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After the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. While it might not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the service has welcomed a number of high-profile launch day releases lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast library of numerous games perfect for weekend marathon sessions.

This week's recommendations feature a therapeutic action game, an prize-winning indie gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, everyone needs a little release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players ultraviolent mayhem targeting enemy forces. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a polished dose of immersive sim World War II sandboxes packed with enemy targets. The long-range combat is as brutal and satisfying as always, with the game's trademark killcam showing each shot's effect in gory, explicit clarity. It's a violent excitement for any peace-lover wanting to unwind in the safety of a virtual space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring life after a pandemic life, generational trauma, and much more. It approaches these themes through a science fiction perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was beset by that horrific disease, as well as experiences of her school and family life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris is not what she appears, and the story develops from that point. If all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game indeed begin with a murder. Is there a more compelling opening than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game deserving attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the first game, which is also included). However, due to a break in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 characters, each embodying a distinct story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader aiming to eradicate destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a frontier-inspired narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an apothecary with amnesia (because all great RPGs require a hero with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these plots intertwine in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous 19th-century themed setting. And the combat is superb — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.