High on Life 2: A Deep Dive into the Xbox Game Pass Experience
A Hilarious, Action-Packed Sequel with a Twist
High on Life, the original game, is a cult classic known for its vibrant visuals and Justin Roiland's distinctive voice acting. Three years later, Squanch Games has delivered a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but also pushes the boundaries of the franchise. This time around, the game is sleeker, stronger, and more focused, proving that the studio didn't rely solely on a 'big name' to carry the weight of their universe.
From Hero to Outlaw: A Tale of Betrayal and Redemption
The game begins with a hilarious and high-stakes opening. Your Bounty Hunter, once a celebrated intergalactic hero, loses everything, from his superpowered suit to his vault full of credits. He becomes the galaxy's most wanted outlaw, joining a human rights 'terrorist' group led by his sister, Lizzy. This dark and brilliantly absurd sci-fi tale sets the stage for an epic adventure.
Skating, Shooting, and B!tchin': The New Meta
One of the biggest changes in High on Life 2 is the introduction of a skateboard. It replaces the run function and becomes the ultimate traversal tool. The deck acts as a high-speed sprint and a brutal weapon. You can hop on at any time, slam into enemies, or use a 'grip' meter for intense wall-riding platforming. While playing on Xbox Series X, the shooting feels okay, with a slightly stubborn dead zone in the default settings and a tad sluggish when skating and shooting simultaneously. However, it's a polished package overall.
Six Guns, Thousands of Lines: The Power of Reactive Dialogue
You start your journey reunited with Knifey, Weezy, and Gus, and eventually expand your arsenal to six weapons. Each weapon, including Sheath, voiced by the legendary Ralph Ineson, has a unique transformation. What's truly impressive is the level of reactive dialogue. The guns aren't just tools; they are your constant companions, commenting dynamically on nearly 98% of the game's interactions. Whether you're navigating the massive Halo-inspired ring world of Circuit Arcadia or engaging in story-driven drama, the banter is constant, clever, and funnier than in the first game.
Absurdist Details and Time Wasters: A Dense Playground of Pop Culture
The game world is a dense playground of pop-culture riffs and 'time wasters.' You can spend hours on your couch with Gene watching bizarre movies, and it's totally worth it if only to discover these gems. The humor feels more mature this time around, striking a better balance between quick-fire gags and scripted improv. The overall storytelling is improved, allowing the pacing of the game to move forward rather than getting stuck on sections that stopped being funny 5 quips ago.
Technical Performance: A Visual Treat
Visually, the game is a treat, using Unreal Engine. The alien environments and weapon models look spectacular. Interestingly, the human models still look like they're made in the early 2000s, but it feels like a deliberate stylistic choice rather than a technical failing.
The Verdict: A Must-Play for Game Pass Subscribers
High on Life 2 is a rare sequel that understands exactly what to keep and what to cut. By trimming the excess and doubling down on tight platforming and sharp, self-aware writing, Squanch Games has delivered around 16-17 hours of adventure that is an essential play for Game Pass subscribers. It's bold, it's dumb in the best way possible, and it's easily the funniest game I've played in years. High on Life 2 was reviewed on the Xbox Series X via Game Pass Subscription. The game is also available on PlayStation, PC, and is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in April.
