Hey everyone! How in god’s name is it November already? I still haven’t played The Witcher 3, or Cities: Skylines! This is a sad state of affairs, and this month it looks like a few more big releases will further increase the size of my backlog/wishlist and decrease my bank balance. Fortunately, I have the help of a marvellous team of volunteers here at Gameplanet, who keep our review section ticking over. So, without further ado, here’s how we intend to tackle this month’s triple-A offerings.

Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that we’ll get our hands on a review copy of Need for Speed before next week, even though it's out tomorrow. The joys of living in New Zealand! However, as usual we’ll try and turn around a review as quickly as possible.

Toby attended a review event for Call of Duty: Black Ops III recently, so a scoreless review will be on site when the embargo lifts this Friday evening. As usual, we’ll test the game on public servers before giving it a grade, and we’ll disclose the details of the review event at the bottom of the review so you can factor that stuff into your reading of it.

As I’ve said in the past, events like these aren't ideal for reviewing games, but provided we’re happy with how they are put together, we’ll usually go. The alternative is receiving a review copy on launch day (or later) and publishing a review up to a fortnight after that. While a few of you have indicated that in these instances that you’re happy to wait, most people aren’t, and vote with their eyeballs. In addition, sending our volunteers overseas on a review trip is one of the few ways we have at our disposal to thank them for their hard work.

These are also the reasons why we are sending Andrew to San Fran soon to review Star Wars Battlefront. I’ve previewed the game twice now so you’re all no doubt sick of my viewpoint on it, and Andrew’s Star Wars knowledge far outstrips mine, so I’m looking forward to reading his take. Again, the details of the trip will be laid bare for all to see and evaluate.

Fallout 4 is looking like a bloody massive title, but fortunately it’s likely we will get it far enough in advance to post a review when the embargo lifts on launch day (November 10). Well, provided someone takes a few days off work… (he’s a true hero, that man!)

Similarly, we will have a Rise of the Tomb Raider review for you next Monday night when that embargo lifts.

As for StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, Just Cause 3, and Rainbow Six Siege, I wish I could tell you. I’m bombarding PR with emails and crossing my fingers, but if any of them are going to be particularly late, I'll let you know.

That's about it! What a massive month we have ahead. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, PM me or let me know in the comments below.

Thanks, and happy gaming!