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Following the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be seen as the top deal in gaming now, the service has introduced several high-profile launch day releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series presents players intensely graphic carnage against Nazi targets. This year, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. While it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance is a polished serving of simulation World War II open environments filled with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as always, with the game's trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching detail. It's a bloody thrill for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the safety of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story exploring post-pandemic existence, family trauma, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, as well as memories of her education and family life, both of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris isn't what she appears, and the plot unfolds from that point. If all that mystery fails to grab your interest, the game does start with a murder. Is there a more compelling opening than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, also available). However, with a break in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, every one representing a distinct story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest looking into the murder of his cathedral's head priest. A merchant striving to eradicate destitution through the force of commerce stars in a frontier-inspired adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with memory loss (since every good RPGs need a character with an mysterious past, naturally). Some of these stories connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.