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November 4, 2009 2:09 PM PST

This month in games: November 2009

by Jeff Bakalar
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Sure, October impressed us with some top-notch video game releases, but historically November has always delivered some of the most anticipated titles of the year. This November is no different, and as 2009 goes out with a bang, we highlight 11 of our top picks for the month.

RPG fans are set for the rest of the year as Dragon Age: Origins has already dazzled us with its thrilling story and addictive gameplay. God of War fans will be pleased to know that both original PS2 games will get the HD treatment on November 17 in God of War Collection.

Speaking of November 17, most of our slideshow features games releasing that day. Left 4 Dead 2, Tony Hawk RIDE, and Assassin's Creed II all ship that day.

There's plenty more to look forward to in November including what's arguably the most anticipated game of the year, Modern Warfare 2. Make sure you check out our slideshow for our complete list. What are you going to be playing this month?

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $50.00 - $58.99
View the latest prices for Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360)

On Sale Now: $39.96
View the latest prices for Left 4 Dead 2 (PC)

On Sale Now: $49.99
View the latest prices for Assassin's Creed II (PC)

On Sale Now: $58.99 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Assassin's Creed II (Xbox 360)

On Sale Now: $51.75 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Assassin's Creed II (PlayStation 3)

On Sale Now: $58.99 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (XBox 360)

On Sale Now: $54.99 - $67.59
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PC)

On Sale Now: $58.99 - $59.99
View the latest prices for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3)

Before covering games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar dabbled in film and video production. An avid writer, reader, and gamer, Jeff is also an obsessive New Jersey Devils hockey fan. Catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404.
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by Absolution2009 November 4, 2009 2:28 PM PST
Dragon Age, God of War, Assassin's Creed II, and Modern Warfare 2! Not a big Left 4 Dead fan, gets repetitive and boring after awhile.

I hired someone in Japan to ship Final Fantasy XIII to me in December 8) Granted, it'll be in Japanese but it sounds way better! =D
Reply to this comment
by stepyourgameup November 4, 2009 2:44 PM PST
I felt that Assassin's Creed was too repetitive.
Reply to this comment
by NervClaX November 5, 2009 8:57 AM PST
It was, especially the side-missions. Save this innocent, pickpocket that guy, assasinate 3 random soldiers in 5 minutes, repeat. I also found collecting flags was a waste of time. Did they unlock ANYTHING? It seemed like an excuse to buy the guide.

This time around I'm looking for a much improved battle system. You shouldn't be allowed to counterattack endlessly.
by izmickey November 6, 2009 5:54 PM PST
Assassin's Creed was really repetitive in my opinion. BTW, why did Jeff Bakalar put some games that didnt even come out in the top picks list? For all we know Assassin's Creed and MW2 could tank. Jumping the gun i see huh jeff, not good advice coming from you.
by Josepheroth November 7, 2009 2:54 PM PST
@ stepyourgameup

Why do people always say this when talking about Assassin's Creed 2?!?

Jesus, it's people like you that should just go die. Unless you've been living in your mom's basement this entire time, you'd have heard all the changes they made to AC2. Of course the original AC was repetitive. That's why they made MAJOR improvements to ensure that the second one would be more fun and enjoyable to play.

"DERR, I'm not getting the second one because the first one sucked!"
How is this statement even justified?
by shaunjohnson99 November 4, 2009 2:57 PM PST
Modern Warfare 2 actually ships next Tuesday the 10th.
Reply to this comment
by FirewaveZ November 4, 2009 5:36 PM PST
What about Borderlands! That game is amazing!
Reply to this comment
by jekur November 4, 2009 6:09 PM PST
Borderlands was released in late October, not November.
by juannoyola November 4, 2009 6:09 PM PST
How about New Super Mario Bros. Wii?
Reply to this comment
by NervClaX November 5, 2009 8:58 AM PST
Really?
by aleraiders November 4, 2009 8:42 PM PST
COD: MW2 of course!!!!...im looking into AC2 also...but MW2 will make nov a loooooonnnnnnggggg month
Reply to this comment
by Bearrie November 5, 2009 8:25 AM PST
I heard they added a lot more objectives for Assassin's Creed II, and more weapons, so it should be less repetitive, so I'm looking forward to that. Also looking forward to Modern Warfare 2. These two will keep me quite busy until December, possibly even January. (Although MW2 might trap me like World at War did on multi-player matches. haha)
Reply to this comment
by Mr_fleabite November 5, 2009 9:21 AM PST
With the no dedicated servers for the MW2 (PC) I'm sadly removing it from my shopping list. On the other had DA has made it to the top of the list. And I still haven't bought Fallout 3, need to get on that. Purchasing those two should keep me busy. BTW is there a mod that lets you superimpose your in-laws images on to the faces of the baddies in any of these games? After all the holidays are coming.
Reply to this comment
by fritter36 November 6, 2009 5:04 AM PST
Bearrie, if WaW trapped you with multiplayer, MW2 will eat your life :P
Reply to this comment
by Bearrie November 6, 2009 10:33 AM PST
haha, I believe it. I liked zombies on WaW as well, though. I was playing that before I got Uncharted 2, but multiplayer always sucks me back in some how. 4 more days!
by Spiza2 November 6, 2009 6:38 AM PST
Don't buy MW2 for the PC. They dumbed it down to the silly console version. No mods, no dedicated servers, no tweaking your settings, and no games larger than 9v9.
Reply to this comment
by tubaloth November 6, 2009 8:00 AM PST
Most people are going to be buying it on the Console anyways. The dedicated servers I an kind of see. The mods I can't because thats what keeps your game out there is all the mods people do to it.

Can't wait! I wonder how many servers are going to go down? I wonder if the INTERNET can finally be brought down!
Reply to this comment
by November 6, 2009 2:06 PM PST
Modern Warfare 2 is my game of choice, can't wait to get my hands on it.
Reply to this comment
by November 6, 2009 2:09 PM PST
Not sure if I should get MW2 for the xbox 360 or ps3 though, big decision.

http://bit.ly/DeI1O
Reply to this comment
by vito7272 November 6, 2009 4:30 PM PST
Same boat.
by rajeshkota November 6, 2009 5:35 PM PST
to me, uncharted2 is the best game of the year.
Reply to this comment
by lysdexic November 6, 2009 6:59 PM PST
Forza Motorsport came out in October but i think it is the best game of the year and the best racing game of all time.
Reply to this comment
by iConquered November 7, 2009 10:57 AM PST
@ by NervClaX November 5, 2009 8:57 AM PST

"It was, especially the side-missions. Save this innocent, pickpocket that guy, assasinate 3 random soldiers in 5 minutes, repeat. I also found collecting flags was a waste of time. Did they unlock ANYTHING? It seemed like an excuse to buy the guide. "

You just convinced me not to get that game. I was really considering getting Assassin's Creed, just so I could understand the story of Assassin's Creed 2. But after that description, sounds like I am better off buying Prince of Persia Twin Thrones, since I haven't played that yet. Similar gameplay, more action focused (at least basing it off of Sands of Time and Warrior Within, which I already own).

On another note, I am tempering my enthusiasm for Left 4 Dead 2. I have played the demo quite a bit and honestly, it doesn't seem to be more dynamic than Killing Floor, which I already own and was half the price. The only merit I could see, is slaying Zombies in a different environment. The Source Engine looks nicer than Unreal Engine 2, but I can't see forking over $50 for that experience. If it were $30...maybe.

Looks like November is a boring month for me on this account. Not that it matters much. I only recently beat Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV (PC). Now I have to finish Batman Arkham Asylum (PC). Loks like I will be waiting for Lost Planet and Dark Void (PC).
Reply to this comment
by blubbabutter November 8, 2009 3:50 PM PST
I see all kinds of stuff but as an old coot I would not know which way to go. Shucks, I'm still using my Commodore and Radio Shack Model 100 for games.
Reply to this comment
by ksmm November 29, 2009 4:37 PM PST
Even more must-have games from late 2009: http://bit.ly/4xvIGn
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