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Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier uproar has calmed down. Although it may not be seen as the top offer in gaming anymore, the platform has introduced a number of big-name day-one games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a massive collection of numerous games ideal for weekend-long marathon sessions.

Our current picks feature a therapeutic shooter, an award-winning indie gem, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, everyone needs a bit of release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players ultraviolent carnage targeting Nazi forces. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance is a polished serving of simulation World War II sandboxes packed with enemy targets. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as always, with the series' signature killcam showing each shot's effect in gory, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a bloody excitement for every peace-lover wanting to let off steam in the security of a virtual world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an award-winning narrative exploring post-pandemic existence, family trauma, and much more. It approaches these subjects through a science fiction perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from the time Earth was ravaged by that horrific plague, along with experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher learns Iris isn't all that she seems, and the story develops from that point. Should all that mystery fails to hook you, the game does begin with a killing. Is there a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in just nine days is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is departing Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the original game, also available). However, with a holiday in the midst, at least for those in the States, it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight characters, every one embodying a different genre. There's a investigative tale about a cleric looking into the death of his church's archbishop. A trader aiming to eradicate poverty through the force of capitalism headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (since all great RPGs require a hero with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these plots intertwine in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous 19th-century inspired setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its essence.