What to play in November. The return of Chernobyl, horror from the creator of Silent Hill, Microsoft Flight Simulator metamorphosis, Aloy in LEGO

November this year promises to be unusual in terms of game releases. No massive blockbusters are expected, but there will be plenty of quality games across all platforms: a horror title from the creator of Silent Hill, a LEGO version of Sony's Horizon, and an updated and enhanced Microsoft Flight Simulator. This is just what immediately catches the eye, but fans of tactics, strategies, or Nintendo arcades will also find games to their liking. And, of course, it's worth keeping an eye on the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

Major releases of November

Slitterhead (PC, PlayStation 4,  PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) — November 8

The Slitterhead project became the debut title for Bokeh Game Studio, but it has already captured the attention of many horror fans because it is being developed by Keiichiro Toyama — creator of the original Silent Hill. The director stated that he wanted to return to his past ideas, which is why he brought in composer Akira Yamaoka, renowned for his music for Silent Hill. However, fans of that game should not expect a new incarnation of the classic. 

Speaking of the past, Keiichiro Toyama was referring to Siren, released in 2003. This is not the director’s first return to the concepts of that game: in 2006, the sequel Forbidden Siren 2 was released, and in 2008 — the remake Siren: Blood Curse, a solid and atmospheric Japanese-style horror (see review by Vitaly Kazunov).

The core mechanic of Siren was the ability to see through the eyes of other creatures, whereas Slitterhead introduces a new concept — body hopping. This element was showcased in the game’s trailer, which we recommend watching to anyone interested in the project. Nevertheless, one detail is worth keeping in mind: unlike classic horror games like Silent Hill or Siren, Slitterhead is focused more on dynamic action elements than on the deliberate gameplay characteristic of walking simulators.

Image belongs to Bokeh Game Studio Inc. Image source SteamDB.

LEGO Horizon Adventures (PC, PlayStation 5, Switch) — November 14

LEGO series games based on famous franchises possess a remarkable ability: they allow us to see familiar universes from a fresh angle, revitalizing them and attracting new, especially young players. That is truly cool! Our writers have always enjoyed LEGO games, whether it was LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures in 2008 (see review by Vitaly Kazunov) or LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga in 2022 (see review by Maxim Dragan).

Therefore, players can certainly look forward to an exciting adventure in a vibrant and lighthearted atmosphere from LEGO Horizon Adventures, based on the popular PlayStation title. Preview impressions from Western gaming outlets are also encouraging. Everyone praises the upcoming release, and some even consider the LEGO version superior to the original, thanks to its breezy and cheerful style.

In LEGO Horizon Adventures, special attention is paid to the narrative, which distinguishes it from previous entries in the series. The plot retells the original game, but adapted for a younger audience. Such a combination could work to the game’s benefit. In Zero Dawn the storyline felt rather straightforward, whereas LEGO games previously never placed heavy emphasis on plot.

Image belongs to Guerrilla, Studio Gobo, and PlayStation Publishing LLC. Image source SteamDB.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (PC, Xbox Series X|S) — November 19

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will mark an important milestone in the evolution of this game. Even though this flight simulator is considered the gold standard of the genre, Microsoft decided not to rest on their laurels. The new installment will feature the ability to take to the skies in a hot air balloon or airship. Military aircraft with visible weapon systems will also make an official debut. Firing weapons will still be impossible, but even such a cosmetic upgrade is bound to please fans of military aviation.

The new entry will place greater emphasis on world exploration, introducing a dedicated mode for this purpose. The developers showed off commercial flights, air ambulance services, and aerial advertising campaigns. Missions such as aerial firefighting and participation in search and rescue operations will be available. Asobo Studio plans to add a host of new aircraft to the game. And that is by no means the complete list of innovations. At its core, however, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will remain that same realistic flight simulator, surpassed in detail perhaps only by professional training software.

Unfortunately, not all additions will be welcome news for players. According to third-party developers, adapting products sold on the MSFS marketplace will require significant resources. Upgrades for third-party aircraft or airports for the 2024 version might come at a cost. Nonetheless, official DLC from Microsoft will be available in the new game at no extra charge for players who already purchased them.

Image belongs to Asobo Studio and Xbox Game Studios. Image source SteamDB.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl (PC, Xbox Series X|S) — November 20

Many heated debates have surrounded the game itself and its development history, and no doubt many more arguments lie ahead. The first-person shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R. became a true cultural phenomenon across the post-Soviet space. The game captured the hearts of millions of players. The developers at GSC Game World* managed to convey the bleak atmosphere of post-Soviet decay and the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, enriching it with myths and legends tied to the nuclear disaster and drawing inspiration from the stalkers depicted in the novel by the Strugatsky brothers.

The release of Heart of Chornobyl was also significantly delayed, and the unfolding circumstances only further stoked tensions. However, this did not deter loyal fans of the universe. Moreover, many of them are not afraid of potential technical issues at launch, as such hiccups were par for the course in previous entries of the series. But perhaps this time around, the wait will result in veteran fans having to look for their dream game in other projects. Or finding it in True Stalker, a controversial yet noteworthy fan mod (see review by Dmitry Krivov).

Image belongs to GSC Game World*. Image source SteamDB.

Worth checking out

Metal Slug Tactics (PC, PlayStation 4,  PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) — November 5

Classic arcade scrolling shooters in the Metal Slug series were popular in the 90s. The first installments gained cult status thanks to simple yet addictive gameplay, a vivid visual style, and a great sense of humor. Subsequent sequels proved less memorable, and a few spin-offs in other genres went almost unnoticed by the wider public.

The official description calls Metal Slug Tactics an epic return. On one hand, familiar characters, art direction, and pixel graphics are sure to please veteran fans. On the other hand, calling it a full-fledged “return” is hardly accurate, as the new entry is a turn-based tactical game rather than a shooter. Judging by published gameplay videos, the title features interesting mechanics and curious systems, while rogue-like elements promise to add variety and boost replayability.

Image belongs to Leikir Studio, Dotemu, and Gamera Games. Image source SteamDB.

Planet Coaster 2 (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) — November 6

Planet Coaster 2 is a sequel to the 2016 game. Frontier Developments’ previous projects were not as successful, so the company chose to focus on what they do best. Just like in the previous installment, players will be invited to construct their own theme park and guide it toward prosperity.

The developers took feedback on the first game into account and introduced substantial changes. Alongside improvements, new construction tools have been added. Players can now create water parks. The game modes remain the same: career, challenge, and sandbox. In cooperative mode, players can visit other parks online or collaborate on builds in an asynchronous mode.

Image belongs to Frontier Developments. Image source SteamDB.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership (Switch) — November 7

The Switch console is about to make way for the next generation, yet Nintendo continues to release new games featuring beloved characters for it. In the Mario & Luigi series, the developers manage to blend seemingly incompatible genres: Japanese-style role-playing and arcade platforming. The game builds on familiar concepts and introduces fresh gameplay mechanics alongside those known from previous installments. Furthermore, Brothership is the first entry in the series to feature fully 3D gameplay.

The brothers Mario and Luigi will set out on a journey across the seas of the world of Concordia aboard Shipshape Island, which is “part ship, part island”. During their travels, they will visit several locations to explore by leaping across platforms, evading traps, solving puzzles using both heads, and facing diverse adversaries in turn-based battles where cleverly combining the brothers’ skills allows them to empower each other’s attacks.

Nintendo has always excelled at crafting marvelous games even on aging and underpowered hardware. Brothership has every opportunity to live up to that reputation.

Image belongs to Nintendo

Empire of the Ants (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) — November 7

Empire of the Ants is an unusual release. It is a photorealistic third-person real-time strategy where you command insect armies. In the story campaign, stepping into the chitinous shell of the 103,683rd ant warrior, your task is to lead your colony through countless battles with enemies toward prosperity. The plot is based on Bernard Werber’s ant novels, which became bestsellers and gave rise to an entire series of works centered around these tiny creatures. 

Completing the campaign will take approximately 20 hours. In addition to that, the game offers you the chance to engage in online battles with other players, including ranked matches. Practice matches with friends or AI are also available. We believe this game will offer you a fresh perspective on the insect world.

Image belongs to Tower Five and Microids. Image source SteamDB.

The Rise of the Golden Idol (PC, PlayStation 4,  PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) — November 12

 Players praised The Case of the Golden Idol as a complex, intellectual, and remarkably eerie detective story requiring one, as Hercule Poirot famously put it, to employ “the little grey cells”. The Rise of the Golden Idol continues this tale three centuries later. While in the first installment players investigated crimes in the 18th century, the new entry plunges them into the atmosphere of the 1970s, an era of blood and disco. The game description states that it follows a relic hunter searching for a powerful artifact capable of reshaping human destiny. The developers invite you to unravel 15 mysterious cases steeped in crime, death, and depravity.

Image belongs to Color Gray Games and Playstack. Image source SteamDB.

Songs of Silence (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X) — November 13

Songs of Silence spent only five months in Early Access, so the wait for the full version of “a new era of 4X turn-based strategy” was not long. The 4X strategy genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) is hardly young, and bringing something new to it is no easy feat. However, by all appearances, the developers have succeeded. Blending global map strategy with auto-battler tactical encounters feels fresh.

At its core, Songs of Silence evokes Heroes of Might and Magic. Picturesque fairy-tale cities are laid across a vast map, between which armies composed of fantastical creatures led by mighty heroes march. Unlike HoMM, however, battles take place automatically. Even so, the player is not reduced to a passive bystander: while the troops clash with the enemy, you can support them with various spells.

Players who tried the game in Early Access primarily highlight the outstanding work of artists and designers. Gameplay drew fewer rave reviews, but on the whole garnered positive feedback.

Image belongs to Chimera Entertainment. Image source SteamDB.

Remakes and remasters

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) — November 14

For those unfamiliar with the origins of the Dragon Quest franchise, Square Enix’s decision to start releasing remakes of these Japanese RPGs with the third installment rather than the first might seem odd. Yet there is a reason for this. The first three games form a single continuous narrative, and it is Dragon Quest III that serves as its beginning. Players first encountered these games between 1986 and 1988 on the NES (known in Russia as Dendy), with the initial remakes appearing on the Super Nintendo.

In Japan, the original Dragon Quest trilogy holds cult status, with the third installment being especially revered by fans. Western players appreciated the franchise to a lesser degree, and the first entries, now roughly 30 years old, are rarely brought up at all. Thus, it is all the more intriguing to see Japanese classics in a relatively modern guise. There are no “trendy” 3D visuals in the remake — only high-definition, high-quality 2D imagery. 

The gameplay appears to have carried over almost unaltered, barring some mechanical refinements. Otherwise, the classic gameplay loop remains intact: world exploration, combat encounters, leveling up party members, and immersing oneself in a story set in a fictional realm reminiscent of the Middle Ages with magic.

Image belongs to ARTDINK and Square Enix. Image source SteamDB.

Little Big Adventure — Twinsen's Quest (PC, PlayStation 4,  PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch) — November 14

Players first set out on a Little Big Adventure 30 years ago. The game impressed audiences both with its pseudo-3D graphics and engaging gameplay — a blend of action and adventure. The heartfelt, fairytale adventure on a fantastical planet nestled between two suns captivated the public, making the title not only commercially successful but also earning it spots on lists of the greatest games of all time.

Over 30 years, LBA has aged considerably. Technology never stands still, and today the game looks archaic and does not play nearly as well. To complete it anew, one needs to be a dedicated retro gaming enthusiast. But the upcoming Twinsen's Quest remedies that issue. The refreshed version features not only modern graphics, but also refined controls alongside gameplay polish.

We can confidently recommend checking out the Little Big Adventure remake, provided technical performance does not falter at launch. One can only hope that a successful remake of the first game will be followed by an update for the sequel — Little Big Adventure 2, which will continue to delight fans of this wonderful franchise.

Image belongs to [2.21] and Microids. Image source SteamDB.

In brief

Metro Awakening (VR) — November 7

Metro Awakening is releasing exclusively for VR devices. This is a prequel to Metro 2033, telling the story of Dr. Serdar, who must venture into the Moscow tunnel system to find his wife. Like previous games in the series, Awakening is a first-person shooter. The pace of the game, however, will be slower compared to traditional installments. This is likely due to the shift of gameplay into virtual reality. But there is also a narrative explanation: the protagonist is not an experienced soldier, so his movements and reactions will be more cautious and deliberate, fitting his role as an ordinary civilian.

Image belongs to Vertigo Games. Image source SteamDB.

Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card (PC, PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S) — November 21

In November, the first expansion for the action-adventure game Star Wars Outlaws, titled Wild Card, will be released. Opinions of players and critics about the base game were divided. Some consider it a pretentious dud, while others see it as a good game that suffered from bias (see text and video review on our website). If you belong to the latter group, Wild Card might be a welcome addition to your experience and let you extend the pleasure of exploring the Star Wars universe. If you belong to the former, you might be interested to know that none other than Lando Calrissian will appear in the expansion.

Image belongs to Massive Entertainment and Ubisoft. Image source SteamDB.

Farming Simulator 25 (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) — November 12

The core of the game has remained unchanged for a long time, and that is what attracts its fans. They will still gladly cultivate fields, sow them with various agricultural crops, tend to their plantings, and harvest crops for sale. 

There are not that many innovations. The updated GPS system will help players and AI helpers find optimal routes for cultivating fields. New crops will appear, and animals will produce more realistic offspring. The updated engine will improve physics and graphics.

Image belongs to Giants Software. Image source SteamDB.