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After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has subsided. Although it might not be considered the absolute best deal in gaming now, the platform has introduced several high-profile day-one games lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions only enhance a massive collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

Our current recommendations include a cathartic action game, an prize-winning independent gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, we all require a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series presents players intensely graphic carnage against Nazi forces. This year, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. While it doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of simulation World War II sandboxes packed with enemy objectives. The long-range combat is as visceral and gratifying as ever, featuring the game's signature killcam displaying each shot's impact in gory, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every pacifist looking to let off steam in the safety of a digital space.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an critically acclaimed narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects through a sci-fi perspective; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a pandemic that eradicated human life. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's recollections from the time Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, as well as experiences of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris is not all that she seems, and the story unfolds from that point. If all that intrigue isn't enough to grab your interest, the game does begin with a killing. What could be a more compelling start than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in only nine days is a challenging task, but if there's any game worth trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is departing Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, also available). But, due to a holiday in the middle, at least for those in the U.S., it's technically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 characters, every one representing a different story style. There's a procedural story about a priest investigating the death of his church's head priest. A trader striving to solve destitution through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs need a character with an mysterious past, naturally). A few of these plots intertwine in unexpected, fascinating ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is superb — “number go up” distilled to its essence.