High on Life

High on Life is a laugh-out-loud funny space odyssey that’s chaotic, bizarre, and a ton of fun.

Squanch Games' trademark humor mixes with solid shooting and traversal in this goofy space romp.

A miserable cocktail of ideas from other action-platformers and the worst parts of Rick and Morty.

Lacking the sharpness needed by both shooters and comedy, High on Life is a low point in the gaming calendar.

There's an Achievement permanently tied to my account now that claims I spent "15 hours at the very real in-game alien strip club." To all my friends and family who may one day read this: I promise that isn't true.

Despite multiple shortcomings and my general aversion to the game’s writing, High on Life has occasional glimmers of potential. I’d like to see a sequel polish and improve upon this foundation. I’m always itching for more creative takes on shooters, but High on Life is a reminder that “different” doesn’t always mean “good.”

This first-person shooter from Rick and Morty's co-creator pairs a barrage of nihilistic jokes with flimsy gameplay

This uneven mix of humor and design keeps “High on Life” from ever feeling like a natural combination of video game and traditional comedy, even if there are plenty of moments where glimpses of some better blend of the two elements appears. What’s here is worthwhile for audiences curious about the concept of a comedy shooter, but it’s too uneven and stiflingly desperate to please to recommend beyond that.

As-is, High on Life is great weekend Game Pass pickup, and something to go into with caution if you’re a fan of Roiland’s work.

High On Life, like Rick and Morty, walks up the precipice of revelation, opens its fly, and pisses into the chasm. It’s fucking funny to almost do something different in form and function just to pull away at the last second, isn’t it? You thought we really gave a fuck, didn’t you? Fucking idiot. Here’s a fart.