The Best New Games of November 2022: A Deep Dive into This Month’s Top Releases
As the days grow shorter and the festive season approaches, the gaming world often gears up for some of its biggest releases. November 2022 proved to be no exception, delivering a lineup that promised thrills, scares, and pure unadulterated fun. While the video above provides an excellent initial rundown, we’re here to delve deeper into the most anticipated titles, offering additional context and insights for every avid gamer.
From chilling horror anthologies to expansive open-world adventures and even a dose of chaotic goat-driven mayhem, the games releasing in November 2022 offered something for every palate. This month saw a rich tapestry of genres and experiences, pushing boundaries in storytelling, mechanics, and sheer entertainment value. Let’s explore why these upcoming November games truly stood out.
1. The Devil In Me: A Macabre Grand Finale
The Dark Pictures Anthology has carved a niche for itself as a master of interactive horror, allowing players to shape their own terrifying narratives. Developed by Supermassive Games, the acclaimed studio behind the spine-chilling Until Dawn, this series concludes its first season with The Devil In Me. This entry plunges a documentary film crew into a chilling replica of the infamous “Murder Castle” of H. H. Holmes, America’s first documented serial killer. Holmes, a figure shrouded in dark legend, confessed to a staggering 27 murders, though some claims were later found to be unsubstantiated. He was definitively linked to at least one killing and his architectural monstrosity, designed for torture and disposal, cemented his place in criminal history.
This installment isn’t just about a fresh, unnerving narrative; it marks a significant evolution in gameplay for the anthology. Players can now navigate environments with unprecedented freedom, employing actions like running, climbing, crawling, and even jumping over obstacles – a welcome addition that grants more agency in tense situations. Furthermore, the introduction of a dedicated hiding mechanic, light puzzles, and an inventory system adds layers of strategic depth, transforming the horror experience from a passive observer role into an active struggle for survival. The Devil In Me launched on November 18th for PlayStations, Xboxes, and PC, cementing its place as a standout among the new games November 2022.
2. Warhammer 40,000 Darktide: Uniting Melee and Mayhem
For fans of intense co-op action, Fatshark, the creators of the beloved Vermintide series, delivered Warhammer 40,000 Darktide. This spiritual successor transports the visceral combat of Vermintide from the fantasy realm to the grimdark future of Warhammer 40,000. While its predecessor primarily focused on melee combat, Darktide introduces a dynamic blend of close-quarters weaponry and an expansive arsenal of projectile firearms, creating a symphony of brutal efficiency against swarms of enemies.
What truly sets Darktide apart, beyond its genre-bending combat, is a robust character creator, offering players unparalleled control over their in-game identity—a departure from the fixed characters of Vermintide. The game’s narrative structure, influenced by a “live service-ish” model akin to Destiny 2, aims to provide an evolving experience, though this approach can sometimes be a double-edged sword for players. Despite any reservations about its long-term structure, the initial footage promises all the adrenaline-pumping, horde-slaying action that Fatshark is known for, expertly translated into the iconic 40K universe. Darktide arrived on PC on November 30th, with an Xbox Series release following shortly after, making it a key contender in the list of exciting games releasing in November 2022.
3. Vail VR: The Future of Tactical Shooters in Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality has steadily matured, and Vail VR is a testament to its burgeoning potential. This tactical, team-based 5v5 objective shooter looks poised to captivate even the most skeptical VR enthusiasts. The premise is elegantly simple: hack the objective in each level. However, its execution appears to be anything but. Leveraging advancements in VR hardware that have significantly reduced bulk and improved immersion, Vail VR delivers a sleek, responsive, and visually impressive competitive multiplayer experience.
Beyond its core competitive modes, Vail VR aims to foster a vibrant community, incorporating physics-based games and even plans for a fully functional virtual hockey rink. This commitment to diverse social and recreational activities within the VR space is a truly forward-thinking approach, expanding the game’s appeal beyond just hardcore shooters. As a free-to-play title, its accessibility is unmatched, allowing a broader audience to dive into its unique aesthetic and compelling gameplay. Vail VR entered Early Access on PC on November 17th, with PSVR 2 plans on the horizon, marking a significant entry into the world of new games November 2022.
4. Goat Simulator 3: Unleashing Unbridled, Four-Player Chaos
Who needs a sequel called “2” when you can just skip straight to “3” for maximum comedic effect? Goat Simulator 3 embraces the same delightfully bizarre and irreverent spirit of its predecessor, promising even more over-the-top antics. The original game wasn’t about simulating actual goat behavior; it was about unleashing a hoofed agent of chaos upon an unsuspecting world. This installment amplifies that formula, offering significantly improved graphics and, crucially, four-player co-op.
The addition of multiplayer is a stroke of genius, transforming what was already a hilariously unpredictable sandbox into a cooperative engine of destruction. Imagine the sheer pandemonium of four goats, each with their own physics-defying powers and insatiable desire for mayhem, working (or not working) together to dismantle an entire city. While it might not offer a profound narrative or deep gameplay mechanics, Goat Simulator 3 delivers pure, unadulterated fun, proving that sometimes, chaos is its own reward. This title launched on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and PC on November 17th, solidifying its place as a fun and unique entry among the upcoming November games.
5. Sonic Frontiers: A New Horizon for the Blue Blur
Sonic the Hedgehog has a storied history in 3D gaming, marked by ambitious attempts and occasional missteps. Sonic Frontiers aims to be the game that finally “gets it right” for the iconic speedster. Initially met with a lukewarm reception upon its announcement due to cryptic reveals, subsequent gameplay footage has painted a clearer, more promising picture. The game boldly ventures into an open-world “Starfall Islands” concept, evoking comparisons to the expansive exploration of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, though adapted for Sonic’s signature speed.
Complementing this open-world approach are “Cyberspace levels,” which offer a nostalgic return to the more traditional, linear, high-speed platforming synonymous with classics like Sonic Generations and Sonic Colors. This dual-pronged design aims to satisfy both those craving exploration and purists yearning for classic Sonic action. With high-quality music enhancing the experience and a clear effort to innovate while respecting its heritage, Sonic Frontiers hopes to redefine the 3D Sonic experience. It sped onto PlayStations, Xboxes, Nintendo Switch, and PC on November 8th, making it a highly anticipated entry in the new video game releases for November 2022.
6. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC: Swinging into a New Audience
The incredible success of Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man series has redefined superhero gaming, blending exhilarating open-world traversal with dynamic combat and compelling storytelling. While PlayStation owners have long enjoyed these adventures, the PC port of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales PC finally brings this critically acclaimed title to a wider audience. Functioning as a standalone, yet slightly shorter, sequel to the original Marvel’s Spider-Man, Miles Morales can be seen as an expansion or a more compact full-game experience, akin to Uncharted: The Lost Legacy.
The game places players in the agile shoes of Miles Morales, who takes on the mantle of Spider-Man in Peter Parker’s absence. It delivers the same fluid web-slinging, acrobatic combat, and heartfelt narrative that made its predecessor a hit, all while introducing Miles’ unique Venom Blast and Invisibility powers. For those new to this universe, starting with the original game is recommended to fully appreciate the narrative context. Nevertheless, Miles Morales PC offers a fantastic entry point or a thrilling continuation for fans. It landed on PC on November 18th, ensuring more gamers could experience this web-slinging marvel among the best games November 2022.
7. Evil West: A Supernatural Western Shootout
Imagine the brutal, stylish combat of a Devil May Cry or the impactful, mythic power of 2018’s God of War reboot, then infuse it with the gritty aesthetic of the American Old West, but replace outlaws with vampires. That’s the electrifying premise of Evil West, an unholy union of genres from Flying Wild Hog, the developers known for the Shadow Warrior series. This third-person shooter dares to blend influences from purely action-oriented titles, creating a combat system that promises depth and visceral satisfaction beyond simple gunplay.
The game casts players as a vampire hunter, armed with an array of steampunk gadgets and an iron fist, battling hordes of monstrous creatures across a uniquely re-imagined frontier. There’s a notable scarcity of games that truly experiment with the Old West setting, and Evil West seems determined to fill that void with explosive, supernatural flair. Its blend of high-octane action, unique setting, and genre influences makes it a highly intriguing prospect for those seeking something fresh. Evil West launched on PlayStations, Xboxes, and PC on November 22nd, delivering a dose of dark fantasy to the new games November 2022 lineup.
8. Gungrave G.O.R.E.: Bullet Ballet and Martial Arts Fusion
Resurrecting a cult classic series from the early 2000s, Gungrave G.O.R.E. delivers a stylish, over-the-top third-person shooter experience that harks back to its predecessors while injecting modern sensibilities. Following the original Gungrave (2002) and its sequel (2004), this new installment looks to revitalize the franchise with revamped shooting mechanics and an undeniable influence from character-action games like Devil May Cry. The footage showcases an exhilarating mix of relentless bullet barrages and devastating close-range martial arts, making every encounter a ballet of destruction.
Unlike the original, which some felt lacked environmental variety, Gungrave G.O.R.E. promises a diverse array of locales, adding visual richness to the chaotic gunplay. It embodies the spirit of a “mid-tier surprise gem” – a game that might not command the same marketing budget as AAA blockbusters but has the potential to deliver immense satisfaction through its focused, high-energy gameplay. For players yearning for stylish, uninhibited action that blends projectile devastation with powerful melee finishers, Gungrave G.O.R.E. offered an exciting new adventure. It arrived on PlayStations, Xboxes, and PC on November 22nd, bringing its unique brand of carnage to the upcoming November games.
9. God of War Ragnarök: Concluding a Norse Epic
Widely considered one of the most anticipated titles of the year, God of War Ragnarök arrived to conclude the Norse saga initiated by the critically acclaimed 2018 reboot. The previous game redefined the series, transforming Kratos from a rage-fueled demigod into a stoic father, guiding players through a breathtaking world steeped in Norse mythology. Ragnarök picks up where that epic left off, expanding the world, deepening the lore, and introducing even more legendary figures from Norse myths, including the mighty Thor.
What truly sets this sequel apart is its intentional design as the conclusion to this specific Norse narrative. The developers consciously chose to wrap up this chapter in two games, avoiding the pitfalls of prolonged series that can often “wear out their welcome.” This commitment promises a focused, impactful narrative that builds to a satisfying climax without unnecessary padding. Players could expect even more nuanced character development, breathtaking environments, and the visceral, yet strategic, combat that defines the modern God of War. God of War Ragnarök launched exclusively on PlayStation 4 and 5 on November 9th, undeniably standing as the titan among new video game releases for November 2022.
Bonus: Call of Duty Warzone 2.0: The Next Evolution of Battle Royale
As a significant bonus for the month, Call of Duty Warzone 2.0 offered a fresh iteration of the immensely popular free-to-play battle royale experience. This update brought with it a host of new modes, a brand-new map, and even introduced aquatic combat, adding new layers of strategy and engagement to its fast-paced gameplay. One of the most celebrated improvements, however, was a quality-of-life feature: players could now download Warzone as a standalone title without being forced to install the often-cumbersome Modern Warfare base game. This change addressed a major pain point for many players, streamlining the entry into the battle royale arena.
The continuous evolution of Warzone 2.0 ensures that the Call of Duty ecosystem remains fresh and competitive, providing endless hours of tactical shooter action for millions of players. Its commitment to regular updates and accessible gameplay makes it a persistent force in the gaming landscape, even alongside the other high-profile games releasing in November 2022.
