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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier uproar has calmed down. While it may not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed a number of big-name day-one games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a massive library of hundreds games perfect for weekend marathon sessions.

This week's picks include a therapeutic shooter, an award-winning independent masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players ultraviolent mayhem against enemy targets. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the series. Although it doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, Resistance remains a polished dose of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as always, featuring the series' signature killcam displaying every bullet's impact in gory, testicle-crunching detail. It's a violent thrill for any pacifist wanting to unwind in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story touching on life after a pandemic life, family pain, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a science fiction perspective; you play as Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible disease, as well as experiences of her school and home life, neither of which were easy for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't what she appears, and the story develops from there. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game does begin with a killing. What could be a more compelling opening than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if 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 (along with the original game, which is also included). However, due to a holiday in the middle, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, each embodying a different story style. There's a procedural tale about a cleric investigating the murder of his church's archbishop. A merchant aiming to eradicate destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs need a hero with an mysterious past, naturally). Some of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its essence.