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After the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier uproar has subsided. Although it may not be seen as the top offer in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed a number of big-name launch day releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions only enhance a massive collection of hundreds games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

This week's recommendations feature a cathartic shooter, an award-winning independent masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, we all require a bit of release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series offers players ultraviolent mayhem against enemy forces. This year, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with enemy targets. The long-range combat is as visceral and gratifying as always, featuring the series' trademark killcam showing each shot's impact in gory, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a violent excitement for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the security of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed story exploring post-pandemic existence, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a science fiction perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the sole person left of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, as well as memories of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot unfolds from that point. If all that intrigue isn't enough to hook you, the game indeed begin with a murder. What could be a more gripping start than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just nine days is a tall order, 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 close of the month (as is the first game, which is also included). But, with a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight characters, each representing a different story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest looking into the murder of his church's head priest. A merchant aiming to eradicate destitution through the power of commerce headlines a frontier-inspired narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (since every good RPGs require a character with an unknown background, of course). A few of these plots connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the battle system is superb — “number go up” distilled to its essence.