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High on Life

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of High on Life
Item: High on Life
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Comedy, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 13, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X

DeveloperSquanch Games

Overview

From the mind of Justin Roiland (Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites) comes High On Life. Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

High on Life impresses with its humor and unique premise—a teenager teaming up with a talking gun against an alien cartel—drawing praise for its chaotic storytelling influenced by Justin Roiland. However, critics also slam its writing as generic and cliché, with some humor falling flat and serious moments feeling forced. Overall, while entertaining, the game suffers from narrative depth issues and could benefit from stronger storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of High on Life has garnered a range of positive remarks from various critics, particularly for its humor and engaging premise. Many reviewers noted the game's irreverent and chaotic storytelling, which is heavily influenced by the comedic style of Justin Roiland, creator of Rick and Morty. Critics like XboxEra and SpazioGames highlighted the humor as a standout feature, with XboxEra mentioning that the story is "constantly funny" and occasionally "tugs at the heartstrings." Game Rant and PCGamesN appreciated the game's unique premise of a teenager teaming up with a talking gun to combat an alien cartel, framing it as an adventurous and unpredictable sci-fi narrative. Additionally, some critics, such as GamingTrend and PC Invasion, praised the character development and the lively atmosphere created through interactions between characters, suggesting that the story, while simple, is effective in its execution. However, the game also faced considerable criticism, particularly regarding its writing and overall narrative depth. Many reviewers, including WellPlayed and TheGamer, described the story as generic and cliché, with WellPlayed criticizing it for being "insufferably smug" and filled with long stretches of inane dialogue. Critics like Game Informer and But Why Tho? echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the relentless humor often falls flat and that the writing can be annoying and repetitive. Furthermore, GRYOnline.pl and Atomix noted that the attempts at serious moments within the story felt forced and lacked the necessary depth to resonate with players, leading to a perception of the narrative as shallow and unoriginal. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while High on Life offers an entertaining and humorous experience, it struggles with narrative coherence and originality. The game’s reliance on self-referential humor and familiar tropes has left some players feeling underwhelmed by its execution. Critics like The Jimquisition and IGN France pointed out that the story does not leave a lasting impact, even if it can trigger some laughs. Despite its comedic strengths, the general sentiment indicates that the game could benefit from a more substantial narrative and refined writing to elevate its overall storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

High on Life boasts unique features and engaging exploration, but suffers from weak, repetitive combat and lackluster gunplay. Critics praise its humor and sentient weapons, but the generic firefights and clunky controls leave much to be desired. While some elements shine, the overall gameplay experience falls short, making it a tough sell for those seeking a satisfying FPS.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

26%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of High on Life has received a mixed reception from critics, with some praising its unique features and engaging mechanics. Several reviewers, such as Press Start Australia and XboxEra, highlight the game's exploration elements and the interesting combat mechanics provided by the sentient weapons known as Gatlians. Critics like Impulsegamer and PlaySense commend the game for its fun traversal options, including the use of a jetpack and grappling mechanics that enhance the overall experience. The incorporation of Metroidvania elements, as noted by critics like Digital Trends and Gaming Age, adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing for exploration and strategic use of abilities. Overall, there are elements of enjoyment in the combat and exploration that some critics found appealing. However, the majority of reviews point to significant shortcomings in the gameplay, particularly regarding the combat mechanics. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and The Jimquisition describe the gunplay as weak and lackluster, with enemies often feeling like bullet sponges. Many reviewers, including NME and Xbox Achievements, echo sentiments about the combat being generic and repetitive, with insufficient enemy variety and dull firefights. The boss fights, while occasionally highlighted as engaging by some, are often criticized for being poorly balanced or uninteresting, as noted by But Why Tho? and Game Informer. Furthermore, issues with clunky controls and floaty aiming were mentioned by critics like WellPlayed, contributing to an overall sense of frustration in combat scenarios. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while High on Life has some enjoyable aspects, particularly in its humor and unique weapon mechanics, it ultimately falls short in delivering a satisfying gameplay experience. Many reviewers agree that the combat lacks depth and variety, leading to a repetitive experience. Critics like GameRadar+ and Shacknews emphasize that the combat is the weakest aspect of the game, overshadowing the more enjoyable elements of exploration and world-building. Despite some positive remarks about the game's creativity and humor, the frequent critiques of its gameplay mechanics indicate that High on Life may not fully meet the expectations of players looking for a robust first-person shooter experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

High on Life’s visuals spark a split reaction: some praise its vibrant, unique art style and immersive worlds reminiscent of Rick and Morty, while others slam it for outdated graphics and lifeless environments. Critics laud the creativity but note significant flaws like flat experiences and disorienting level design. While the aesthetic shines for some, many feel it lacks the depth needed for full engagement, leaving a mixed consensus on whether it truly delivers on its artistic promise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of High on Life showcase a blend of vibrant creativity and unique artistic direction that many critics appreciate. Reviewers like NME and Impulsegamer highlight the game's colorful environments and attention to detail, praising the vibrant art style that aligns well with the game's quirky premise. BaziCenter emphasizes the extraordinary designs of the environments and creatures, noting that each planet feels distinct and alive, reminiscent of episodes from Rick and Morty. Critics such as Wccftech and MMORPG.com also commend the strong visual style and slick animations, indicating that the game's aesthetics contribute positively to the overall experience. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the game's graphics and visual design. Many reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and Power Unlimited, describe the graphics as unimpressive and below expectations, with some even labeling them as outdated. Screen Rant points out that despite the colorful screenshots, the actual game experience feels flatter and emptier, with large hub areas lacking content. Critics like The Jimquisition and Metro GameCentral express concerns about the lifelessness of NPCs and environments, suggesting that while the game has a distinct visual style, it ultimately fails to deliver depth and engagement. Additionally, IGN Italia mentions that the level design can be disorienting, detracting from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics presents a mixed bag of opinions on the graphics and visual design of High on Life. While many reviewers appreciate the vibrant and unique artistic direction, as noted by TheXboxHub and PlayStation Universe, others criticize the execution, citing issues like low-resolution graphics and lack of cohesion in design. Critics like Game Informer and GameGrin recognize the game's potential but also highlight its shortcomings, suggesting that while the visuals have their moments of brilliance, they often fall short of creating a fully immersive and engaging world. The game's colorful and cartoonish aesthetic resonates well with some, but the lack of depth and detail in certain areas leaves a significant portion of the audience wanting more.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"High on Life" impresses with stellar voice acting from comedians like Justin Roiland, adding humor and personality to the game, but suffers from repetitive gun chatter and low-quality jokes. Critics are split: some enjoy its quirky charm, while others find the humor tiresome and the soundtrack forgettable. Overall, strong performances can't fully compensate for the lackluster sound design, making it a divisive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of "High on Life" have garnered a mix of praise, particularly for the voice acting and the unique concept of talking weapons. Critics like IGN and XboxAddict highlighted the impressive voice cast, which includes well-known comedians such as Justin Roiland, noting that their performances add a layer of humor and personality to the game. The voice acting is frequently described as "brilliant" (Vandal) and "excellent" (GameSpace), with many reviewers appreciating the comedic timing and diverse character portrayals. Additionally, some critics, like KeenGamer, mentioned that the soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, fits well within the game's sci-fi context, blending ambient and battle music effectively. However, the overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music is marred by a significant number of criticisms. Many reviewers, including TheGamer and Game Informer, found the constant chatter from the guns to be tiresome and repetitive, with jokes that often fall flat. Critics like Pure Xbox and But Why Tho? echoed this sentiment, describing the humor as low-quality and the incessant banter as annoying. The soundtrack also faced scrutiny, with some reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Areajugones, labeling it as repetitive and lacking in memorable melodies, which detracted from the overall experience. In summary, while "High on Life" features commendable voice acting and a creative premise with its talking weapons, the execution of its humor and overall sound design leaves much to be desired. The critics are divided, with some appreciating the quirky charm of the game, while others find the humor and audio elements to be overwhelming and lacking depth. The consensus suggests that while the game has its strengths, particularly in voice performances, the repetitive nature of the dialogue and the underwhelming soundtrack hinder its potential, making it a polarizing experience among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in High on Life features standout performances from talents like Justin Roiland, enhancing the game's humor and character depth. However, critics note that the excessive and often repetitive dialogue can be irritating and detract from gameplay, dividing opinions on whether the comedic elements elevate or overwhelm the experience. Overall, while the voice cast brings a unique flair, the relentless chatter may leave some players feeling frustrated.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in High on Life has received a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting the talent involved and the comedic elements they bring to the game. Many reviewers, including Atomix and XboxAchievments, commend the performances of Justin Roiland and other notable comedians, emphasizing that their contributions add a distinct flavor to the characters, making them lively and engaging. Critics like PC Invasion and PlaySense also note that the voice acting enhances the comedic timing throughout the game, with the characters and weapons having unique personalities that contribute to the overall experience. The presence of a star-studded voice cast, as mentioned by CGMagazine, is seen as a significant asset, with many reviewers appreciating the humor and distinctiveness of each character's voice. Despite the acclaim, there is a notable consensus regarding the voice acting's shortcomings, particularly concerning its excessive nature. Critics such as PC Gamer and NME describe the dialogue as excessive and irritating, with characters frequently delivering lines that lack depth or humor. The constant chatter, as pointed out by But Why Tho? and Game Informer, can become grating, detracting from the gameplay experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including TheGamer and Metro GameCentral, criticize the dialogue for being long-winded and repetitive, which can lead to a sense of annoyance rather than amusement. This sentiment is echoed by others who feel that the humor often falls flat, with jokes that fail to resonate, as noted by Digital Trends and PCGamesN. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided opinion on the voice acting in High on Life. While many reviewers celebrate the comedic performances and the unique characterizations brought by the talented voice cast, a significant number express frustration with the excessive dialogue and its potential to detract from the gameplay experience. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Xbox Tavern acknowledge the enjoyable aspects of the voice acting, yet they also recognize that the relentless nature of the humor can wear thin over time. Ultimately, the voice acting stands out as a defining feature of the game, but its execution has left some players feeling overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

High on Life offers a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. The Xbox Series X and PC versions generally run smoothly at 60fps post-patch, earning praise for stability, though critics note persistent bugs and glitches. The PS5 version is mostly stable but experiences occasional slowdowns. However, the game is marred by issues like hitchiness, crashes, and gameplay-affecting glitches, leaving critics divided on its overall quality. While it has potential, significant technical improvements are crucial for a better player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of High on Life has garnered a mixed reception across different gaming platforms, particularly on the Xbox Series X, PC, and PS5. On the Xbox Series X, several reviewers, including MondoXbox and TheXboxHub, praised the game for running smoothly at 60fps after a day-one patch, with minor bugs noted by Press Start Australia and XboxAddict. Critics like NME highlighted that the game was technically sound, while Multiplayer.it noted that the game maintained stability at around 60 frames per second post-patch, despite some graphical limitations. On PC, many reviewers, including Worth Playing and Twinfinite, reported a generally smooth experience with a consistent 60fps, while GameGrin and Shacknews mentioned minor performance issues that did not detract significantly from enjoyment. The PS5 version, as noted by PlayStation Universe, also delivered a mostly stable experience with only rare performance issues. However, the negatives associated with High on Life cannot be overlooked. On the Xbox Series X, critics such as Game Informer and Destructoid pointed out various technical shortcomings, including hitchiness, frozen enemies, and critical path glitches. BaziCenter and EGM echoed similar sentiments, describing the game as buggy and janky at times, with lingering issues despite a patch. On PC, the situation was somewhat improved, but critics like PCGamesN and Game Rant reported frequent crashes and soft locks that impacted gameplay. While some reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and PlaySense, acknowledged minor bugs, they also noted that these issues were not game-breaking. The PS5 version, while generally stable, also faced occasional slowdowns and crashes, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms indicates that High on Life has a solid foundation, but it suffers from a variety of technical issues that detract from the overall experience. While some reviewers like GamersRD and MondoXbox found the game technically solid on the Xbox Series X, others highlighted persistent bugs and glitches that need addressing. On PC, the performance is generally good, but the presence of crashes and bugs remains a concern, as noted by MMORPG.com and GameGrin. The PS5 version, while stable, also shows a need for further optimization. The mixed reviews suggest that while the game has the potential for a rewarding experience, ongoing technical improvements are essential for it to meet the expectations of players across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

"High on Life" offers some replayability through collectibles and varied mission approaches, appealing to explorers and completionists. However, critics highlight its repetitive gameplay, lack of compelling rewards, and absence of a new game plus mode, ultimately deeming its replay value insufficient for multiple playthroughs. Enjoyable moments exist, but the game's limitations in variety and depth leave many feeling it's not worth revisiting.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of "High on Life" reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with some highlighting positive aspects that could enhance replayability. Several reviewers, such as Generación Xbox and IGN, noted that the game offers a variety of collectibles, hidden loot boxes, and opportunities to revisit previously explored areas, which can extend gameplay beyond the main story. Critics like MondoXbox emphasized the presence of over 200 collectibles and the potential for varied mission approaches based on dialogue choices, appealing to completionists and those who enjoy thorough exploration. Additionally, the agile gameplay and the ability to unlock new paths with new weapons, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel, suggest that players may find value in revisiting levels to uncover all secrets. Conversely, many critics pointed out significant drawbacks that limit the game's replay value. But Why Tho? criticized the lack of desirable rewards for exploration and the absence of compelling reasons to utilize movement abilities or alternative weapon fires. Game Informer echoed this sentiment, citing repetitive gameplay and uninteresting humor as factors that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Vandal and LevelUp also noted that the incentives to revisit areas are often unexciting, primarily revolving around collecting money or items, which may not be enough to motivate players to return once they have completed the main objectives. Additionally, the absence of a new game plus mode, as highlighted by PC Invasion, further diminishes the potential for replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while "High on Life" has elements that could encourage exploration and replay, such as collectibles and optional side activities, the repetitive nature of gameplay and lack of compelling rewards significantly hinder its replay value. Many reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and ZTGD, expressed that the game feels limited in variety, particularly in its later stages, which may dissuade players from returning after their initial playthrough. Ultimately, while the game offers enjoyable moments and exploration opportunities, the criticisms regarding its repetitive mechanics and lack of depth in combat and humor leave many reviewers feeling that the replay value is not robust enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding High on Life reveals a split among critics, with some praising its unique humor, engaging writing, and vibrant visuals. Reviewers like Noisy Pixel and ZTGD highlight the game's colorful graphics and enjoyable voice acting, suggesting that it provides a humorous and entertaining experience, particularly for fans of Justin Roiland's work. Critics such as GameSpot and Twinfinite commend the game for its comedic take on the FPS genre, noting that it manages to deliver a well-told story and solid gameplay, even if the humor may not resonate with everyone. Additionally, titles like Metro GameCentral and God is a Geek appreciate the game's creativity and potential for enjoyment, especially for those who enjoy quirky, absurd humor. Conversely, a significant number of critics express dissatisfaction with High on Life, citing issues such as derivative gameplay, repetitive mechanics, and a lack of depth in both combat and humor. TheGamer and Game Informer point out that the game feels outdated and tiresome, with unoriginal characters and jokes that fail to land. WellPlayed and GamingTrend echo these sentiments, describing the gameplay as mechanically unremarkable and the humor as polarizing. Critics like IGN France and Destructoid also note that while the game may have its moments, it ultimately falls short of being a standout experience, with technical issues and a lack of variety in gameplay. The overall consensus among critics appears to be mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the game's humor and creativity and those who find it lacking in substance and execution. While some, like BaziCenter and The Loadout, suggest that the game will appeal primarily to fans of Roiland's style, others, such as Pure Xbox and GameSkinny, argue that it fails to deliver a compelling experience for a broader audience. Ultimately, High on Life seems to be a title that may resonate well with a niche audience but struggles to achieve widespread acclaim, as reflected in the varied opinions from critics across the board.

TL;DR

High on Life splits critics down the middle: some rave about its vibrant visuals and quirky humor, especially fans of Justin Roiland, while others slam its repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. Praise focuses on its unique comedic take on the FPS genre, but many argue the humor falls flat, feeling outdated and derivative. The game may charm a niche audience, but it struggles to impress the broader gaming community, leaving a mixed consensus on its overall value.

MONSTER

Reviews

123 reviews found

XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Jan 17, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High on Life is a fantastic addition to the Xbox catalog, recommended for its story, gameplay, and humor.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High On Life is absolutely fantastic and highly recommended.

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CGMagazine

Xbox Series X

Jan 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High on Life is a dark horse, console-exclusive game with impeccable quality and a genuinely funny narrative. It is recommended for mature players and a good addition to Xbox Game Pass.

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Dec 14, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High on Life is a fantastic experience with a great story, enjoyable gameplay, impressive sound design, and humor. The technical issues are a drawback, but overall it is a wonderful game worth playing.

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KeenGamer

Dec 20, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High On Life is a fun and satisfying game that successfully combines comedy with a serious gamer story. It offers solid gameplay mechanics, visually appealing graphics, and enjoyable voice acting. The game is recommended for fans of Justin Roiland and those looking for a humorous shooter experience.

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Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Dec 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its style, character, and humor, and is recommended for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

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PC Invasion

Dec 12, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High on Life is an excellent comedy game with a higher budget than most. It offers a compelling story, satisfying gameplay, and exceptional presentation. Recommended for fans of Justin Roiland's humor and those looking for a good first-person shooter.

GameSpace

Jan 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High on Life is a humorous shooting game that will appeal to fans of Rick and Morty and those who enjoy hilarious gunfights. However, if you don't like the humor of the series, the jokes may bore you. The game has already gained popularity among Game Pass subscribers and on Steam.

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GameGrin

Dec 19, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

High On Life is a fun and humorous FPS that lacks some technical polish and optional goals, but provides an entertaining joyride around the galaxy.

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Gaming Age

Xbox Series X

Dec 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is a solid shooter with a unique visual style, fun gameplay, and humorous storytelling. It is worth checking out, especially since it is available through Xbox's Game Pass program.

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