Ones to Watch: Xbox 360 Releases for November 2009

By Joe Haygood | November 2, 2009

So here we are in November, just under 60 days away from the prime gift giving season of the year and we have some more games for you to add to you list as an avid 360 gamer.  Whether you like silent killing, rocking out at a lego character or even just slaying large dragons, there will be a game for you this month.

Also, let us take note of another great case mod for the Xbox 360 this month, with the Halo Helm 360 case.  This case has a large window to view in to the case that is styled in the shame of the Master Chief visor.  If you would read more about this mod, head over to Unreality for their top 15 Xbox 360 case mod article.  Also, make sure to check out our other Ones to Watch articles for the PC, PS3/PSP and Nintendo Wii/DS platforms.

Dragon Age: Origins – Bioware is heading back to a genre that is very familiar with them going back to their days with Baldur’s Gate, but with much more violence and brutality this time.  No longer tied into the Dungeons and Dragons license, Bioware is allowed to let loose, with gritty, violent combat, interpersonal relationships with your teammates and of course, some sexual situations.  About the only concern I can see for this and the PS3 versions of this title is the idea that the game was originally slated as a PC only release, so one has to hope for the same spit and polish for this version of Dragon Age.  Dragon Age: Origins will drop on November 3rd.

Lego Rock Band – This is the second breakout expansion for the guys and gals at Harmonix, but it is looking to a more family friendly atmosphere with Lego Rock Band.  With tracks that will sit in the E10 and lower rating category, Lego Rock Band will allow younger children to rock out with their parents.  Also, you will get to make some Lego themed avatars, similar to the way you build little Lego people with their building sets.  Lego Rock Band also has Lego avatars that are based on real live musicians, like Brian May from Queen.  All tracks will be exportable to Rock Band, and any Rock Band music download appropriately rated will be available for Lego Rock Band automatically.  Look for Lego Rock Band on November 3rd.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Easily the biggest release of the holiday season on the Xbox 360, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 looks to up the ante on its 2007 predecessor.  The player will be presented with new locations, characters and situations that will drive a solid narrative.  Multiplayer is also upgraded with new kill streaks, perks and gameplay types, which should keep Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at the top of the Xbox 360 Live charts for many months to come.  Some controversy has crept up as of late with the game, including a terrorist mission that will have you gunning down innocent civilians.  The level can be skipped, but it might deter some from purchasing this title.  Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 hits shelves on November 10th.

Left 4 Dead 2 – Oh look its another zombie game coming to the Xbox 360, but as most will say, Left 4 Dead 2 is no ordinary zombie game.  Left 4 Dead 2 is all about teamwork, as you and three other people are working to escape a zombie onslaught.  The location has changed to the south, and now we actually have daylight and new melee weapons.  Slamming someone with a baseball bat is so rewarding, including the blood splatter on the screen.  The timing of the sequel, so soon after the first Left 4 Dead title has caused a bit of a furor on the Internet, but once the title is released, I am sure that we will see the clamor die down as people get their hands on the new title.  Look for Left 4 Dead 2 on shelves November 17th.

Assassins Creed 2 – When does a game sell over six million copies, and is yet considered average and dull at time.  Well, this is the issue that dogged the original Assassins Creed, and it is something that Ubisoft is trying to change with the sequel.  Assassins Creed 2 adds some RPG-lite elements, upgrade shops, side missions, evasion moves and so much more, that is does seem to feel like a new title.  A continuation of the first Assassins Creed, find out what happens with lead character Desmond as he relives the memories of another long lost family member, this time in the Renaissance era.  Some might still lament some of the investigation activities, and the simple combat, but it does look like enough has changed in this title to warrant a purchase.  Look for Assassins Creed 2 on November 20th.

And with that, we wrap up another fun filled month of gaming on the Xbox 360 system.  We did skip over a few titles that don’t seem to add much for Xbox 360 gamers like Lego Indiana Jones 2 and Band Hero.  Also, I cannot in good conscience , reommend anyone go out and spend $120 on Tony Hawk: Ride.  I have enjoyed Tony Hawk games in the past, but this title just does not look that good, and there is no idea that the controller will ever catch on with other skating titles, including EA’s much better title, Skate 2 and the soon to release Skate 3.  Do you agree or disagree with these titles?  Sound off in the comments.