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Following the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. While it might not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming now, the service has introduced several high-profile launch day releases lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions further enrich a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

Our current recommendations feature a therapeutic shooter, an prize-winning independent masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players intensely graphic mayhem against enemy targets. Recently, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the franchise. Although it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance remains a polished dose of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with Nazi targets. The sniping is as brutal and satisfying as ever, with the series' trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, explicit detail. It's a bloody excitement for any pacifist looking to let off steam in the security of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story touching on life after a pandemic life, family trauma, and much more. It examines these subjects through a science fiction lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the only survivor of a global outbreak that eradicated human life. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's memories from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, along with experiences of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher learns Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot develops 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 2

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in just nine days is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the first game, also available). But, with a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 characters, each representing a distinct story style. There's a procedural story about a cleric investigating the murder of his cathedral's head priest. A trader aiming to eradicate poverty through the power of capitalism headlines a western-themed narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an apothecary with amnesia (because every good RPGs need a hero with an unknown background, of course). Some of these plots connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its purest form.