Why is High on Life a Short Game? Decoding the Development Decisions
High on Life, the quirky and irreverent first-person shooter from Squanch Games, has garnered attention for its unique humor and talking guns. However, one consistent point of discussion is its relatively short length. The game’s brevity stems from a deliberate combination of design choices, resource allocation, and a focused narrative scope. Several factors contribute to this: a linear narrative, a concentrated gameplay loop, limitations in enemy variety and world depth, and, arguably, a strategic decision to prioritize humor and unique mechanics over sheer playtime. Let’s break down each of these components to understand the reasons behind the game’s concise runtime.
Understanding the Core Design
The cornerstone of High on Life’s length lies in its linear narrative structure. Unlike sprawling open-world games that encourage exploration and side quests, High on Life keeps players tightly tethered to the main storyline. This focused approach eliminates the need for extensive world-building and numerous optional activities that typically extend playtime in other titles. This linearity allows the developers to control the pacing and ensure that players experience the key moments and jokes without getting sidetracked in a sprawling environment.
Streamlined Gameplay and Limited World Depth
Another key reason for the game’s length is the emphasis on a concentrated gameplay loop. The core mechanics—shooting with talking guns, exploring vibrant but somewhat limited environments, and engaging in comedic dialogue—are engaging but don’t necessarily lend themselves to extensive repetition or prolonged sessions. The relatively small number of enemy types and a sense of repetition in locations, especially later in the game, further contribute to the feeling that the experience, while enjoyable, is deliberately contained. There is certainly nothing wrong with a shorter game; in fact, some players prefer it.
Prioritizing Humor and Unique Mechanics
Squanch Games, known for its comedic sensibilities inherited from Justin Roiland’s involvement with Rick and Morty, likely prioritized humor and unique mechanics over sheer playtime. The game’s distinctive feature is its talking guns, each with their own personalities and witty commentary. Developing and implementing this feature required significant resources, potentially impacting the scope of the overall game world and its associated content. The priority may have been to deliver a highly polished and humorous experience within a shorter timeframe, rather than creating a sprawling but potentially less focused world.
Considerations for the Developer
There are other considerations as well, such as potential budget constraints, which could have limited the scope of the game. Also, time constraints could have impacted game length. The team wanted to release a product within a specific timeframe, so they honed the game to a refined experience and skipped on extended content. These are all important factors when considering game development.
Related FAQs about High on Life
Here are some frequently asked questions about High on Life, addressing common points of interest and providing additional information.
1. How long does it take to beat High on Life?
The average playthrough of High on Life, focusing primarily on the main story, takes around 8 to 12 hours. Completionists aiming to unlock all achievements and collectibles can expect to spend around 15 to 20 hours.
2. Is there anything to do after beating High on Life?
Yes, there is some limited post-game content. Players can revisit previously explored locations, though there aren’t any significant new narrative beats or specific directions to follow. You can collect any achievements or collectibles you missed in the game.
3. Will High on Life get a sequel or more DLC?
High on Life already has one DLC, High On Knife. Whether there will be a sequel or more DLC remains to be seen, but the success of the game suggests the possibility of future content. Keep in mind that Justin Roiland, who was initially a driving force behind High On Life, is no longer with Squanch Games, which might impact the direction of future projects.
4. How many bosses are there in High on Life?
High on Life features seven main bosses, including key figures in the G3 Cartel, such as Garmantuous, Krubis, and 9-Torg. There is also a secret boss, 5-Torg.
5. Can you go back to Earth in High on Life?
Yes, you do return to Earth for the final showdown against Garmantuous, the leader of the G3 cartel.
6. What is the High on Life controversy?
The controversy surrounds allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination against Justin Roiland, the co-creator of Rick and Morty and founder of Squanch Games. While these allegations occurred prior to the release of High on Life, they cast a shadow over the game’s development and reception.
7. Is High on Life appropriate for children?
High on Life contains mature themes, strong language, sexual jokes, and violence. It is generally not considered appropriate for younger children. Ratings vary, but the game is intended for mature audiences.
8. How many talking guns are in High on Life?
There are five talking guns (Gatlians) and one sentient knife in High on Life. Each weapon has its own unique personality and abilities. The guns all have primary, alternate, and special firing modes.
9. What is the main objective of High on Life?
The main objective is to take down the G3 alien drug cartel and save humanity from being used as a drug.
10. Can you watch full movies in High on Life?
Yes, you can watch full-length movies on the TV in your character’s home. The movies add to the game’s quirky atmosphere but are not essential to the main storyline.
11. Does High on Life have replayability?
Replayability is limited as there is no New Game Plus mode or the ability to redo bounties. Once you’ve completed the story and unlocked the achievements, there isn’t much to do beyond that.
12. What are the names of all the guns in High on Life?
The guns are named Kenny, Knifey, Gus, Sweezy, and Creature. These guns have unique personalities and all contribute to the humor of the game.
13. Who is the last boss in High on Life?
The final boss is Garmantuous, the leader of the G3 Cartel. This battle is the ultimate test of your skills as a bounty hunter.
14. Who created High on Life?
High on Life was developed by Squanch Games, which was co-founded by Justin Roiland, best known for his work on Rick and Morty.
15. Why was Kenny removed from the DLC?
Kenny was removed from the DLC due to the charges against Justin Roiland. Squanch Games thought finding a new voice actor for Kenny would just backfire immediately, so they excluded him entirely.
In conclusion, High on Life’s short length is the result of deliberate design choices, resource allocation, and a prioritization of unique humor and mechanics. The focused narrative, the concentrated gameplay loop, and the development choices all contribute to its concise runtime. While some players may desire a longer experience, the game’s brevity allows for a tightly paced and memorable adventure. This game is unique and engaging, and it demonstrates that a game doesn’t have to be long to be good. As the industry evolves, the study of game design and player experience becomes increasingly important. To gain further insights into the scientific study of games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).