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After the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has calmed down. Although it might not be considered the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed a number of big-name launch day releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions further enrich a vast library of hundreds games perfect for weekend gaming binges.

Our current picks include a cathartic shooter, an award-winning indie masterpiece, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, we all require a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players ultraviolent mayhem targeting Nazi forces. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed dose of simulation World War II sandboxes packed with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as visceral and gratifying as always, with the series' trademark killcam displaying each shot's effect in graphic, testicle-crunching detail. It's a violent thrill for any peace-lover looking to let off steam in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative touching on post-pandemic life, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these subjects 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 human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible disease, along with memories of her education and home life, neither of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't all that she seems, and the story develops from that point. Should all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game indeed begin with a murder. What could be a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, finishing a extremely long RPG in only over a week is a challenging task, but if there's any game deserving attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the first game, which is also included). But, due to a break in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 characters, each embodying a distinct genre. There's a procedural tale about a priest investigating the death of his church's head priest. A merchant aiming to solve poverty through the power of commerce stars in a western-themed narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs need a hero with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these stories connect in surprising, fascinating ways, as you play through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.