Three Game Pass Titles That Can Justify Your Subscription This Weekend (Nov. 21-23)

Following the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has calmed down. Although it might not be seen as the top offer in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several high-profile launch day games recently, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a vast collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

This week's recommendations feature a therapeutic shooter, an prize-winning independent gem, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, we all require a bit of catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series presents players intensely graphic carnage targeting Nazi forces. This year, Rebellion released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance remains a polished serving of immersive sim World War II open environments packed with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as brutal and satisfying as always, featuring the game's signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in graphic, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a violent thrill for any pacifist looking to let off steam in the security of a virtual space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring life after a pandemic life, generational trauma, and other deep themes. It approaches these subjects through a sci-fi perspective; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was beset by that horrific plague, along with memories of her education and family life, both of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris is not all that she seems, and the story develops from that point. Should all that mystery fails to hook you, the game indeed begin with a murder. What could be a more gripping opening than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in just 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 leaving Game Pass at the end of November (along with the original game, also available). But, with a holiday in the middle, at least for players in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 protagonists, every one embodying a distinct genre. There's a procedural story about a cleric looking into the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant aiming to solve destitution through the power of capitalism headlines a frontier-inspired adventure. Additionally, there's a enigma about an apothecary with amnesia (since all great RPGs need a character with an unknown background, naturally). Some of these plots intertwine in unexpected, fascinating ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.