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Following the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. Although it may not be seen as the top deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several big-name day-one games recently, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions further enrich a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend gaming binges.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, everyone needs a little release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players ultraviolent mayhem against Nazi forces. This year, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. While it doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, Resistance is a polished dose of simulation World War II open environments packed with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as brutal and satisfying as always, featuring the game's signature killcam showing every bullet's effect in gory, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover looking to let off steam in the safety of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, generational pain, and much more. It examines these themes through a science fiction perspective; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only survivor 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, as well as experiences of her education and home life, neither of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris is not what she appears, and the story unfolds from there. Should all that mystery fails to hook you, the game indeed start with a killing. Is there a more gripping opening than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a extremely long RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the original game, also available). However, with a break in the midst, at least for those in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 characters, each representing a distinct story style. There's a investigative tale about a priest investigating the death of his cathedral's head priest. A merchant striving to solve poverty through the force of commerce stars in a western-themed narrative. There's even a enigma about an herbalist with amnesia (because every good RPGs need a hero 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 excellent — “number go up” boiled to its essence.