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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be considered the top deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several big-name launch day releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a massive collection of hundreds games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

This week's recommendations feature a therapeutic shooter, an prize-winning indie masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, everyone needs a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players ultraviolent carnage targeting enemy forces. This year, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with enemy targets. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as ever, with the game's signature killcam showing each shot's effect in graphic, explicit clarity. It's a bloody excitement for every pacifist wanting to unwind in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning narrative exploring post-pandemic life, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects through a science fiction perspective; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only person left of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's memories from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, as well as memories of her school and home life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot unfolds from there. Should all that intrigue isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed start with a killing. Is there a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if any game deserving trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, which is also included). However, due to a break in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 characters, each representing a distinct story style. There's a procedural tale about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's head priest. A trader aiming to solve destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (because every good RPGs need a hero with an mysterious past, naturally). A few of these stories connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its essence.