CBR Games Roundup: November 2010

November is considered the stretch run for the video-game industry, with the biggest final titles of the year hitting retailers throughout the month and into early December. The hope is that consumers will snatch them up to put in stockings or under the trees, or that has at least been the trend in the past; November 2010, though, seems to be a beast of a different color.

While there are certainly several games that should garner some attention, many seem to have been pushed back to 2011, including titles like the massively multiplayer online "DC Universe Online." That leaves November with at least one huge title, a few more high-profile selections and a slew of family-oriented titles. Wth that in mind, let's hit the top titles heading for retail shelves in November.

November 9, 2010

Call of Duty: Black Ops (PS3, 360)

http://www.callofduty.com/


Really, does it get much bigger than "Call of Duty?" Just mention the title and gamers start to salivate. There is, arguably, no combat series that continually pushes the envelope for dynamic graphics, interactive environments and just plain old, great gaming. Featuring 18-player online play, four-player cooperative play and a single-player game that is culled from the world of deniable military operations - you know, the missions that no one acknowledges in countries where special forces shouldn't be.

The game comes in two flavors; regular and the Hardened Edition. As the preview demonstrated at E3 back in June illustrated, if fans of the series thought the last game was amazing and couldn't be topped, be prepared to have that opinion blown away.

Nov. 16, 2010

Split/Second (PSP; also available on the 360, PS3, PC)

http://disney.go.com/disneyinteractivestudios/splitsecond/index.html


Disney's Split/Second has received a fair amount of attention, and this game should have broad appeal across all platforms. In fact, the PSP boasts a control scheme reputed to be designed specifically for Sony's handheld. Of course, the title has racing, but tosses in another element that will set it apart from other racers. Sure, players build up a power meter to unleash attacks on opponents, but they can also alter the track by blowing up buildings to drop on other racers. The game features a four-player versus mode.

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (360, PS3, PC)

http://disney.go.com/disneyinteractivestudios/splitsecond/index.html


The title proclaims that it is returning to the roots of the franchise with gameplay that features cops chasing players through city streets in a frenetic action-driven joyride. Careers as a cop or as the driver trying to elude pursuit are available, with the online component allowing players to compare stats and receive personalized gameplay recommendations from friends. Six exotic cars are featured in the game, including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, Ford Shelby GT500, Audi TT RS Coupe, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Porsche Cayman S and Dodge Challenger SRT8.

Nov. 30, 2010

Disney Epic Mickey (Wii)

http://disney.go.com/mickey/#/video_games/disney_epic_mickey


An action-platforming title inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s and 40s, "Disney's Epic Mickey" places the iconic mouse in a land known as the Cartoon Wasteland (where retired and forgotten cartoon characters go). He must explore the realms to find and defeat the evil that threatens the world. It is a tale of discovery and redemption and looks to be one of the top Wii titles of 2010.

The title should have broad appeal, offering up multiple paths to the end battle and allowing players to relive some of the great memories of a bygone age in cartoons.