High on Life 2 Review: Squanch Games Delivers Laughs and Lasers in This Sequel

In a gaming landscape dominated by epic storylines and high-stakes drama, Squanch Games' High on Life 2 arrives like a breath of fresh, irreverent air. This first-person shooter sequel picks up where the original left off, thrusting players back into a bizarre universe of talking guns, alien invasions, and biting social commentary. High on Life 2 carves its place in your gaming backlog through unapologetic comedy and chaotic action. It's escapism at its finest, blending laser blasts with laughs that keep you hooked from the first bounty hunt. Developed by the team behind the 2022 hit, Squanch Games (founded by Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland), the game expands on its predecessor's formula. Players once again step into the shoes of a bounty hunter armed with sentient weapons whose quips turn every firefight into a comedy routine.

Humor You Won't Find Anywhere Else

High on Life 2 - Gameplay and Humor

The narrative in High on Life 2 dives deeper into its sci-fi absurdity, following your ragtag crew as they navigate a galaxy teeming with corrupt corporations and eccentric extraterrestrials. The story kicks off with a high-octane tutorial level that sets the tone: you're evading G3 cartel goons while your weapon cracks wise about everything from fast food to existential dread.

Humor remains the game's beating heart, delivered through dynamic dialogue trees that let you steer conversations toward chaos or cleverness. Memorable moments include debating philosophy with a gun that's basically a stoner philosopher or infiltrating a planet-sized mall run by holographic influencers. Unlike the original's sometimes scattershot approach, this entry weaves satire more cohesively, drawing parallels to real-world absurdities without preaching.

The voice acting shines, with returning cast members infusing characters with infectious energy. New additions, like a rival bounty hunter voiced by a comedian alum, add layers of rivalry laced with puns. It's this blend of escapism and edge that makes the story replayable, especially alongside the ability to unlock alternate endings based on humor choices, encouraging multiple playthroughs to catch every zinger.

What's Different Under the Hood?

High on Life 2 - Tech and Gameplay Upgrades

Building on the original's solid but unpolished foundation, High on Life 2 introduces meaningful upgrades to its FPS core. Combat feels tighter, with responsive aiming and a variety of 'Gatlian' weapons that let you choose your arsenal on the fly. Your auto pistol is Sweezy, Gus is your shotgun, and Sheath takes the place of an assault rifle. There is still nothing like unloading bullets while your gun roasts your enemies mid-fight.

Exploration has expanded too, with larger, more interactive worlds that reward curiosity. Planets feature verticality for platforming segments, seamless transitions between shooting galleries and puzzle-like bounty hunts. The addition of a skateboard to the game's mobility options is also a welcome surprise. This is a feature that could have gone very wrong if not implemented well but here it just adds to the frenetic action and absurdity of everything else going on around you.

Performance-wise, the game runs great on current-gen consoles and PC, with ray-tracing options enhancing the vibrant and one-of-a-kind visuals. This game really looks like nothing else, except for High on Life 1, and the presentation does a great job of showing off the creativity of the game world on display.

Review Breakdown

High on Life 2 nails its strengths in humor and action, but it's not without flaws. Here's our breakdown:

Pros:

  • Hilarious dialogue trees that adapt to player choices, delivering fresh laughs on replays.

  • Smooth FPS mechanics with fluid movement and satisfying weapon feedback.

  • Expanded world-building that mixes satire with genuine joy.

  • Memorable characters and voice work that elevate even filler missions.

Cons:

  • Some levels drag with repetitive enemy waves, echoing original complaints.

  • Pacing in the mid-game storyline can feel uneven amid the humor overload.

  • Limited customization options beyond weapons.

Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, making this a standout sequel in a year packed with great games to play. High on Life 2 reminds us that gaming's joy often lies in its silliest corners.

High on Life 2 is available now for PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X|S