🔗 Share this article

Following the latest price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. While it might not be considered the top offer in gaming now, the service has introduced several big-name day-one games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These titles only enhance a vast library of hundreds games perfect for weekend marathon sessions.

Our current picks include a cathartic shooter, an prize-winning independent gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a bit of release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players ultraviolent mayhem against Nazi targets. 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 polished dose of immersive sim World War II open environments filled with Nazi objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as always, with the game's signature killcam displaying each shot's effect in graphic, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for any peace-lover looking to unwind in the security of a virtual space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist tells an award-winning story touching on life after a pandemic life, generational pain, 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 only person left of a pandemic that wiped out human life. Watcher and her fellow clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was beset by that horrific disease, along with experiences of her school and home life, both of which were easy for a young person. Watcher learns Iris isn't what she appears, and the story unfolds from there. If all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game indeed start with a murder. Is there a more compelling start than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Yes, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in only nine days is a challenging task, but if any game deserving trying the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (as is the original game, which is also included). However, due to a holiday in the middle, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, every one representing a distinct genre. There's a procedural tale about a priest investigating the murder of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant striving to solve destitution through the power of commerce stars in a western-themed adventure. There's even a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (since every good RPGs need a character with an unknown background, naturally). A few of these stories connect in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” distilled to its essence.