How to Shoot a Kid in the Slums (and Why You Probably Shouldn’t in High On Life)
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The query itself is morally charged, but let’s address the gameplay aspect directly. In the game High On Life, specifically when encountering the alien child in the slums, you can shoot him. To do so, simply aim your weapon – likely Kenny, your starting Gatlian – and fire multiple shots until he dies. This action unlocks the “Fallout Doesn’t Let You Do This” achievement, granting you 20 Gamerscore. However, be warned: this action has no positive consequences within the game’s narrative or moral framework.
Morality and Gameplay in High On Life
While the game allows this action, it’s important to understand the context. High On Life is known for its dark humor and morally ambiguous choices. The game often presents players with options that challenge their ethical boundaries, pushing them to consider the consequences of their actions within a fictional world. The “Fallout Doesn’t Let You Do This” achievement is a clear nod to the Fallout series, which typically prevents players from harming children. By subverting this expectation, High On Life emphasizes its willingness to explore darker themes and challenge player expectations.
However, the developers aren’t necessarily endorsing this behavior. The achievement title itself carries a sense of irony, suggesting that while the game allows you to do something reprehensible, it doesn’t encourage it. Furthermore, killing the child has no impact on the main storyline or gameplay progression beyond unlocking the achievement. There are no strategic advantages to be gained, no bonus rewards to be earned. It’s simply a choice, presented to the player, with the understanding that it’s a morally questionable one.
Exploring the Game’s Ethical Landscape
The decision to include such an option highlights the game’s exploration of morality in a humorous, albeit twisted, manner. High On Life uses its quirky characters and outlandish scenarios to force players to confront difficult choices. Should you sacrifice Kenny? Should you stab Gene? These are not easy decisions, and they often require the player to weigh the potential consequences against their own sense of right and wrong.
The alien child in the slums is simply another element in this moral landscape. By giving the player the option to kill him, the game invites them to consider their own values and how they apply within the context of the game world. It’s a dark joke, a pointed commentary on the nature of violence in video games, and a challenge to the player to think critically about their actions. Understanding the implications of game mechanics like this can provide valuable insights into game design and player behavior. Resources such as the Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, offer information and support for educators to expand their knowledge about gaming in the classroom.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions About High On Life Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the mechanics, characters, and choices within High On Life:
1. Who is Slumsley in High On Life?
Slumsley is an alien character found in the Blim City Slums. He appears within the Slums Access Route and provokes the player. After entering the Slums, the player can also encounter his mother.
2. What happens if you kick Gene out?
Whether you tell Gene he can stay or to leave, he ends up staying. It doesn’t matter if you side with either Lizzie or Gene; they’ll work out their differences, and Gene won’t leave the house.
3. Can you sacrifice Kenny in High On Life?
Yes, you can sacrifice Kenny during a pivotal moment in the game. However, you can also choose to sacrifice any of the other Gatlians in your arsenal instead. Choosing someone other than Kenny unlocks the ‘Playing Favorites’ achievement.
4. How do you trigger the secret ending in High On Life?
To trigger the secret ending, chase Clugg through the corridors until you push open double doors. This initiates a cutscene leading to the secret ending.
5. Is High On Life suitable for children?
No, High On Life is not suitable for children under the age of 18 due to its mature themes and graphic violence.
6. What is the best gun in High On Life?
While opinions may vary, many players consider Lezduit to be the ultimate weapon in the game.
7. Are there any Easter eggs in High On Life?
Yes, High On Life is riddled with Easter Eggs and secrets. These include references to older movies (like Tammy and the T-Rex), homages to other games, and more.
8. What is High on Knife?
High on Knife is DLC that centers around Knifey, who needs your help retrieving a missed package. It takes place in Salt Lick City, a desert inhabited by slug-like creatures.
9. Is there a secret bounty in High On Life?
No, but you can unlock the secret ending after completing the Nipulon Bounty, which is the second to last bounty you’ll need to complete the game.
10. Can you play after ending High On Life?
Yes, there is post-game content in High On Life, allowing you to explore previously visited areas. However, there aren’t many new narrative beats to uncover.
11. What species is Kenny in High On Life?
Kenny is a Gatlian, a sentient weapon and the deuteragonist of the game, who you meet at the beginning.
12. Who is the final boss in High On Life?
Garmantuous is the final boss in High On Life, representing a test of the player’s mastery of the game’s mechanics and upgrades.
13. Should I stab Gene?
Stabbing Gene won’t kill or anger him, but it will grant you the secret achievement “Don’t Hand the Knife that Feeds.”
14. Do dialogue choices matter in High On Life?
While there are some moments where dialouge leads to different outcomes, they typically have very little impact.
15. What happens to Lizzie at the end of High On Life?
If you choose Lizzie’s side, she runs away with Tweeg and breaks up with him. If you choose Gene’s side, Tweeg kidnaps her, and she kills him.