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Following the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has subsided. Although it might not be considered the absolute best offer in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several big-name launch day releases lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a massive collection of numerous games ideal for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a bit of catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series offers players intensely graphic mayhem against Nazi forces. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance remains a polished serving of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as brutal and gratifying as ever, featuring the game's trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in gory, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a violent excitement for any peace-lover looking to unwind in the security of a digital space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring post-pandemic life, generational pain, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the only person left of a global outbreak that eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was beset by that terrible disease, along with experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher learns Iris is not all that she seems, and the story develops from there. Should all that mystery fails to grab your interest, the game indeed start with a killing. What could be a more gripping opening than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just nine days is a challenging task, but if there's 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 original game, also available). However, with a break in the midst, at least for players in the U.S., it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight characters, every one embodying a distinct story style. There's a investigative story about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader striving to solve destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed narrative. There's even a mystery about an apothecary with memory loss (since every good RPGs need a character with an unknown background, naturally). Some of these stories intertwine in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is superb — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.