Is High on Life a Good Game? A Deep Dive into Squanch Games’ Outlandish Shooter
Unequivocally, High on Life is a good game, albeit a divisive one. Its unique brand of humor, spearheaded by talking guns and a chaotic storyline, isn’t for everyone. However, beneath the raunchy jokes lies a surprisingly engaging first-person shooter with inventive gameplay mechanics and a memorable, if bizarre, world. The key to enjoying High on Life lies in embracing its absurdity and appreciating its willingness to break the mold.
High on Life: A Hilarious or Hideous Experience?
High on Life, developed by Squanch Games, the studio co-founded by Justin Roiland (co-creator of Rick and Morty), throws players into a world where humanity is being used as drugs by an alien cartel. Armed with a collection of talking, sentient guns, each with its own personality and combat style, the player becomes an intergalactic bounty hunter tasked with saving humanity.
What Makes High on Life Stand Out?
The game’s most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its humor. High on Life is relentlessly funny, often pushing the boundaries of good taste. The talking guns provide constant commentary, offering a blend of helpful advice, sarcastic remarks, and genuinely laugh-out-loud moments. While the humor won’t resonate with everyone, those who appreciate Roiland’s style will find plenty to enjoy.
Beyond the humor, High on Life offers a solid gameplay experience. The different living guns each have unique abilities, leading to diverse combat encounters and strategic gameplay. The game also features exploration elements, with hidden secrets and collectibles scattered throughout its colorful environments.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, High on Life is not without its flaws. The game’s humor is the most polarizing aspect, and those who dislike Roiland’s style may find the constant barrage of jokes grating. The game’s performance can also be inconsistent, especially on lower-end hardware. Additionally, some players may find the story predictable and the level design somewhat repetitive.
Ultimately, whether or not High on Life is a “good game” depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy irreverent humor, inventive gameplay, and a unique world, High on Life is worth checking out. However, if you’re easily offended or prefer more traditional shooters, you might want to steer clear.
High on Life: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about High on Life, providing further insight into the game’s mechanics, story, and overall experience.
1. What platforms is High on Life available on?
High on Life is primarily available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. It was also released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
2. Is High on Life available on Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, High on Life was available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, making it accessible to a wide audience. It remains an option for Game Pass subscribers.
3. Who are the voice actors in High on Life?
High on Life features a star-studded voice cast, including Justin Roiland (as Kenny), J.B. Smoove (as Gus), and Tim Robinson (as Sweezy).
4. What are the different types of talking guns in High on Life?
The game features several talking guns, each with unique abilities:
- Kenny: The first gun you acquire, resembling a pistol, which can fire rapid-fire shots.
- Sweezy: A crowd-control weapon that fires crystals which slow enemies.
- Gus: A shotgun that launches bouncy discs and can be used for platforming.
- Creature: A gun that spawns small creatures that attack enemies.
- Knifey: Technically a knife, but still counts as a talking weapon.
5. How long does it take to beat High on Life?
The main story of High on Life can be completed in around 8-12 hours. Completionists aiming to find all collectibles and complete side quests can expect to spend around 15-20 hours in the game.
6. Is High on Life appropriate for children?
No, High on Life is not appropriate for children. The game contains mature themes, strong language, and violent content. It is rated M for Mature.
7. Does High on Life have multiplayer?
No, High on Life is a single-player game and does not feature any multiplayer modes.
8. What are the system requirements for High on Life on PC?
The minimum and recommended system requirements for High on Life on PC can be found on the Steam or Epic Games Store pages for the game. Generally, you’ll need a decent gaming PC with a dedicated graphics card.
9. Does High on Life have a new game plus mode?
No, High on Life does not have an official “New Game Plus” mode. However, after completing the game, you can still explore the world and complete any remaining side quests or collectables.
10. How does the bounty hunter system work in High on Life?
The player takes on the role of a bounty hunter, receiving missions from a bounty board. These missions typically involve tracking down and eliminating specific alien targets. Completing bounties earns you money, which can be used to upgrade your weapons and equipment.
11. Is the humor in High on Life similar to Rick and Morty?
Yes, the humor in High on Life is very similar to Rick and Morty, given Justin Roiland’s involvement. Expect lots of absurdist jokes, meta-commentary, and fourth-wall breaks.
12. Can you upgrade the talking guns in High on Life?
Yes, you can upgrade the talking guns in High on Life by visiting the pawn shop. Upgrades typically enhance the guns’ abilities or unlock new functionalities.
13. How open is the world in High on Life?
High on Life features a semi-open world. While the game is not a fully open-world experience, it allows players to freely explore various interconnected environments.
14. Is High on Life a good game for people who don’t usually play first-person shooters?
High on Life is relatively accessible for players new to first-person shooters. The game’s difficulty is adjustable, and the talking guns provide helpful guidance. However, the challenging boss fights might be difficult.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and education?
For those interested in the intersection of gaming and learning, the Games Learning Society offers valuable resources and insights. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
This article delves into the multifaceted nature of High on Life, acknowledging its unique appeal while also addressing its potential drawbacks. Whether it’s a good game for you ultimately depends on your taste for its specific brand of humor and gameplay style.