Here's All the Major Video Game News & Upcoming Releases for November 2021

From 'Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition' and the 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' DLC update to the relaunch of G4, here's your major news.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition
Rockstar Games

Image via Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition

Black Friday, the biggest retail bonanza of the year, has evolved over time, from a single-day, early morning stampede to a full-fledged week of deals and discounts. And thankfully, with each passing year, it’s become less and less essential to shop in person and get trampled. Cyber Monday and the digital retail boom has seen to that. And this consumer traffic shift is especially true for video games.

It was only a few years ago that games were predominantly stored on physical media, like discs and cartridges. The best deals were at places like Gamestop, where you could pick up second-hand games for a lower price. But digital stores now surpass the brick and mortar stores—Sony and Microsoft charge a flat subscription fee, giving any player access to an instant library of classic games. And even new games can be downloaded and pre-installed days prior to launch. There’s a reason that Gamestop is now a meme stock; its business is no longer sustainable.

Outside of how we are getting games this month, November does host some interesting releases, from the Grand Theft Auto: The Trlogy – Definitive Edition and the relaunch of G4 to Nintendo's upcoming Switch Online update, there are some strong news stories happening this month.

Here is your video game round-up for November 2021.

Xbox Games With Gold Free Games for November 2021

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Xbox One

Moving Out (November 1-November 30)

This co-op game has you load a moving truck while dodging obstacles and hazards. It’s Paperboy for a new generation.

Kingdom Two Crowns (November 16-December 15)

Play as a monarch, run and expand your realm, and keep your loyal subjects happy. It’s good to be the king.

Xbox 360 (backward compatible)

Rocket Knight (November 1-November 15)

In this sci-fi platformer, you play as good boy Sparkster, who fights evil with a sword and a jetpack.

Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes (November 16-November 30)

It’s Batman (plus the rest of the Justice League), with less of the grimness and more of the signature family-friendly, tongue-in-cheek LEGO humor.

Playstation Plus Free Games for November 2021

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Playstation 5 and Playstation 4

Knockout City (November 2)

Play a futuristic, multiplayer game of dodgeball in a massive, interactive metropolis.

First Class Trouble (November 2)

In this multiplayer, you must survive on a spaceship where hostile robots are trying to kill you, and some of your “friends” are robots, too. If you liked Among Us, you’ll like this.

Playstation 4

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning (November 2)

This is a fantasy role-player with four playable races: Civilized Humans, Dark Elves, Light Elves, and Nomadic Humans. 

Playstation VR

The Persistence (November 2)

It’s sci-fi horror aboard a doomed spaceship, with hordes of murderous, humanoid clones.

The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners (November 2)

This game is set in New Orleans and is based on the Walking Dead comic series by Robert Kirk. Reach the Reserve with your limbs and brain intact.

Until You Fall (November 2)

You’re the last Rune Knight amongst the fallen civilization of Rokar, armed with a sword, your wit, and a little bit of sorcery.

Amazon Prime Gaming for November 2021

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Control Ultimate Edition (November 1)

This game was one of our picks for Best Video Games of 2019 and stars Jesse, who slowly acquires psychokinetic powers while exploring a paranormal building known as the Oldest House.

Rise of the Tomb Raider (November 1)

In this, the second installment of the recent Tomb Raider revival, Lara Croft trades in the jungles of the South China Sea for the snowy outer reaches of Siberia. Everything from the first game is polished to a sheen, and the game minimizes the combat in favor of exploration and actual tomb raiding.

Other Games (November 1)

Dragon Age Inquisition, Rogue Heroes, Liberated, Puzzle Agent 2, Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter, Brakes Are For Losers, Secret Files: Sam Peters.

Just Dance 2022 (November 4)

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One of the last major rhythm/music franchises is still going strong. The game features tracks by Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and more. It’s the ultimate party game for casuals.

Updated Nintendo Switch Online Service/Animal Crossing Update (November 5)

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons is releasing a paid DLC expansion called Happy Home Paradise, which lets you design beautiful vacation homes. You can either buy it separately for $24.99, or you can buy it as a package deal with the upgraded Nintendo Switch Online service. As of October, the service offers a library of classic Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games, in addition to the NES and Super Nintendo games that are already on the service.

Call of Duty: Vanguard (November 5)

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Play as the Allied powers, fighting the Axis powers in the closing months of World War II. Zombie mode also returns, in which you and your friends battle Nazi zombies. And of course, multiplayer is the main dish, with 20 maps on which to wage battle.

Forza Horizon 5 (November 9)

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Set in a fictionalized version of Mexico, you race across temples, beaches, jungles, and volcanoes on your way to glory and fame. You have over 500 vehicles to choose from and a dynamic weather system that replicates the tropical storm season.

Jurassic World Evolution 2 (November 9)

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In this business simulator, you build your very own Jurassic Park. It’s part research facility, part amusement park. You keep guests happy so they visit again, you fund research so the dinosaurs become an even bigger attraction, and you pay your workers so they don’t sabotage the whole operation.

Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy (November 11)

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If you’re still waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI, you might have to wait a little longer. In the meantime, Rockstar Games is rebuilding and relighting the massive trilogy that put them on the map: Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. They’ve all been updated with better graphics and a better weapons control system, similar to the one in Grand Theft Auto V.

G4 Relaunch (November 16)

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Seven years after it shut down in 2014, the gaming network is returning to television airwaves, featuring video game news and reviews, esports, and deep dives into virtual reality and mobile games.

Battlefield 2042 (November 19)

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Featuring multiplayer gameplay, the latest Battlefield game is set in the near future, when climate change has created millions of refugees and the European Union has collapsed. Gadgets and futuristic weapons include robot dogs, wingsuits, healing guns, and reconnaissance drones.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (November 19)

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This is a remake of the original game, released on the Nintendo DS in 2006. Featuring improved graphics, expanded areas, and additional customizations, this remake was helmed by the original’s director. As before, you play as a novice Pokemon trainer who rises through the ranks to become the Sinnoh League Champion.

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