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After the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. While it may not be seen as the top deal in gaming anymore, the platform has introduced a number of high-profile launch day releases lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions further enrich a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

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

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, we all require a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series presents players intensely graphic mayhem targeting Nazi targets. This year, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as always, with the game's signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in gory, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover wanting to let off steam in the safety of a virtual world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed story exploring life after a pandemic existence, generational pain, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, one of multiple clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that eradicated humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from the time Earth was beset by that terrible disease, along with experiences of her education and home life, neither of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris is not what she appears, and the plot develops from that point. Should all that intrigue fails to grab your interest, the game does begin with a murder. Is there a more gripping opening than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, completing a gazillion-hour RPG in just nine days is a tall order, but if there's any game worth trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is departing 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 players in the U.S., it's technically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, each embodying a distinct story style. You'll find a procedural tale about a priest investigating the death of his cathedral's head priest. A trader aiming to eradicate destitution through the force of commerce stars in a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with amnesia (because all great RPGs require a character with an mysterious past, naturally). A few of these plots intertwine in unexpected, fascinating ways, as you play through a stunning Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.