Does It Matter Which Gatlian You Sacrifice in High on Life?
The climax of High on Life presents players with a seemingly weighty choice: which of their trusty Gatlian companions will they sacrifice to save the day? The narrative builds tension around this decision, making it seem like a pivotal moment with potential consequences. However, the short answer is: no, it does not matter which Gatlian you sacrifice. Regardless of whether you choose Kenny, Gus, Sweezy, Creature, or even decide to stick with the traditional route and use Kenny, the outcome remains virtually the same. All the Gatlians survive, emerging from the fiery explosion slightly worse for wear, but very much alive.
This seemingly impactful choice is a clever narrative trick by Squanch Games. They create a moment of dramatic tension, allowing players to feel the weight of their decision, while ultimately ensuring that none of their beloved gun-pals are permanently lost. This design choice helps to maintain the player’s full arsenal for post-game exploration and any additional gameplay scenarios. While the different Gatlians each possess their own unique firing modes and combat capabilities throughout the game, the sacrifice sequence is purely a superficial choice in terms of the long-term outcome. This allows players to experiment and enjoy all the Gatlians without worrying about permanently losing access to any of them.
The Illusion of Choice: Why It Doesn’t Matter
The core gameplay of High on Life revolves around utilizing each Gatlian’s unique abilities and alternate firing modes to overcome challenges and defeat enemies. Each Gatlian brings a distinct tactical approach to combat, offering a varied and dynamic experience. Choosing which one to sacrifice can feel like you are losing a valuable tool; however, the game ensures this isn’t the case. The narrative around the sacrifice is impactful, but ultimately it’s not designed to be a moment that impacts the player’s ongoing gameplay experience with lasting repercussions. Each Gatlian possesses unique attributes, such as Gus’s shotgun spread, Sweezy’s time-bending powers, Creature’s biological abilities and Kenny’s classic pistol design. Each one is useful for different combat situations, so sacrificing any of them would theoretically be impactful. This potential for loss, however, is simply a trick.
What Happens After the Sacrifice
Regardless of your choice, the sacrificed Gatlian is presumed dead by the cast of characters after the dramatic explosion. Yet, in the typical darkly comedic style of High on Life, all the Gatlians survive. They may be a bit damaged, but they are all available for use after this final pivotal moment. This ensures that players aren’t penalized for their sacrifice choice, allowing them to return to any remaining activities, such as hunting for any remaining collectibles or taking on new content. The game cleverly plays with the player’s emotions, creating a moment of perceived sacrifice that ultimately has no long-term consequences on the game. The player is free to continue using the full arsenal of Gatlians.
The Importance of Lezduit
While sacrificing a Gatlian does not have a lasting impact, one Gatlian is treated differently than others. Lezduit is a special weapon that can be obtained during the final mission of the game and is not available before that point. He is Kenny’s master who he thought died in the war, and he is extremely powerful with lightning-like abilities, capable of taking down whole squadrons of enemies. Although he isn’t available until late in the game, he is an integral part of the story and he plays a crucial role in the ending. Ultimately, his status is more narratively significant, and although Lezduit does not get sacrificed in the game, he becomes a unique character. Instead of being “sacrificed”, Lezduit can only say his name by the end of the game, and he is still very much alive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I lose a Gatlian permanently by sacrificing them?
No, you cannot lose any Gatlian permanently by sacrificing them at the end of High on Life. Regardless of which one you choose, they all survive and are available for you to use afterward.
2. Does sacrificing a specific Gatlian change the ending?
No, the ending remains largely the same regardless of which Gatlian you sacrifice. The narrative beat of the sacrifice is present regardless, and it’s the same outcome every time.
3. Is it better to sacrifice Kenny since he’s the first gun I get?
There is no strategic advantage to sacrificing any specific Gatlian. Sacrificing Kenny is no different than sacrificing any of the others in terms of game mechanics or the final outcome.
4. Does the sacrificed Gatlian get any special upgrades after surviving?
No, the sacrificed Gatlian does not receive any special upgrades or changes in ability after the sacrifice. They return to their normal state post-explosion.
5. Why is Lezduit unavailable until the final mission?
Lezduit is a very powerful weapon that is meant to be a significant part of the final act. His late introduction helps create a sense of escalation in power, ensuring he’s not something that’s available from the get-go.
6. What makes Lezduit so powerful?
Lezduit is capable of taking down entire groups of enemies with lightning-like abilities. He provides a significant boost in combat power, befitting the final stages of the game.
7. Can I use Lezduit in regular gameplay after the final mission?
Yes, Lezduit is available for post-game exploration and any additional gameplay content. You can enjoy his power any time you want after the game’s story.
8. Are there any hidden consequences for sacrificing a specific Gatlian?
No, there are no hidden consequences for sacrificing any specific Gatlian. The choice is purely narrative-driven with no lasting gameplay impact.
9. What happens to Lezduit after the final mission?
After the final mission, Lezduit is still alive but can only say his name due to being messed up in the G3 revive process. He is still usable, however, and the player can still utilize his abilities.
10. Are there any secret bosses in High on Life that get unlocked by choosing a certain Gatlian?
No, sacrificing a certain Gatlian will not unlock any hidden bosses. The secret boss, Dr. Douglas’ suit, is accessed by shooting a specific character, not by your sacrifice choice.
11. What are the best upgrades for the Gatlians?
Some of the best upgrades include Gus’s Flak, Creature’s Neonatal Eruption and Heartsap, Kenny’s Magnum, Gus’ Burst Suction, Sweezy’s Remote Detonator, Kenny’s Multiglob, and Creature’s Lamaze Launcher. These upgrades enhance each gun’s individual capabilities in unique ways.
12. Does High on Life have infinite ammo for the Gatlians?
Yes, all the Gatlians have infinite ammo, so you don’t have to worry about running out. This encourages players to experiment with each weapon and their abilities.
13. How many Gatlians are there in High on Life?
There are five Gatlians available, including Kenny, Gus, Sweezy, Creature, and Lezduit, and one melee weapon, Knifey.
14. Is High on Life an inappropriate game?
The game is known for its inappropriate and sexually suggestive dialogue and situations, including alien semen and discussions about “sensitive nipples”, but this is part of its comedic and satirical style.
15. What does High on Knife add to the High on Life story?
High on Knife, the DLC for High on Life, centers around Knifey’s quest to retrieve his missed package in Salt Lick City. It adds a new area and story to the game and focuses on a new character.