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Following the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. Although it might not be considered the absolute best offer in gaming now, the service has introduced a number of high-profile day-one releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions only enhance a massive library of hundreds games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

This week's recommendations include a cathartic action game, an prize-winning indie gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, everyone needs a little release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players ultraviolent carnage against Nazi targets. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance remains a polished serving of immersive sim World War II sandboxes filled with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as ever, with the game's signature killcam displaying each shot's effect in gory, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a violent thrill for any pacifist wanting to let off steam in the safety of a digital space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring life after a pandemic existence, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the sole person left of a global outbreak that eradicated humanity. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's memories from the time Earth was beset by that horrific disease, as well as experiences of her school and home life, both of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher learns Iris is not what she appears, and the story unfolds from there. If all that mystery fails to hook you, the game does begin with a killing. What could be a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a extremely long RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if any game worth trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is departing Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first game, also available). However, due to a holiday in the middle, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight characters, every one representing a distinct story style. There's a procedural story about a cleric investigating the murder of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant aiming to eradicate poverty through the force of capitalism headlines a western-themed narrative. There's even a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (because every good RPGs require a character with an mysterious background, of course). Some of these plots connect in unexpected, intriguing ways, while you progress through a stunning 19th-century themed world. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.