High on Life is a looney shooter game that puts its comedic sensibilities at the forefront and refuses to take itself seriously. The developer, Squanch Games, has worked with Justin Roiland – the creator of Rick and Morty on Adult Swim – to deliver a wacky, foul-mouthed experience that’s sure to captivate fans of this unique brand of humor. In High on Life, players must rescue and join forces with a troop of mouthy guns to fight off a genocidal alien invasion.
There are a couple of pros and cons of High on Life; however, the overall gaming experience is definitely promising, especially the Rick and Morty effect really boosts the atmosphere of the game.
Simple Story in a Sci-Fi World
The game’s wacky sci-fi world and zany comedy will likely be a draw for Rick and Morty fans, but High on Life‘s strengths as an adventure game should not be overlooked. Its design cues from games like Metroid Prime and its attention to detail are a natural fit for the creative vision behind Roiland’s wacky universe, making it a refreshingly crafted adventure that’s unlike a lot of today’s bloated titles.
High on Life‘s story is thin and lacks a real beginning, middle, and end. It doesn’t offer a lot of depth for its characters, and the whole game feels like a rough draft. It’s a shame because the game does have some decent ideas, and if you’re a fan of Rick and Morty or “Doc and Mharti,” it might be worth a look.
Fluid Gunplay
The gameplay is a blend of traditional first-person shooting and Metroidvania platforming. It’s a little janky at first, but it gets better as you unlock more weapons and mods. Each gun has its own primary and alternative firing modes. Kenny, for example, can fire a standard pistol round and unleash mortar-like goop balls that ricochet off enemies to juggle with your bullets. On the other hand, Gus is a shotgun that can spawn large discs that ricochet off enemies and extend their momentum.
The overall gunplay in High on Life is incredibly fluid, with every sentient weapon you pick up giving you a voice and cheering you on or dissing your enemies. It’s a system borrowed from the Doom series and even platinum games’ Vanquish, but it works remarkably well. Plus, first-person shooter fans are familiar with the game’s goo-soaked zones, a boost slide, and grapple hook.
Another Miracle of Unreal Engine
The wacky world of High on Life is a visual treat. It’s a vibrant, colorful place with a surprising amount of detail. It’s a world that resembles the aesthetic of Rick and Morty, but it still manages to be its own thing. The game’s graphics aren’t the best out there, but they’re still impressive. The environments have a real sense of scale and depth, from the lush jungles of Zephyr Paradise to the bustling alien hub of Blim City.
There’s also a lot to see in the way of details, from posters hanging on buildings to the different colors used for various weapons. There aren’t many areas, but they each have a distinct look and feel. This is thanks to the game’s excellent use of the Unreal Engine and its powerful graphics. It also makes the most of a good story, and the surprisingly complex combat system doesn’t fall victim to repetitiveness.
