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Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be considered the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the service has introduced several big-name day-one games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a massive library of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

Our current recommendations feature a cathartic action game, an prize-winning indie gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players intensely graphic carnage targeting Nazi targets. This year, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi targets. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as always, featuring the game's trademark killcam displaying every bullet's effect in gory, testicle-crunching detail. It's a bloody excitement for every peace-lover looking to let off steam in the safety of a virtual world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed story exploring post-pandemic life, generational trauma, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that wiped out human life. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific disease, along with experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot develops from there. Should all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game does start with a murder. Is there a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game deserving attempting the effort 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 midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's technically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight characters, every one representing a different story style. You'll find a investigative tale about a cleric investigating the murder of his church's head priest. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a frontier-inspired adventure. There's even a enigma about an apothecary with memory loss (because every good RPGs need a character with an unknown background, of course). Some of these plots intertwine in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its essence.