The first High On Life was one of those games you either liked it or didn’t. I was in the boat that did enjoy the first game quite a bit. While the first game’s gameplay wasn’t bad by any means, it did sometimes take a bit of a backseat for the comedic writing.

With High On Life 2, the comedic writing is at the forefront again but, this time around Squanch Games worked to make sure it’s gameplay was just as strong. The final result is a game that fans of the first game are sure to love, and might even draw in some that didn’t enjoy the first game.

Story

After saving humanity and stopping the G3 Cartel in the first game, The Bounty Hunter has become a galaxy wide celebrity along with the Gatlians, a species of sentient guns who assisted him. However, as things go on the celebrity life begins to wear on him and he along with the Gatlians grow bored all while things with his family aren’t going great either. One day, he learns that his sister Lizzie who’s become a freedom fighter since the first game has become the most wanted criminal in the galaxy. While saving her, he becomes branded a criminal himself after killing bounty hunters who were after her.

To make matters worse, he and Lizzie discover that Rhea Pharmaceutical is essentially continuing the work of the G3 Cartel from the first game by processing humans into drugs, only they’re trying to get it legalized. The Bounty Hunter along with his sister and his Gatlian allies set off to save humanity once again, this time working as an assassin outlaw.

Pros

Much like the first game, High On Life 2 is a very funny game but this time, the humor is a little different in its writing and Joke Delivery. As Justin Roiland is no longer involved with the series, the writing isn’t quite like the humor seen in Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites which may interest some who weren’t into that brand of humor as much. From the jokes, to the personality of each of the gatlians in the game which are a lively bunch much like the first game, there were multiple moments where I laughed out loud during High On Life 2.

Adding to the humor however, is a story that has more heart to it this time as well. The protagonist is still silent but, there are moments where we do actually get glimpses into what his personality is this time. This is especially present when his family is involved, as his sister Lizzie is a much more involved and a very different character this time. She’s not an airheaded teenager anymore and is much more of a dangerous fighter as her brother was, having become a freedom fighter to save humanity on her own while her brother is wrapped up in the celebrity life.

His family overall is more involved in the story and, without spoiling anything, does create a few moments that do actually feel heartfelt. His family dynamics do play into the game, in a way that doesn’t sacrifice the comedy. Also without spoiling anything, let’s just say the Bounty hunter goes through some things this time around.

While the story and writing are well done, Squanch has also made an effort to step up the Gameplay. The game’s combat is a fun time due to the abilities of the Gatlians, as well as the games main traversal option, the skateboard. Gus, Sweezy and Creature from the first game all return along with Knifey. They’re joined by Bowie, a bow and arrow that has a time stop for precision shots, Travis and Jan who function like a dual wield version of Kenny from the first game. Lastly and my personal favorite is Sheav, a burst fire rifle who can harpoon enemies. The returning Gatlians also have expanded abilities such as Creature being able to direct his spawns with a laser pointer and Sweezy being able to shoot through glass walls. There’s also a super ability in the form of Jeppy. I won’t say everything involving him but he’s the son of Letzduit from the first game who was essentially High On Life’s version of the BFG.

Adding to the combat is the games new traversal option, the skateboard. I don’t know who thought of mixing fps gameplay with a skateboard traversal but they’re a genius. The skateboard makes the gunplay fast paced and kind of reminds me of Sunset Overdrive mixed with Doom as both of those games focused on constant movement. The skateboard itself can be used for attacks such as ramming into enemies as well as being launched into them and is also upgradable along with the various Gatlians.

Also added to the combat are various temporary weapons in the form of wild animals that can be picked up. These range from fire breathing turtles to chicken like animals that can be used as mallets.

High on Life 2 also has very fun traversal, once again this is owed to the skateboard. The game features 3 different hubs this time as opposed to one in the first game and they’re all pretty fun to explore as you ride around worlds that feel kind of like something out of Jet Set Radio. You grind around and zip at high speeds as well as go up half pipes and create your own paths to explore everything from the streets to the heights of skyscrapers. It also helps that the colorful art style of the first game is expanded upon and even greater than before.

In between missions, I spent a good amount of time exploring each of the hubs and thankfully, High On Life 2 does pack a decent amount of side content. There are skateboard races in each of the hubs, a taxi driving side game and various retro style arcade games to unlock as well.

High On Life 2 also does a good job with its overall mission variety. While the first game was largely getting from point A to point B with some rather easy puzzles along the way, the sequel features better puzzles due to the higher number and expanded abilities of the Gatlians. Many of their abilities work in tandem with each other such as Gus being able to vacuum things and Sheav being able to harpoon electrical sockets. The puzzles aren’t brain busters but they’re solid and pretty fun overall.

In addition to the better puzzles, the game also does change up its mission variety as it features missions that involve things like solving murder mystery or paying homage to Super Mario 64 where you have to jump through paintings to progress. While there are some levels that are more straightforward action, these add a pretty fun change of pace.

Lastly when it comes to its gameplay, High On Life 2 nailed it in its boss fights. One particular boss fight has perhaps the greatest 4th wall break I’ve ever seen in a game as it features you having to fight the boss as he actively messes with your settings. While some others are more straightforward, they were all fun to fight and the bosses themselves could often be very funny much like the other characters in the game.

Cons

So unfortunately while the game’s exploration is overall considerably more fun along with combat, at the same time it does kind of feel like the metroidvania elements aren’t as present as they were in the first game. Most of the abilities you don’t really have to explore too much to find as they’ll be given during the story or simply bought and you don’t need them to access much of the side content either. This is a bit of a shame since I thought the first game was actually a pretty good metroidvania title. They’re still there but it just feels like Squanch decided to go lighter on them this time.

Secondly the game may lack replay value for some. While there is a good amount of side content, it’s not too hard to track down much of it and some gamers may get everything on their first playthrough.

I also feel that you perhaps didn’t get enough time with a couple of the Gatlians as well as they’re found a bit late.

Also, High on Life 2 also does suffer from some technical issues. There wasn’t anything gamebreaking but there were multiple times where the game restarted on me as well as occasions where I was unable to swap my guns out. This would only be fixed after I went to my last checkpoint which thankfully the checkout system is good.

Final Thoughts

Overall I had a blast with High On Life 2 from start to finish. With improved gameplay and in my opinion improved writing as well, fans of the first game and maybe even some detractors will find a lot to like here. Although the reduced metroidvania elements are disappointing and some tech issues can be annoying, it wasn’t nearly enough to bring the overall experience down. If Squanch decides to go with High On Life 3, I await it greatly.

Reviewed on Xbox Series S. Thank you to Squanch Games for providing a review code.

High on Life 2 is scheduled to launch on the 13th February 2026 for PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X/S.