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

Following the recent cost hike for Game Pass Ultimate, the earlier commotion has calmed down. Although it might not be considered the top offer in gaming now, the platform has introduced a number of high-profile launch day games lately, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2. These additions further enrich a vast collection of hundreds games ideal for weekend marathon sessions.

Our current recommendations feature a therapeutic action game, an award-winning indie masterpiece, and a essential HD-2D RPG.

Resistance: Sniper Elite

Every so often, everyone needs a little catharsis. Over two decades, the Sniper Elite franchise has provided exactly that. Rebellion Developments' long-running shooter line offers players ultraviolent carnage against enemy forces. Recently, the studio released Sniper Elite: Resistance, a timely new entry to the series. Although it doesn't revolutionize the formula, Resistance remains a well-constructed serving of simulation World War II open environments packed with enemy targets. The sniping is as brutal and satisfying as ever, featuring the game's signature killcam showing every bullet's impact in graphic, testicle-crunching detail. It's a violent thrill for every pacifist looking to unwind in the safety of a digital space.

Resist 1000x

1000xResist presents an critically acclaimed story exploring post-pandemic life, family pain, and other deep themes. It examines these themes through a science fiction lens; you assume the role of Watcher, a member of several clones of Iris, the sole person left 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 experiences of her school and home life, both of which were bearable for a teenager. Watcher discovers Iris is not what she appears, and the plot unfolds from there. Should all that mystery isn't enough to hook you, the game indeed begin with a killing. What could be a more compelling start than this?

Octopath Traveler II

Admittedly, finishing a gazillion-hour RPG in just nine days is a challenging task, but if any game worth attempting the grind for, it's Octopath Traveler 2. Square Enix's HD-2D gem is departing Game Pass at the close of the month (along with the first game, also available). But, due to a break in the midst, at least for those in the States, it's theoretically achievable. Octopath Traveler 2 follows 8 protagonists, each embodying a distinct story style. You'll find a investigative story about a priest investigating the murder of his cathedral's archbishop. A trader striving to solve poverty through the power of capitalism stars in a western-themed narrative. Additionally, there's a mystery about an herbalist with memory loss (because every good RPGs require a character with an mysterious past, of course). A few of these plots intertwine in surprising, intriguing ways, while you progress through a stunning Industrial Revolution inspired setting. And the combat is excellent — “number go up” boiled to its essence.