re so ready to keep expanding on it in these interesting and quirky ways makes me really want to go back and finish it once and for all. I’m loving the leaps and bounds of VR, too. It’s a platform that lends itself to horror so perfectly, it’s pretty much all I use it for.”[divider] [/divider]
Platform: PlayStation 4
From the twisted and warped brain of Edmund McMillen comes a game about a boy with mother issues, to put it simply. Of course, it tackles so much more, as its take on religion is damning to say the very least. This roguelike has seen many iterations, but it’s great to see Afterbirth+ finally landing on PlayStation.
Damian said: “An amazing game that already has plenty to do gets even more content! Getting the right item can make or break a run in BoI so I can’t wait to discover what all the new items do and how they combine with others.”
RELEASE LIST FOR NOVEMBER