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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. While it might not be seen as the absolute best offer in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several big-name launch day games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions further enrich a massive collection of numerous games ideal for weekend marathon sessions.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, everyone needs a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series offers players ultraviolent carnage targeting Nazi targets. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi objectives. The long-range combat is as brutal and satisfying as always, featuring the game's trademark killcam displaying each shot's effect in gory, explicit detail. It's a violent thrill for any peace-lover wanting to let off steam in the security of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story touching on post-pandemic life, generational pain, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi lens; you play as Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the only person left of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from the time Earth was ravaged by that terrible disease, along with memories of her education and family life, neither of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the story unfolds from there. If all that intrigue fails to hook you, the game indeed begin with a killing. Is there a more gripping start than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if any game deserving trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, also available). But, with a break in the middle, at least for players in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight characters, every one representing a different story style. You'll find a procedural story about a cleric looking into the death of his church's archbishop. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (since all great RPGs require a character with an mysterious background, of course). A few of these stories connect in unexpected, intriguing ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its essence.