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After the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has subsided. While it might not be considered the absolute best deal in gaming now, the platform has welcomed a number of high-profile day-one releases lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast library of hundreds games ideal for weekend-long gaming binges.

This week's recommendations feature a cathartic shooter, an award-winning indie gem, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players intensely graphic carnage targeting Nazi targets. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. While it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a polished dose of simulation World War II open environments filled with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as visceral and gratifying as always, featuring the series' signature killcam displaying every bullet's impact in gory, explicit detail. It's a violent excitement for any peace-lover looking to unwind in the security of a digital world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring life after a pandemic life, generational pain, and much more. It examines these subjects through a science fiction lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was beset by that terrible plague, along with memories of her school and family 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 fails to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a killing. Is there a more compelling opening than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game deserving trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the first game, which is also included). However, due to a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight protagonists, each representing a different genre. There's a investigative story about a priest looking into the death of his cathedral's head priest. A trader striving to eradicate poverty through the force of commerce headlines a frontier-inspired narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because all great RPGs need a character with an unknown past, of course). Some of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.