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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it may not be considered the top offer in gaming now, the platform has welcomed several high-profile day-one games recently, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles further enrich a massive library of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

This week's picks include a therapeutic shooter, an award-winning indie masterpiece, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a little catharsis. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line offers players ultraviolent carnage against Nazi targets. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the series. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with enemy targets. The long-range combat is as visceral and satisfying as ever, with the series' signature killcam showing each shot's effect in gory, explicit detail. It's a bloody thrill for any pacifist looking to let off steam in the security of a virtual world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an award-winning story exploring life after a pandemic existence, generational trauma, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a science fiction lens; you assume the role of Watcher, one of multiple clones of Iris, the sole person left of a pandemic that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, as well as experiences of her education and family life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris is not what she appears, and the plot develops from there. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed start with a murder. Is there a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a gazillion-hour RPG in just 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 visually striking masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, which is also included). However, due to a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 characters, every one representing a different genre. You'll find a procedural story about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the power of capitalism stars in a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an apothecary with memory loss (since all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious background, of course). A few of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its essence.