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Following the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. Although it might not be considered the absolute best offer in gaming now, the service has introduced several high-profile launch day games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, we all require a little release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players ultraviolent carnage against Nazi forces. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance is a polished dose of immersive sim World War II open environments packed with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as brutal and gratifying as ever, featuring the series' signature killcam showing each shot's impact in gory, testicle-crunching detail. It's a bloody excitement for every peace-lover wanting to unwind in the security of a virtual space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, generational trauma, 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 pandemic that eradicated human life. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific disease, along with memories of her education and home life, neither of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris isn't what she appears, and the story unfolds from there. Should all that mystery fails to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a killing. Is there a more compelling start than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in just nine days is a tall order, but if any game deserving attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (along with the original game, which is also included). But, due to a break in the middle, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight protagonists, every one representing a distinct genre. There's a investigative story about a cleric looking into the murder of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant aiming to solve poverty through the power of commerce stars in a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs require a hero with an mysterious background, of course). Some of these stories intertwine in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.