High on Life 2 Game Is Out, People Talk About Its Funny Jokes and New Skateboard Moves

The new game High on Life 2 has been released. Players are talking about its funny jokes and new ways to move, like using a skateboard. The game makers want many people to try it.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Entertainment |

Anticipation for a New Shooter Experience

High on Life 2 has arrived, presenting a new entry in the science-fiction shooter genre. The game's release has generated discussion regarding its humor, gameplay innovations, and its availability across different platforms. Early reviews suggest a mixed but often positive reception, with particular attention paid to its comedic elements and the introduction of new mechanics. The developer's strategic choices regarding distribution and content are also subjects of examination.

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Contextualizing the Release

High on Life 2, developed by Squanch Games, follows the original High on Life which was noted for its distinct brand of humor, often compared to the animated series Rick and Morty. The sequel appears to build upon this foundation while introducing new features.

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  • Timeline: Reports and previews for High on Life 2 have appeared in late August and September 2025, with some indicating a release date around February 13, 2026.

  • Actors: Squanch Games is the developer. Various gaming publications such as Polygon, Insider Gaming, IGN, TechRadar, VR Kutak, VGC, CogConnected, PC Gamer, What's It Like, and Xboxera have published reviews and previews.

  • Key Events: The introduction of a skateboarding mechanic is a prominent feature highlighted across multiple previews. The game's humor and its approach to narrative are also central to discussions. The developer's intent to reach a wider audience, including through Xbox Game Pass, is a noted strategy.

Evidence of Reception and Developer Intent

Reviewers and previews offer insights into the game's design and the developer's aims:

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  • Gameplay:

  • "The world of High On Life 2 is a joy to explore, and it’s the missions where the game comes to life." - Insider Gaming

  • "Sure, you’ll be shooting countless amounts of aliens, but you’ll be doing that whilst hitting sick tricks on your brand-new Skateboard." - Insider Gaming

  • "Team up with a wide cast of talking alien guns as you shoot, stab, and skate your way through the exotic locales to take down the bad guys and save your favorite species (humans)!" - IGN

  • "The core gunplay feels a lot better too." - VGC

  • "High on Life 2 appears to be building on the Metroidvania, part FPS elements of its predecessor, notably incorporating a skateboarding mechanic." - PC Gamer

  • Humor:

  • "High on Life 2 is at its best when it steps out from Rick and Morty’s shadow" - Polygon

  • "Squanch Games turns that anxiety into sci-fi satire fit for Adult Swim in its latest game, High on Life 2." - Polygon

  • "If you did not like the first game, you will not like the second." - Xboxera

  • "While the offbeat humour can still be grating at times, I enjoyed High on Life much more on my second run." - What's It Like

  • Developer Strategy:

  • "High On Life 2 isnt trying to win you over with its humor: 'I think it’d be a mistake to chase the folks that we probably will never convince that were funny.'" - TechRadar

  • "It was kind of an easy business decision, as far as just looking at sales numbers on the first one and not having that exclusivity this time around to launch it on all platforms," - TechRadar

  • "And despite the success of the original, Fridley explains 'we're still in a franchise building mode' where the relatively new studio 'want as many people to know about Squanch' and 'the best way to do that is to give it away and get as many people with their hands on it as possible.'" - TechRadar

  • "And despite the launch on Xbox Game Pass, High on Life actually shines brightest elsewhere, 'shockingly even after the 14 month delay on Sony launch – because of an exclusivity clause with the first game that Microsoft had – it's [PS5] still our lead platform.'" - TechRadar

Narrative and Satirical Ambitions

High on Life 2 appears to lean into its satirical roots, with some suggesting its premise offers a more compelling starting point than its predecessor. The game aims to translate anxieties into a science-fiction context, drawing parallels to Adult Swim programming.

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  • The premise of High on Life 2 is presented as a stronger foundation for its satirical narrative.

  • The game's humor is described as a defining characteristic, with the developer opting not to alter it to appease critics.

Gameplay Enhancements: Skateboarding and Exploration

A notable addition to the sequel is the introduction of a skateboarding mechanic. This feature is intended to add a new layer of movement and interaction to the game's exploration and combat.

  • The integration of a skateboard is a significant gameplay change, allowing players to perform tricks while engaging in combat.

  • The world design is praised for creating an immersive and dynamic environment, giving players a sense of freedom.

Developer's Approach to Humor and Audience

Squanch Games has maintained its distinct comedic style, with lead developers expressing a reluctance to dilute their humor to attract a broader audience. This strategy is part of a larger goal to establish and grow the Squanch brand.

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  • The developer believes that attempting to alter their humor would result in a less distinctive and potentially weaker game.

  • The decision to launch on multiple platforms, including Xbox Game Pass, is seen as a strategic move to maximize reach and build brand recognition, rather than solely focusing on sales of the initial game.

Platform Strategy and Market Reach

The developer's decision to forgo exclusivity, unlike the first game, aims to broaden the game's accessibility. Despite launching on Xbox Game Pass, preliminary data suggests PlayStation platforms remain a primary market.

  • The departure from an exclusivity deal is a deliberate business choice to expand the game's market presence.

  • The initial exclusivity deal with Microsoft for the first game influenced the PS5 launch timing for the sequel.

Conclusion: A Refined, Bold Continuation

High on Life 2 is shaping up to be a direct continuation of its predecessor's vision, emphasizing its unique comedic voice and introducing new gameplay elements like skateboarding. The developer's strategic choices highlight a commitment to brand building and broad market penetration, even if it means adhering to a style that may not resonate with everyone. The reception of the game hinges on players' acceptance of its particular brand of humor and its evolved gameplay. Further analysis of player engagement and critical consensus will offer a clearer picture of its long-term impact.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is High on Life 2?
High on Life 2 is a new video game where you shoot aliens and explore. It is known for its funny jokes and unique style.
Q: What is new in High on Life 2?
The game has new jokes and a new way to move around using a skateboard. You can do tricks while playing.
Q: Who made High on Life 2?
The game was made by Squanch Games. They also made the first High on Life game.
Q: Is High on Life 2 available on many platforms?
Yes, the makers want many people to play it. It is on Xbox Game Pass and other places too.