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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has subsided. While it may not be considered the top deal in gaming anymore, the service has welcomed a number of high-profile day-one games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast library of hundreds games ideal for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, we all require a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players intensely graphic mayhem targeting enemy targets. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II sandboxes filled with enemy objectives. The long-range combat is as brutal and satisfying as ever, with the game's signature killcam displaying every bullet's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a bloody excitement for any pacifist looking to let off steam in the safety of a virtual space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring life after a pandemic life, generational pain, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects through a science fiction lens; you assume the role of Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only person left of a pandemic that eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's memories from when Earth was beset by that horrific disease, as well as experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot develops from there. Should all that intrigue isn't enough to hook you, the game does start with a killing. What could be a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a extremely long RPG in only nine days is a challenging task, but if there's any game worth attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, which is also included). However, with a holiday in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's technically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight protagonists, each representing a different story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest investigating the death of his church's head priest. A merchant striving to solve destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed narrative. There's even a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (since all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious background, naturally). Some of these plots intertwine in unexpected, intriguing ways, as you play through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is superb — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.