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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. While it might not be considered the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the platform has introduced a number of big-name day-one games lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions only enhance a massive collection of numerous games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a bit of release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players intensely graphic mayhem against enemy targets. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II open environments packed with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as visceral and satisfying as always, with the game's signature killcam showing each shot's impact in graphic, explicit detail. It's a violent thrill for every pacifist wanting to let off steam in the security of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring life after a pandemic existence, generational trauma, and much more. It examines these subjects through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a pandemic that eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's recollections from the time Earth was beset by that terrible disease, along with memories of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris is not what she appears, and the plot unfolds from there. If all that mystery fails to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a murder. What could be a more gripping opening than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a challenging task, but if any game worth 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). But, due to a break in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight protagonists, each representing a distinct story style. There's a procedural story about a cleric looking into the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader striving to eradicate destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with memory loss (because all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these stories connect in surprising, intriguing ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution themed world. And the battle system is superb — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its essence.