Unpacking November’s Gaming Avalanche: A Deep Dive into the Hottest New Releases of 2020
As highlighted in the accompanying video, November 2020 delivered an unprecedented wave of new video game releases, marking a pivotal moment for both current-generation consoles and the highly anticipated next-gen machines. Gamers worldwide faced the enviable challenge of navigating a vast landscape of fresh experiences, from sprawling RPGs to intense shooters and innovative free-to-play titles.
This article expands upon the video’s overview, providing a more detailed look at the standout games that defined the month. We delve into their core mechanics, unique selling points, and what made them essential additions to any gamer’s library during this exciting period.
Cyberpunk 2077: Eight Years in the Making
One of the most colossal releases, not just for November but arguably the entire year, was Cyberpunk 2077. After a monumental eight-year anticipation following its initial reveal, players could finally immerse themselves in the dystopian megalopolis of Night City, accompanied by iconic character Johnny Silverhand, portrayed by Keanu Reeves.
At its heart, Cyberpunk 2077 presented itself as a first-person RPG, blending action-packed segments with deep role-playing choices. Players navigated the perilous underworld as a mercenary, with character choices and unique upbringings significantly impacting mission progression and the overarching narrative.
Furthermore, the title offered a seamless transition for next-gen console owners; it launched on November 19th for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with free compatibility and an initial performance boost for those on PS5 and Xbox Series X. A more comprehensive next-gen update was also slated for later release, ensuring a fully optimized experience on the newer hardware.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War – A Return to Form
The venerable Call of Duty franchise continued its legacy with Black Ops Cold War, plunging players into the shadowy conflicts of the 1980s. This installment was available across both current and next-gen platforms, maintaining the series’ reputation for ultra-slick and incredibly satisfying gunplay that remains unmatched by many.
Set during the real-life Cold War, the narrative followed CIA officer Russell Adler’s pursuit of a mysterious Soviet spy, aligning closely with the tone and setting of the original Black Ops rather than the futuristic jumps seen in titles like Black Ops 3. Consequently, the game delivered an authentic historical backdrop for its signature first-person shooter action.
In addition to its compelling campaign, Black Ops Cold War resurrected the beloved Zombies mode, offering a fresh storyline that surprisingly continued from where Black Ops 4 left off. A new mode, Zombie Onslaught, introduced a PlayStation-exclusive experience for an entire year, adding further depth to its multiplayer offerings. The game launched on November 13th for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, although next-gen optimization required an additional fee for the full experience.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Forging a New Legacy in England
Another monumental action RPG that graced November was Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Players assumed the role of Eivor, a formidable Viking chieftain, leading their clan from Norway to settle in the fragmented kingdoms of Dark Ages England by any means necessary.
Notably, 2019 marked the first year since the series’ inception in 2007 that a new Assassin’s Creed game wasn’t released. This additional development time seemingly reinvigorated the franchise, drawing many fans back to its rich historical settings. The game further embraced and refined the RPG elements introduced in Origins and Odyssey, featuring extensive loot drops, numerical gear progression, and expansive customization options.
Players engaged in diplomacy and conquest, building alliances and fortifying their own settlement. Activities ranged from hunting and fishing to leading Viking raiding parties and even participating in amusing insult battles. With a playtime potentially spanning weeks or months, Valhalla offered immense content, arriving on November 10th for PS4, PC, and Xbox One, complete with free upgrades for PS5 and Xbox Series X owners.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales – The Next Generation of Web-Slinging
November also witnessed the return of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, though with a fresh face: Miles Morales. This standalone adventure placed the young, beloved web-slinger in the spotlight, venturing out as a hero in his own right after training under Peter Parker.
Released on November 12th for both PS4 and PS5, Spider-Man: Miles Morales offered a substantial experience, reportedly around 15 hours, making it far more than a simple DLC. Miles showcased his unique abilities, including bio-electric venom blasts and camouflage, and embarked on his distinct story arc, even gaining a loyal companion in the form of Spider-Cat.
For those seeking the complete package, an Ultimate Edition bundled the Miles Morales story with a remastered version of the critically acclaimed 2018 Spider-Man game, including all its DLC. This provided an opportunity for both new and returning players to experience Peter Parker’s adventures with enhanced visuals and a redesigned character model.
Gaming on a Budget: Standout Free-to-Play Titles
Acknowledging that not every gamer can invest in every new AAA release, November also brought several compelling free-to-play options, offering high-quality entertainment without the upfront cost.
Vigor: Survive the Post-Apocalypse in Norway
Vigor, a survival-looter shooter set in a post-apocalyptic Norway, became available to PS4 and PS5 players on November 25th, while Xbox and Switch players could already enjoy it. Developed by the creators behind DayZ, Vigor presented a straightforward yet addictive premise: upgrade your shelter by looting and engaging in tense shootouts against other players.
The game’s defining characteristic was its high-stakes risk-reward system; dying meant losing all loot carried at the time. Players returned to their real-time upgrading shelter/hub to craft weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies for their next deadly encounter. Featuring multiple maps with dynamic weather, terrain changes, and the tempting, yet dangerous, random air drops, Vigor encouraged strategic gameplay and careful alliances with trusted friends.
Operation 7 Showdown: A Third-Person Console Shooter
Operation 7 Showdown made its debut as a free-to-play third-person shooter, initially limited to the NA region, though global availability was anticipated. This console iteration followed the PC game Operation 7, offering small-sided, deathmatch-style game modes with an emphasis on attacking and defending points.
While it bore visual similarities to PUBG, the video’s narrator noted a lack of polish. Vehicles added a layer of tactical variety, but the overall recommendation was cautious. For those seeking a more refined free-to-play third-person team shooter, Rogue Company, released the previous month, was suggested as a superior alternative with more controlled mechanics.
Bless Unleashed: A New Open-World MMORPG
Bless Unleashed, an open-world MMORPG, presented another free-to-play opportunity, available on PS4 and Xbox One. Building upon the foundation of Bless Online but reimagined as a reboot, this version invited players into a vast fantasy world to explore, complete quests, and carve out their unique legend.
The game featured a classic class-based system, allowing players to choose from roles such as the heavy-hitting Berserker, the magic-focused Mage, the ranged Ranger, the supportive Priest, or the tank-like Crusader. Bless Unleashed offered a blend of PVE and PVP content, including challenging world bosses, instanced dungeons, and both large-scale 15-on-15 and smaller 3-on-3 arena battles, providing countless hours of engagement for MMO enthusiasts.
Next-Gen Exclusives & Looter-Slashers: Showcasing New Power
November also served as a launchpad for titles designed to highlight the raw power of the new console generation, offering fresh IPs and groundbreaking visuals.
Destruction AllStars: A Delayed but Promising PS5 Exclusive
Initially slated for a November 12th release as a PS5 exclusive, Destruction AllStars faced an unexpected delay, pushing its launch to February 2021. However, this setback came with a silver lining: the game was announced to be free for PS Plus subscribers upon its revised release.
This vehicular combat title promised intense arena action, where players could either drive heavily armed vehicles or leap out on foot to sabotage opponents and claim new rides. The move to PS Plus was largely seen as a positive, ensuring a wider audience could experience the high-octane demolition derby.
Godfall: The Inaugural PS5 Looter-Slasher
Godfall held the distinction of being the first game officially announced for the PS5, also arriving on PC. It carved out its niche as an action role-playing game with distinct “looter-slasher” elements. This unique genre emphasized fast-paced melee combat combined with a relentless pursuit of increasingly powerful gear.
The game transported players to a visually stunning apocalyptic world, divided into elemental realms of Earth, Air, Water, Fire, and Spirit. As one of the last remaining knight’s order, players harnessed these elements to evolve their warriors, wielding a diverse arsenal ranging from dual blades to great swords and war hammers. Godfall also supported three-player co-op with convenient drop-in, drop-out functionality, allowing friends to seamlessly join the action without interruption. It launched on November 12th or 19th, coinciding with the PS5’s regional release dates.
The Ultimate Challenge: Demon’s Souls Remake
For the hardcore gaming community, the long-awaited return of Demon’s Souls was a monumental event. The sublime remake of the PlayStation 3 original arrived exclusively on PS5 launch day, bringing with it the notoriously challenging gameplay that pioneered the “Souls-like” genre and infamous memes about frequent in-game deaths.
Demon’s Souls demanded perfect knowledge of enemy patterns, meticulous timing for attacks and defenses, and unwavering concentration. Its slow, methodical combat meant that a single lapse could lead to instant demise, making it a true test of skill and perseverance. The game also featured a unique world invasion mechanic, enabling players to either assist or hinder others in their treacherous journeys through Boletaria, leading to countless intense encounters and shattered controllers.
Indeed, November 2020 proved to be an extraordinary month for gaming, setting a high bar for the new console generation and offering an abundance of engaging experiences across various genres. From the narrative depth of Cyberpunk 2077 to the unforgiving challenge of Demon’s Souls, the selection of new games in November offered something for every type of player.
