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Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming now, the platform has introduced a number of high-profile launch day releases lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a massive collection of hundreds games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players ultraviolent mayhem against Nazi targets. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed serving of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi objectives. The long-range combat is as visceral and satisfying as ever, with the game's trademark killcam showing each shot's impact in graphic, explicit clarity. It's a violent excitement for any peace-lover wanting to unwind in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed narrative exploring life after a pandemic existence, family trauma, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects through a science fiction lens; you play as Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was beset by that terrible plague, as well as memories of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris is not all that she seems, and the plot develops from there. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed start with a murder. What could be a more gripping opening than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, completing a gazillion-hour RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if any game deserving attempting the grind 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). However, with a holiday in the middle, at least for players in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, every one representing a different genre. You'll find a procedural story about a priest looking into the murder of his church's head priest. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed narrative. Additionally, there's a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (because all great RPGs need a hero with an mysterious past, of course). A few of these plots connect in unexpected, intriguing ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is superb — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its essence.