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After the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be considered the top deal in gaming now, the platform has welcomed several big-name launch day games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions further enrich a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players intensely graphic mayhem against Nazi forces. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the series. While it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with Nazi objectives. The long-range combat is as brutal and satisfying as ever, featuring the series' signature killcam showing every bullet's impact in gory, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover wanting to unwind in the safety of a virtual space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, generational trauma, and other deep themes. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi lens; you play as Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from the time Earth was beset by that horrific disease, as well as experiences of her school and family life, neither of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris isn't all that she seems, and the story develops from that point. Should all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game does start with a murder. Is there a more gripping opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in only nine days is a challenging task, but if any game deserving trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is departing Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the original game, which is also included). But, with a holiday in the middle, at least for players in the U.S., it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, each embodying a different story style. There's a procedural story about a priest investigating the murder of his church's archbishop. A merchant aiming to eradicate destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with amnesia (since all great RPGs require a character with an unknown past, of course). A few of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its purest form.