High On Life 2 arrives as a sharper sequel from Squanch Games. Fame, fortune, and a powered suit start the story. Big Pharma then turns humans into pills. You lose status and become the most wanted outlaw in the galaxy. That setup fuels a fast, crowded campaign with dark jokes and clever set pieces.
This game review and in-depth review from DayOne focuses on gameplay analysis, story beats, and technical performance. Expect a 10 to 15 hour main run, plus hours of side content for players who like exploration. The title ships on PC and current Xbox hardware, and arrives on Game Pass at launch, which affects value for many players.
Humor sits front and center. Comedic timing beats shock value. Voice work and writing lift every encounter. Your talking guns return with expanded lines and reactive banter. Read on for a focused gameplay analysis, a look at game mechanics, and a concise storyline review that keeps spoilers low and enjoyment high.
High On Life 2
The story sends your bounty hunter into Circuit Arcadia, a ring world built for spectacle. Your sister leads a human rights cell, and alliances shift fast. Missions stitch a larger conspiracy around Big Pharma and celebrity culture.
The sequel pares back Metroid style gating, while keeping key upgrades for hidden areas. Exploration rewards pesos, cosmetics, and skateboard parts. Expect side tasks centered on character customization and board upgrades, which appeal to players who enjoy small goals between big fights. Final insight, the narrative stays lean and bold, with payoff in emotional beats and oddball humor.
Gameplay Notes
Combat moves faster than the first entry. Skateboard access works as a movement sprint and a weapon. Melee and board throwing add variety to gunplay. Weapon swaps keep encounters lively.
Weapons speak constantly. Each gun reacts to environment, dialogue, and enemy types. Expect hundreds of unique lines during a standard playthrough. That design choice keeps gameplay fresh and amusing from mission start to credits. Closing insight, the combat loop rewards skill and improvisation.
Weapon Voices
Your arsenal includes old favorites and new additions. Knifey, Weezy, and Gus return with more personality and context sensitive lines. The game assigns choices to specific guns during some sequences, which changes conversation outcomes and gag timing.
Performance across lines feels polished. The writing team focused on tight jokes instead of long riffing. Players who value writing will find this sequel stronger than the original. Final insight, voice work anchors comedy and elevates every fight.
Platform Tech
PC delivers the sharpest image and fluid frame rates on high end rigs. Xbox Series X holds solid performance with a softer image compared to maxed PC. Xbox Ally X plays well at medium to low settings. Many players will lower resolution for a locked 60 fps frame rate.
Controller deadzone defaults feel high on consoles. No in-menu slider exists for internal deadzone, so players using advanced joysticks might seek firmware options outside the game. For broader context on handheld performance and hardware, check this preview of the Xbox Ally handheld for specific tests and impressions Xbox Ally handheld preview. Final insight, choose platform based on display and frame rate priorities.
Circuit Arcadia
The city area spans massive districts. Circuit Arcadia mixes neon plazas, grimy back alleys, and weird commercial zones. A light guide map gives rough directions, while a ping system points to objectives. Expect moments where navigation requires experimentation and platforming skill.
Optional areas hide puzzles and collectibles behind specific gear. Players who enjoy exploration will find a dense environment with meaningful rewards. Final insight, Circuit Arcadia offers choice between focused play and thorough exploration.
Key Features
High On Life 2 builds on the first game’s strengths while trimming excess. Key features focus on combat, writing, and freedom of play style. DayOne readers should note core selling points below for quick reference.
- Length: 10 to 15 hour main campaign with added side content
- Humor: Dense, tightly written jokes with strong performances
- Combat: Skateboard mechanics plus weapon variety
- Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Ally X, Nintendo Switch 2 release planned
- Value: Launch on Game Pass boosts accessibility and value
Final insight, these features position the title as a smart sequel with wide appeal for fans of narrative shooters and comedic writing.
Performance Notes
Minor quest bugs appeared during play. One reload fixed a stalled objective. Another required retracing steps to trigger an event. Overall optimization felt solid across platforms.
Audio and visual design work together to sell absurd scenes. Alien models and gun designs receive high detail. Human faces use a stylized look that may divide players. Final insight, performance delivers steady play with occasional hiccups.
For broader context on subscription services and library changes, see the Game Pass updates page for recent moves by platform holders Game Pass updates. For hardware choices and display tests, check a recent guide on top gaming TVs to match visuals to goals best gaming TVs review.
Which platforms host High On Life 2
High On Life 2 runs on PC and current Xbox hardware at launch. A Nintendo Switch 2 version is scheduled to arrive later. Game Pass subscribers gain access on Day One for supported platforms.
How long does the campaign run
Expect about 10 to 15 hours for the main campaign. Full completion with side quests and collectibles will extend playtime by several hours. Players focused on exploration will find many optional activities.
Are the jokes better than the first game
Yes. Writing in this sequel uses shorter, sharper beats and denser punchlines. Voice performances support comedic timing and character work across missions.
Which platform offers best performance
High end PC provides the clearest image and highest frame rates. Xbox Series X provides stable performance with a softer image. Handheld play works well at reduced settings for smoother frame pacing.