3 Game Pass Titles That Can Justify Your Membership During the Weekend (Nov. 21-23)

Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier uproar has subsided. Although it may not be considered the top deal in gaming now, the platform has introduced several big-name day-one games recently, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a massive collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, we all require a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite series has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter series presents players intensely graphic mayhem against Nazi targets. Recently, Rebellion launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed new entry to the series. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance is a well-constructed dose of simulation World War II sandboxes packed with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and satisfying as always, with the game's signature killcam displaying every bullet's effect in gory, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every pacifist wanting to let off steam in the safety of a digital space.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an award-winning story touching on post-pandemic existence, family trauma, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a science fiction perspective; you play as Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a pandemic that wiped out human life. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's recollections from when Earth was ravaged by that terrible plague, along with memories of her school and family life, both of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris is not what she appears, and the plot develops from there. Should all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game does start with a murder. What could be a more gripping start than that?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, finishing a extremely long RPG in only nine days is a challenging task, but if any game worth trying the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first game, which is also included). However, with a holiday in the middle, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 features eight characters, each representing a different genre. You'll find a investigative tale about a priest looking into the death of his cathedral's head priest. A trader striving to solve destitution through the force of capitalism stars in a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (because all great RPGs require a character with an mysterious background, of course). A few of these stories intertwine in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the battle system is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its purest form.