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After the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has subsided. While it might not be considered the top offer in gaming anymore, the service has welcomed several big-name day-one releases recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a massive library of hundreds games perfect for weekend marathon sessions.

This week's recommendations feature a therapeutic action game, an prize-winning indie gem, and a must-play HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, we all require a bit of release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter line presents players intensely graphic carnage targeting enemy targets. Recently, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the franchise. While it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance remains a polished serving of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with enemy targets. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as ever, with the game's signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in gory, explicit detail. It's a violent excitement for any pacifist looking to unwind in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an award-winning story exploring post-pandemic existence, generational trauma, 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 humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's memories from the time Earth was beset by that horrific plague, as well as memories of her school and home life, neither of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris is not all that she seems, and the story develops from there. Should all that mystery fails to hook you, the game indeed start with a killing. Is there a more gripping start than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in only nine days is a tall order, but if there's any game worth trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is departing Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the original game, also available). However, due to a holiday in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, every one representing a different genre. There's a investigative tale about a cleric looking into the death of his church's head priest. A trader aiming to solve poverty through the force of capitalism headlines a frontier-inspired adventure. There's even a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (because all great RPGs need a hero with an mysterious background, naturally). Some of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.