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

After the latest cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the initial commotion has calmed down. While it might not be seen as the top deal in gaming now, the service has introduced a number of big-name launch day releases lately, such as Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions only enhance a massive library of numerous games ideal for weekend-long marathon sessions.

Our current recommendations include a cathartic action game, an prize-winning independent masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Sniper Elite: Resistance

Every so often, we all require a bit of release. For 20 years, the Sniper Elite series has delivered exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line presents players ultraviolent mayhem targeting enemy forces. This year, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely addition to the franchise. Although it doesn't revolutionize the gameplay, Resistance is a polished serving of immersive sim World War II sandboxes packed with enemy objectives. The sniping is as visceral and gratifying as ever, with the series' signature killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching clarity. It's a bloody thrill for every peace-lover looking to unwind in the security of a digital world.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist tells an award-winning story exploring post-pandemic life, family trauma, 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 human life. Watcher and her fellow clones delve into Iris's recollections from when Earth was beset by that terrible plague, along with memories of her school and family life, both of which were bearable for a young person. Watcher discovers Iris is not all that she seems, and the story develops from there. If all that intrigue fails to hook you, the game does start with a killing. What could be a more compelling opening than that?

Octopath Traveler II

Yes, finishing a extremely long RPG in just over a week is a tall order, but if there's any game deserving attempting the effort for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's visually striking gem is leaving Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first game, also available). But, with a break in the midst, at least for players in the States, it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, each embodying a distinct genre. You'll find a investigative story about a cleric investigating the death of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader striving to solve destitution through the force of capitalism stars in a western-themed adventure. There's even a enigma about an herbalist with amnesia (since every good RPGs require a hero with an unknown past, of course). A few of these plots connect in surprising, fascinating ways, while you progress through a gorgeous Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the combat is excellent — stat-focused gameplay distilled to its essence.