Three Xbox Game Pass Games That Will Justify Your Subscription This Weekend (Nov. 21-23)

Following the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. While it may not be seen as the top offer in gaming now, the service has introduced several high-profile day-one games lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those titles only enhance a vast library of numerous games perfect for weekend-long gaming binges.

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

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, everyone needs a little release. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players intensely graphic mayhem against enemy targets. Recently, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the series. Although it doesn't reinvent the formula, Resistance is a well-constructed serving of immersive sim World War II sandboxes filled with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as ever, with the game's trademark killcam displaying each shot's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a violent thrill for any peace-lover wanting to let off steam in the safety of a virtual world.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an award-winning narrative exploring life after a pandemic existence, generational pain, and much more. It examines these themes through a sci-fi lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole survivor of a global outbreak that wiped out human life. Watcher and her sister clones delve into Iris's memories from the time Earth was ravaged by that horrific disease, along with experiences of her school and home life, neither of which were easy for a teenager. Watcher learns Iris isn't all that she seems, and the plot unfolds from that point. Should all that intrigue fails to grab your interest, the game does begin with a killing. Is there a more compelling opening than this?

Octopath Traveler 2

Admittedly, completing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if any game worth attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D masterpiece is leaving Game Pass at the end of November (as is the original game, which is also included). However, due to a holiday in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's technically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows eight protagonists, every one embodying a distinct story style. You'll find a investigative tale about a priest investigating the murder of his church's head priest. A trader aiming to eradicate destitution through the force of capitalism headlines a frontier-inspired adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious background, naturally). Some of these stories connect in unexpected, intriguing ways, as you play through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired world. And the battle system is superb — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its purest form.