High On Life Review
After 13 hours immersed in High on Life, I believe I've had a colorful and laughter-filled journey. It's no surprise that all the comedic storytelling essence of Rick and Morty is used perfectly in High on Life. For fans of this popular Netflix animated series, this game seems like a perfect fit. With its unique gameplay and a cast of deep, humorous characters, this shooter game is sure to provide you with enjoyable and entertaining hours of play.
The story of High on Life begins with the player character and their sister getting ready to enjoy some freedom after their parents embark on a trip when suddenly, strange alien ships crash down. Aliens emerge, speaking an incomprehensible language, and proceed to shoot and abduct a guy, then vanish. From the remains of the abducted man, Kenny, a talking gun, emerges. Kenny subsequently teleports the player's entire house to a strange planet to ensure safety. To adapt to life on the new planet, our main character decides to become a bounty hunter, aiming to eliminate the top drug lords in the intergalactic underworld. Thus, the player's journey begins.
Players have access to five different weapon types, collectively called Gatlians, consisting of four guns and one knife. Each weapon has its own voice and personality (they're all sentient), including the combat knife, Knifey, the sniper machine gun, Sweezy, the shotgun, Gus, the grenade launcher, Creature, and last but not least, the closest companion to the main character, Kenny. These weapons act as traveling companions, providing entertainment, reminding players of their missions, offering hints for puzzles, and even...using foul language if they're not pleased. Personally, I favor Knifey the most because of its crazy personality, always thinking about stabbing and slashing, creating an exhilarating feeling for me to dive in and take down enemies one by one. Each weapon has a unique skill, allowing you to creatively create combos. If I were a game designer at Squanch Games, I would hope for innovative and unique gameplay, and it seems this studio is on the same wavelength as me. The run-and-gun gameplay is well-designed. There are many skills to learn, and support tools like the grappling hook and jetpack add to the gaming experience.
Beside that, enemies are divided into 4 main types: Melee, Mid-range, Sniper, and Mini-boss. Each enemy has its own strengths and weaknesses and spawns in waves. But what impressed me the most were the game's bosses. There are a total of 7 unique bosses in the game, each with its own backstory, special combat skills, and distinct strengths and weaknesses.
Despite being a first-person shooter, Squanch has added various elements such as role-playing, platforming, and metroidvania to diversify the gameplay. The world design is impressive, with each planet having its unique signature, and no two planets are alike. The platforming elements are well-executed, as the game encourages players to use the environment to move around and even provides a respawn mechanic if you fall off ledges. The metroidvania aspect comes into play when you arrive on a planet and find that you lack certain items or skills required to progress, forcing you to explore other areas to unlock the necessary tools and return to access hidden chests or collectibles.
The standout feature of High on Life is its storytelling and dialogue. Humor is present in every moment, and there's never a dull moment throughout the game. The comical banter from your companions adds to the amusement, as they comment hilariously on your actions. For those familiar with the quirky humor of Netflix's animated series Rick and Morty, this game feels like a perfect match. With its unique gameplay and a cast of characters, High on Life promises a genuinely entertaining and enjoyable experience.
However, if you prefer a more refined and less explicit type of humor, this game might not be for you. The humor in the game leans toward dark humor, sexual innuendos, and profanity. Squanch Games has also employed artistic methods to break the fourth wall throughout the game, making it feel like the characters are aware that they are in a game, much like how Rick and Morty characters are self-aware in their animated series.
Nevertheless, the game's hidden Achievements are the best way to break the fourth wall. The titles of the achievements are humorous jokes or references to various things. Right from the beginning of the game, I burst into laughter when I earned the achievement "Fallout doesn't let you do this" after shooting a kid. It's safe to say that this is the best reference that a Bethesda fan like me has ever received, as Bethesda games indeed do not allow you to harm children. However, achieving these entertaining goals is not easy; High on Life encourages you to explore every nook and cranny of the world, listen in on NPCs' conversations, and discover strange stories and funny reactions from Gatlians.
The world of High on Life is divided into multiple areas in the form of planets. Each planet is a vast and astonishing area, perfect for exploration. It can be said that each planet is unique and special in its own way, making them easily distinguishable. You will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and various terrains, enhancing your gaming experience significantly. These worlds are incredibly lively, with numerous NPCs you can interact with for conversations or interactions. Additionally, there are TVs broadcasting programs that you can genuinely spend hours watching.
VERDICT
In conclusion, High on Life knows what it wants to be and delivers an experience for players who know exactly what they want. It captures the super-outrageous humor style of Rick and Morty, with humor that surpasses expectations. It reminds me of the saying "Made by gamers, for gamers." Yes, High on Life is a prime example because this game is truly made by gamers and designed for gamers.