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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has subsided. Although it may not be considered the top deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several big-name day-one releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a vast library of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a bit of catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered exactly that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players intensely graphic carnage targeting enemy targets. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. While it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as always, with the series' signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in graphic, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover wanting to unwind in the safety of a digital space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring life after a pandemic existence, generational pain, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a sci-fi perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the only person left of a pandemic that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible disease, as well as memories of her school and family life, neither of which were easy for a young person. Watcher learns Iris isn't what she appears, and the story develops from there. Should all that intrigue isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a murder. Is there a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game worth trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the first game, which is also included). But, due to a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight protagonists, each representing a different story style. You'll find a investigative story about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant striving to eradicate destitution through the power of capitalism stars in a western-themed adventure. There's even a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs need a hero with an unknown background, of course). A few of these plots intertwine in unexpected, intriguing ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the battle system is superb — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.