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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has calmed down. Although it might not be seen as the absolute best offer in gaming anymore, the service has introduced several high-profile launch day games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a vast collection of hundreds games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

This week's recommendations feature a cathartic action game, an award-winning independent gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, everyone needs a little release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players ultraviolent mayhem against enemy forces. This year, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance is a polished serving of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with enemy targets. The sniping is as brutal and satisfying as ever, featuring the game's trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching detail. It's a bloody excitement for every peace-lover wanting to let off steam in the safety of a virtual space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring post-pandemic existence, generational trauma, and other deep themes. It approaches 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 eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, along with memories of her school and family life, neither of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't what she appears, and the story unfolds from there. Should all that intrigue isn't enough to grab your interest, the game does begin with a murder. What could be a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, completing a gazillion-hour RPG in only over a week is a tall order, but if any game worth attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first game, which is also included). But, with a holiday in the middle, at least for players in the States, it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, each representing a distinct story style. There's a procedural tale about a priest looking into the death of his church's head priest. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the force of capitalism headlines a western-themed narrative. There's even a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious past, naturally). A few of these stories intertwine in unexpected, intriguing ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the combat is superb — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.