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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. Although it might not be seen as the top offer in gaming now, the platform has introduced several high-profile day-one releases recently, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a massive library of hundreds games ideal for weekend marathon sessions.

Our current recommendations include a cathartic shooter, an prize-winning indie gem, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line offers players intensely graphic carnage against Nazi targets. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the series. While it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance is a polished dose of simulation World War II open environments filled with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as ever, with the game's signature killcam showing every bullet's effect in graphic, explicit detail. It's a violent excitement for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the security of a digital space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring post-pandemic existence, generational trauma, and much more. It approaches these themes through a science fiction perspective; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only person left of a pandemic that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was beset by that terrible plague, as well as experiences of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris isn't what she appears, and the plot unfolds from that point. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a murder. Is there a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, completing a extremely long RPG in only 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 first game, also available). However, with a holiday in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, every one representing a distinct genre. You'll find a procedural story about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader aiming to eradicate poverty through the force of commerce headlines a frontier-inspired adventure. There's even a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (since every good RPGs require a character with an unknown past, naturally). Some of these stories connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.