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

After the recent price increase for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial uproar has subsided. Although it may not be seen as the absolute best deal in gaming anymore, the platform has welcomed several high-profile launch day releases lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. Those additions only enhance a massive collection of numerous games perfect for weekend-long marathon sessions.

Our current picks feature a therapeutic shooter, an prize-winning independent masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

From time to time, everyone needs a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players intensely graphic carnage targeting Nazi forces. Recently, the studio launched Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the franchise. Although it doesn't reinvent the gameplay, Resistance remains a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II open environments packed with Nazi targets. The long-range combat is as brutal and gratifying as always, featuring the series' trademark killcam displaying each shot's effect in gory, explicit clarity. It's a violent thrill for every pacifist wanting to let off steam in the security of a digital world.

1000xResist

1000xResist tells an award-winning narrative touching on life after a pandemic existence, generational pain, and much more. It approaches these themes through a sci-fi perspective; you play as Watcher, a member of multiple clones of Iris, the only survivor of a pandemic that eradicated humanity. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from the time Earth was beset by that horrific disease, as well as experiences of her school and family life, neither of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris isn't what she appears, and the story develops from there. Should all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game indeed start with a killing. Is there a more compelling start than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in just over a week is a challenging task, but if there's any game worth attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first 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 8 characters, every one embodying a distinct story style. You'll find a investigative story about a cleric looking into the murder of his cathedral's head priest. A trader aiming to solve destitution through the power of commerce headlines a western-themed adventure. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with amnesia (because all great RPGs need a character with an mysterious background, naturally). A few of these stories connect in unexpected, fascinating ways, as you play through a stunning Industrial Revolution themed setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay boiled to its essence.