November is without doubt a phenomenal month regarding game releases. With such a magnificent selection of games presenting themselves, this may leave gamers undecided on which titles to purchase. Hopefully, whilst sifting through this piece, you will decide which of these unique titles you’ll be purchasing this month.

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception

Developer(s): Naughty Dog

Publisher(s): Sony Computer Entertainment

Genre(s): Action-adventure, third-person shooter

Mode(s): Single play, online co-op, multiplayer

Platform(s): Playstation 3

Release date(s): November 1, 2011 (US) November 2, 2011 (EU) & (JP) November 3, 2011 (AUS)

Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception is the third instalment in the Uncharted series. Created by Naughty Dog for Playstation 3, Uncharted 3 is one of the most anticipated titles of 2011.

Uncharted 3 takes place in a third-person perspective, controlling the renowned protagonist known as Nathan Drake. Drake finds himself involved in another daring adventure, venturing into the Arabian Desert hoping to locate the Atlantis of the Sands. Alongside his mentor Victor Sullivan, Drake has to endure the treachery of a shadowy organisation and its menacing leader. Owing to the revelation of the secrets of this lost city, Drake’s quest becomes an immersive test of survival which pushes him to extreme limits and forces him to confront his worst fears.

Drake now has access to various new methods when combating opponents. He has the ability to engage in hand-to-hand combat with multiple opponents, updated stealth options and contextual melee attacks. Uncharted 3 allows Drake to equip two firearms that include a single-handed and a two-handed weapon. Drake can also carry a limited supply of grenades. He is able to pick up weapons which will automatically replace the weapon he was using.

The Uncharted series combines a powerful third-person perspective with a dynamic and engaging storyline. If you seek a game with intricate character development and design, Uncharted 3 is the right choice for you.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Developer(s): Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games

Publisher(s): Activision

Genre(s): First-person shooter

Mode(s): Single play, multiplayer

Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PC

Release date(s): November 8, 2011 (EU) & (NA) November 17, 2011 (JP)

A game that needs no introduction, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set firmly in the sights of gamers worldwide.  Modern Warfare 3 will be the third release in the Modern Warfare series and the eighth instalment in the Call of Duty series as a whole.

The plot will immediately follow the events of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in which the Russian Federation continue their invasion of America. The Russians’ have also expanded this assault into European territories. Campaign stages will also take place in Dubai, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Moscow. This highlights the campaign of Modern Warfare 3 which allows the player to traverse across many locations. Throughout the campaign, you assume the role of numerous protagonists that allows the player to experience the story from various aspects.

Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games have confirmed a new feature known as Survival Mode will be included in Modern Warfare 3. Survival Mode allows a duo to partner up and combat endless waves of enemies, which as you progress, increase in difficulty. Spec Ops also will be returning in Modern Warfare 3. The amount of stars available in this mode has been reduced to 48.

With the Call of Duty fan base so passionate about this upcoming release, I feel this game is destined for success. For those who may have been undecided about Modern Warfare 3, I hope this brief bit of insight helps you with your decision.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios

Publisher(s): Bethesda Softworks

Genre(s): Role-playing game, open world

Mode(s): Single play

Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Release date(s): November 11, 2011 (Worldwide)

The RPG titans Bethesda reveal yet another magnificent edition to the Elder Scrolls series. Skyrim is set to be the fifth instalment in this renowned series.

Skyrim is a nonlinear gameplay experience, that is consistent throughout the whole Elder Scrolls series. The player is able to traverse the open world of Skyrim on horseback or on-foot. When discovering dungeons, towns and cities, the player has the opportunity to fast travel to these locations. Non-playable characters will deliver quests to you throughout the world. Another feature you are able to receive quests is through the Radiant Story system. These quests will accommodate objectives based on the player’s actions and undiscovered locations.

Non-playable characters may interact with the protagonist which allows the player to develop conversations and relationships with individuals throughout Skyrim. The protagonist may befriend or even marry a non-playable character. Factions still play a primary role in this epic RPG experience. The player has the opportunity to join four factions, each with their own unique members and quest paths.

Character design and development plays an integral role in the Skyrim experience. At the beginning of Skyrim, the player must select a race for the protagonist and customise their appearance. Each race has its own unique abilities which will prove to be useful throughout your Skyrim experience. In previous editions of the Elder Scrolls, the class system was used to determine what skills would aid you in levelling up. Skyrim uses a system similar to that seen in Fallout, the utilisation of perks. When your character’s level increases, you have a selection of skill specified perks to choose from. As you reach level fifty, you continue to level and earn perks but the rate of levelling is decreased significantly.

Skyrim is possibly one of the most anticipated RPG titles to date. With such an emphasis on player customisation and development and the ability to shape your world within Skyrim, this game is a must for any avid RPG fan.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations

Developer(s): Ubisoft Montreal

Publisher(s): Ubisoft

Genre(s): Action-adventure

Mode(s): Single play, multiplayer

Platform(s): Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Release date(s): November 15, 2011 (Worldwide Xbox 360 & PS3) November 29, 2011 (Worldwide PC)

The game features the three major protagonists of the series thus far: Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Altaïr ibn La-Ahad and Desmond Miles. The story takes Ezio to Istanbul during 1511 AD during the rise of the Ottoman Empire. An underground city solely populated by Templars will be part of this empire. Ezio also travels to Masyaf at the beginning of this game. Featured in the first Assassin’s Creed game, Masyaf holds the old Assassins’ stronghold. Ezio discovers Altair sealed an ancient artefact within the fortress, which is said to be an extremely powerful weapon. It is said to have the potential to end the Templar and Assassin war. Utilising relics from the first civilisation, Ezio relives Altaïr’s memories and experiences. During this time, the player controls Altaïr.

Following the events of Brotherhood, the story will also continue Desmond’s story. In a comatose state, Desmond is trapped within the Animus and manages to locate a safe mode, known as the Black Room. To regain consciousness, Desmond must locate a key memory that links him to Altaïr and Ezio.

The highly successful multiplayer experience featured in Brotherhood will be included within Revelations. Revelations allows you to customise your character’s appearance and weaponry, as well as having the ability to start a guild and create a unique coat of arms. Story-related quests are now being added to the experience, along with capture the flag mode.

It seems Assassin’s Creed: Revelations brings something new to the table for everyone. With additional content and appearances of some old favourites, I’m sure fans of this popular series are anxious to experience this upcoming title.

Following a brief yet detailed glance at a handful of titles being released during November, it’s safe to say choosing which one to purchase will be an arduous task. With such a range of genres, what titles will have you reaching into your pockets, spending your hard earned cash? I’d love to hear what games people will be buying on release or maybe hoping Santa will bring for them…

Thanks for reading,

Hannah

Sources:

VGReleases.com

IGN.com