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Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has calmed down. Although it might not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, 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 numerous games perfect for weekend marathon sessions.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a little release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series presents players ultraviolent mayhem against enemy forces. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the series. While it doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, Resistance is a polished serving of immersive sim World War II sandboxes filled with enemy objectives. The long-range combat is as brutal and gratifying as always, with the game's trademark killcam showing each shot's impact in gory, testicle-crunching detail. It's a bloody excitement for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the safety of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story touching on life after a pandemic life, generational pain, and much more. It examines these subjects through a sci-fi lens; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a pandemic that eradicated humanity. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, as well as experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher learns Iris is not what she appears, and the story unfolds from that point. Should all that intrigue fails to grab your interest, the game does start with a killing. What could be a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, finishing a extremely long RPG in only nine days 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 gem is departing Game Pass at the end of November (along with the first game, also available). However, due to a break in the middle, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight characters, each embodying a distinct genre. You'll find a procedural story about a priest looking into the death of his church's head priest. A trader aiming to solve poverty through the power of capitalism stars in a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an apothecary with memory loss (because every good RPGs require a character with an unknown background, of course). Some of these plots intertwine in surprising, fascinating ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.