High on Life - Before You Buy

TL;DR

High on Life offers quirky humor and exploration but weak combat mechanics.

Transcript

(logo dinging) - [Falcon] Hey, welcome back to another episode of "Before You Buy," the show where we give you some straight up gameplay, and our first impressions of the latest games releasing. Hi folks, it's Falcon, and today we're looking at High on Life, the latest game from developer Squanch Games, the guys who made Accounting Plus, and Trover... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ High on Life represents Squanch Games' significant step into the full-price FPS market, combining unique humor with compelling gameplay.
• 👽 The plot is absurd and whimsical, focusing on alien invasions and humorous bounty hunting with talking weapons.
• 🤗 Exploration is a defining strength, characterized by semi-open world designs filled with secrets and treasures encouraging player engagement.
• 🖤 While the combat mechanics are enjoyable, players may find the impact of the weapons lacking compared to other FPS titles.
• 👂 Technical performance on Xbox Series X is stable, with excellent graphics and sound design, enhancing overall enjoyment without major technical hiccups.
• 🦔 The humor is a double-edged sword; it can delight fans of Roiland while potentially alienating those indifferent to his style.
• 🧑‍🚒 Boss fights present a highlight in gameplay, offering challenge and satisfaction as part of the bounty-hunting experience.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does High on Life differentiate itself from previous Squanch Games titles?

High on Life marks Squanch Games' transition to a more ambitious format compared to their previous VR titles. It brings a full-price, single-player FPS experience, embedding extensive humor and intricate gameplay mechanics typical of Justin Roiland's work. The move from short VR experiences to a deeper narrative and gameplay balance offers players a fresh yet familiar comedic immersion.

Q: What elements of humor can players expect in High on Life?

Players can anticipate humor reminiscent of "Rick and Morty," characterized by rambling dialogue, over-the-top violence, and eccentric characters. The game includes clever parody, absurdity, and frequent banter from the talking guns, although this may not resonate with everyone. Justin Roiland's humor style might lead to mixed reactions based on personal taste with longer passages of dialogue sometimes stalling the laughs.

Q: Are there any mechanics that enhance exploration in High on Life?

Yes, the game offers various movement mechanics such as a grappling hook, jet pack, and wall-running, enhancing exploration. Each planet serves as a semi-open world filled with hidden treasures, collectibles, and warp crystals. Players can spend significant time discovering secrets and engaging with detailed environments, promoting an exciting exploration experience.

Q: What kind of gameplay can players expect regarding combat?

Combat in High on Life involves using a variety of unique guns with both primary and secondary fire options. While the mechanics are solid, many players might find that the weapons lack the impactful feeling typically expected from a first-person shooter, particularly with the shotgun. Boss fights serve as the game's highlights, often offering engaging challenges and rewards.

Q: How does the game perform technically on consoles?

High on Life performs well on the Xbox Series X, maintaining a solid frame rate with minimal bugs. Players may encounter minor issues like occasional voice lines cutting out or slight glitches during platforming. Overall, the game provides a stable and enjoyable experience technically, allowing for immersive gameplay.

Q: What are the game’s strengths beyond the humor?

Besides humor, High on Life excels in environmental design and exploration. The game is filled with well-crafted details, dense visuals, and hidden jokes that encourage players to delve deeper into the levels. The fantastic graphics and character models contribute to the immersive experience, and overall, the game effectively combines exploration with various gameplay elements.

Q: How long does it take to complete High on Life, and is it rewarding?

High on Life offers approximately a minimum of 10 hours of gameplay to complete the main story. However, exploring for collectibles and engaging in side activities can significantly extend playtime. Players are rewarded with interesting encounters and humor in dialog, making the journey engaging without overstaying its welcome.

Q: What recommendations exist for players unsure about the humor style?

For players uncertain about Justin Roiland’s humor, it’s advisable to try High on Life through Game Pass. The game allows quick assessment of personal enjoyment, enabling players to explore mechanics and humor at no immediate cost. Adjusting the frequency of dialogue can also tailor the experience for those who may find the humor overwhelming.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• High on Life is a single-player FPS developed by Squanch Games, known for its distinct humor and gameplay mechanics influenced by Justin Roiland, creator of "Rick and Morty."

• The game features a peculiar storyline where aliens invade Earth to use humans as drugs, prompting players to embark on a bounty-hunting adventure filled with talking guns and diverse environments.

• While humor plays a significant role, it can be divisive, and though combat mechanics are enjoyable, they lack the punch expected from an FPS. Exploration and the vibrant game world stand out as major positives.