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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. Although it might not be considered the top deal in gaming anymore, the service has introduced a number of big-name launch day releases lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles further enrich a vast collection of numerous games ideal for weekend-long gaming binges.

Our current picks include a cathartic action game, an prize-winning independent masterpiece, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, we all require a little release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players intensely graphic mayhem targeting enemy forces. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance is a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments packed with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as always, with the series' signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in graphic, explicit clarity. It's a violent thrill for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the safety of a digital world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, family pain, and other deep themes. It approaches these subjects through a sci-fi perspective; you play as Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's memories from the time Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, as well as experiences of her education and family life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the story unfolds from there. Should all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game does begin with a killing. What could be a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if any game worth trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (along with the first game, also available). However, due to a break in the midst, at least for players in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, every one embodying a distinct genre. There's a investigative tale about a priest investigating the murder of his church's archbishop. A trader aiming to solve poverty through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with memory loss (since all great RPGs need a hero with an mysterious past, naturally). Some of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, while you progress through a stunning 19th-century inspired setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its essence.