3 Game Pass Games That Can Justify Your Membership This Weekend (Nov. 21-23)

Following the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier uproar has calmed down. While it might not be considered the absolute best offer in gaming now, the platform has introduced a number of big-name launch day games lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a vast collection of numerous games ideal for weekend gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

From time to time, everyone needs a bit of release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has delivered precisely that. Rebellion Developments' enduring shooter series offers players ultraviolent mayhem against Nazi forces. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a well-timed addition to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II open environments filled with enemy targets. The long-range combat is as brutal and gratifying as ever, featuring the game's trademark killcam showing every bullet's impact in gory, explicit clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover wanting to unwind in the security of a virtual space.

1000xResist

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed narrative exploring post-pandemic life, family pain, and much more. It examines these subjects through a sci-fi lens; you play as Watcher, one of several clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that eradicated humanity. Watcher and her sister clones explore Iris's memories from when Earth was beset by that terrible disease, as well as memories of her school and home life, neither of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris is not all that she seems, and the plot develops from that point. If all that mystery isn't enough to grab your interest, the game does start with a killing. What could be a more gripping opening than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in only over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game worth trying the effort 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, which is also included). However, due to a break in the midst, at least for those in the U.S., it's theoretically doable. Octopath Traveler 2 features 8 characters, each representing a different story style. You'll find a procedural story about a priest investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A merchant aiming to solve poverty through the force of commerce headlines a western-themed adventure. There's even a enigma about an herbalist with memory loss (since all great RPGs need a hero with an unknown past, naturally). A few of these stories connect in surprising, intriguing ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its essence.