Gamers have a lot to be thankful for this November. Some great new games dropping and some great Black Friday deals that will be rolling out throughout the month. Let’s take a look at what some of the Lords of Gaming are looking forward to.
Lord Cognito, CEO & Iron Lords Podcast Host
November went from initially being a very competitive month for me to now a quiet month. The two titles that were vying for my attention, have now been delayed (Avowed, Assassins Creed Shadows). The game that now captivates me is Stalker 2. I had hands-on with it at Summer Games Fest behind the scenes and the scope was extremely grand. Since then, I have followed most Stalker 2 previews at Gamescom and now their most recent hands-on event. To say it has improved since its SGF appearance is an understatement. The performance issues were addressed (60FPS!) and now some have it listed as a potential GOTY contender. I’m loving the gritty nature, impactful sandbox, and survival vibes.
Mahmood Ghaffar, Editor-In-Chief
Similar to my post last month, another ARPG is at the top of my most anticipated list for November. That’s right, the long-await Path of Exile 2 early access is launching on November 15th. Let’s not kid ourselves, PoE end-game can be quite intimidating, requiring PhD-level research to fine-tune your build for the season. However, I like the changes I saw Path of Exile 2 is going implement, especially the class system and the graphical update. This should help open up the game in hopefully a meaningful way.
Grinding Gears Games has undoubtedly supported PoE for years and has done a tremendous job creating hundreds of hours of content. Their passion and determination are impeccable, and I look forward to their next chapter in Path of Exile 2.
Check out our developer interview here.
Connor Reese
My most anticipated game for November is the console release of Nine Sols, a “Sekiro-like” Metroidvania that launched earlier this summer on Steam. Playing through Nine Sols earlier this year was a joy and a real challenge. The game features hand-drawn artwork and animation, fantastic story and characters, and combat that truly feels like Sekiro in a 2D side-scrolling format. You’ll need precise timing to parry and counterattack when there’s an opening, which feels incredibly satisfying.
Like any good Metroidvania, exploration is key, and discovering new abilities or upgrades is always exciting. The game never feels like it’s wasting your time, even when you venture off the beaten path. The level design and environments are outstanding, and the final boss is one of the toughest I’ve ever faced. The sense of accomplishment after beating it is unmatched. It is without a doubt one of my favorite games of the year.
Developed by Taiwanese studio Red Candle Games, Nine Sols launches on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass on November 26th. I highly recommend giving it a try—I’ll definitely be replaying it on PS5 to earn that platinum trophy!
Robert Kellett, Assistant Editor
As someone who grew up with the series on the Gameboy Advanced and DS, I am beyond excited to see the return of Mario & Luigi with a new Nintendo Switch adventure! Continuing the franchise’s amazing art direction but now in full 3D. The fun turn-based meets action combat game features returning characters as well as a colorful new cast to meet. All of this makes Mario & Luigi: Brothership an exciting get for long-time fans.
Subeg Dhaliwal, Writer
Last month I chose Super Mario Party Jamboree and it’s looking like it is one of the best Mario Party titles in recent memory. Nintendo also surprised us with the reveal of Mario & Luigi: Brothership in a direct earlier in June. This year we’ve already had a remake of the well-beloved Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door, so why not keep the Mario RPG goodness rolling?
Brothership has a cell-shaded art style with simple but clean backgrounds. The setting of the adventure takes place in Concordia, and the combat is what I describe as active turn-based. Both players and enemies take turns attacking and defending like a traditional turn-based role-playing game, but you accentuate both offense and defense with well-timed button prompts. Switch owners can look for Mario & Luigi: Brothership to land on 11/7/24 for $59.99
Chris Jones, Co-Community Manager and Senior Writer
There are a few games coming out in November, but the one I’m looking forward to playing most is Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch. I love strategy games, especially when they are turn-based. I reviewed the first Lost Eidolons and even though this one is of a smaller caliber it is looking to be just as great as the first one. It has everything from strategic battles, relationship building, gear system, permadeath (if you like that), and much more. Ocean Drive Studios has yet to let me down and we have built a really good relationship with them. I’ll also be on the review for this game, so make sure not to sleep on the next strategic classic!
Cerebral Paul, Assistant Editor for Lords of Gaming and Interview Co-Host for 4GQTV
The new release I’m most excited for doesn’t release until November 19th and I’m glad! I need the time leading up to that day to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (my choice for October), and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Flight Simulator 2024 brings the biggest changes to one of the oldest IPs in gaming that it has seen in decades. For the first time, the pilot will be able to leave the aircraft and enter buildings they land near. Asobo has also added activities and challenges that will require mastering specific aircraft for the job, be it rescue, delivery, or helping put out fires.
