Games Released in November 1997

112 new games debuted in November 1997, with PlayStation being the most active platform. November 30 was the busiest day, with 29 releases. Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back was the most popular release of the month.

Which days had the most releases?

November 30 saw the most activity with 29 releases.

29 releases

November 30

25 releases

November 27

22 releases

November 20

14 releases

November 1

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat

How did each week compare?

The third week of November was the busiest with 52 releases.

Week 1 (November 1–7)

39 releases

Most popular release in Week 1

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back is the second game in the Crash Bandicoot series, and the sequel to the original game. The gameplay is largely similar to that of the original, as players make their way through a limited environment whilst breaking crates that contains bonuses. The goal of the game is to gather 25 crystals for Crash's nemesis, Doctor Neo Cortex. The crystals are scattered between 25 different levels accessible via Warp Rooms, which are hub areas of the game. A level is cleared by collecting its respective crystal and reaching the end of its path, which returns Crash to the Warp Room.

Week 2 (November 8–14)

26 releases

Most popular release in Week 2

Blade Runner

Blade Runner is an adventure game with an emphasis on detective work rather than on puzzles. There are very few "real" puzzles in the game, and the gameplay mainly consists of questioning suspects, gathering evidence, etc. There are also some action sequences, and throughout the game the protagonist has the ability to use his gun. The player's decisions can (and will) influence the outcome of the story, bringing the game to one of the six possible endings.

Week 3 (November 15–21)

52 releases

Most popular release in Week 3

Diddy Kong Racing

Diddy Kong Racing is set on Timber's Island and revolves around Diddy Kong and his friends' attempt to defeat the intergalactic antagonist, a wizarding pig named Wizpig, through winning a series of races. The player can take control of any of the featured characters throughout the game. Diddy Kong Racing features five worlds with four racetracks each, and the ability to drive a car, hovercraft, or pilot an aeroplane.

Week 4 (November 22–28)

48 releases

Most popular release in Week 4

Kirby's Dream Land 3

That mean old King Dedede is at it again! He's causing his mischief and Dreamland's in trouble! Kirby, the resident hero of Dreamland, sets out to teach Dedede a lesson, this time with the help of many of his good friends! But wait! Something's wrong! Dedede doesn't seem to be himself... Looks like Kirby has to stop Dedede and find out what is wrong with him! It almost seems like something's controlling him...

Week 5 (November 29–30)

29 releases

Most popular release in Week 5

FIFA: Road to World Cup 98

The late-1997 edition of FIFA was heavily tied in with the qualifying procedure for the 1998 World Cup. In the Road to the World Cup mode, you take a team from first qualification through to the main tournament, using the varying systems in different parts of the world. The game features 16 distinct outdoor stadia. The League play features 189 clubs and 11 leagues. Each team has specific crowd chants incorporated into the ambient sound. The action is faster than in previous versions, and AI has been expanded. Players have distinct facial feature and hair styles. Each match is introduced by Des Lynam and commentated on by John Motson and former Scotland international Andy Gray.

Which platforms saw the most releases?

PlayStation received 73 new titles in November 1997. The runner up was PC with 46 new titles.

PlayStation73 releases

PC46 releases

Sega Saturn30 releases

Nintendo 6411 releases

Satellaview11 releases

Game Boy6 releases

Mac4 releases

Arcade3 releases

DOS3 releases

Super Nintendo Entertainment System3 releases

What genres were most popular?

Adventure was the dominant genre in November 1997 with 36 titles. Simulator followed closely with 29.

Adventure36

Simulator29

Shooter26

Sport24

Racing22

Strategy22

Role-playing21

Platform20

Puzzle16

Arcade14

1997 Review

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