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Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. While it may not be seen as the top offer in gaming now, the service has introduced a number of high-profile day-one games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a vast library of numerous games ideal for weekend-long gaming binges.

This week's picks include a cathartic shooter, an award-winning independent gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players ultraviolent carnage targeting enemy forces. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments packed with Nazi targets. The sniping is as brutal and gratifying as always, featuring the game's trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, explicit clarity. It's a violent thrill for any pacifist wanting to let off steam in the safety of a digital world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an award-winning story exploring post-pandemic life, family trauma, and much more. It examines these themes through a sci-fi lens; you play as Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the only survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, along with experiences of her education and family life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't what she appears, and the plot unfolds from that point. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed start with a killing. What could be a more compelling start than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, completing a gazillion-hour RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, which is also included). But, due to a holiday in the middle, at least for those in the States, it's technically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 characters, every one representing a different story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest looking into the murder of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant striving to solve destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with amnesia (since every good RPGs require a hero with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these stories connect in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its essence.