High on Life 2: Skateboards, Bugs, and a Dash of Humor
When your skateboard is cooler than your protagonist
Launch Day Larry
In the world of gaming sequels, “High on Life 2” is like that friend who shows up to a party with a skateboard and a bag full of jokes—some land, some don’t, but you can’t deny they’re trying. This game builds on its predecessor with new mechanics and a vibrant art style, but it also brings along a few unwelcome guests: performance issues and bugs. Let’s dive into the chaos and see if this sequel is worth the ride.
Gameplay: Skateboards and Shenanigans
“High on Life 2” takes the core gameplay of its predecessor and injects it with a shot of adrenaline. The introduction of a skateboard as a traversal and combat tool is a standout feature, adding a dynamic layer to the action. Imagine Tony Hawk meets Doom Slayer, and you’re halfway there. The skateboard allows for fluid movement and creative combat strategies, making every encounter feel fresh and exhilarating.
However, the game’s performance is like a skateboarder on a bumpy road—full of stutters and crashes. Players with high-end systems might glide smoothly, but those with older hardware or Linux setups will find themselves face-planting into frame drops and crashes. The lack of a manual save option and long loading times due to shader compilation add to the frustration, making it feel like the game is testing your patience as much as your skills.
Graphics: A Vibrant Yet Demanding Canvas
Visually, “High on Life 2” is a feast for the eyes, with a vibrant art style and clean lighting that make the game’s world pop. The environments feel more alive than ever, drawing players into a colorful and immersive experience. It’s like stepping into a comic book, where every panel is bursting with life and detail.
Yet, this visual splendor comes at a cost. The game’s high system requirements are a point of contention, with even powerful GPUs like the RTX 4080 struggling to maintain smooth frame rates. Optimization is a recurring issue, with players reporting stuttering, crashes, and texture popping. It’s as if the game demands a supercomputer to run what looks like a Saturday morning cartoon.
Story: Humor and Hiccups
The narrative of “High on Life 2” continues the story from the first game, with a mix of engaging moments and clever fourth wall breaks. The humor is a central component, though it doesn’t always hit the mark. Some players find it entertaining, while others feel it’s as forced as a dad joke at a family dinner. The absence of the character Kenny, due to real-world controversies, leaves a noticeable void, with some players missing his balancing presence among the game’s eccentric cast.
Technical issues further mar the story experience, with bugs and crashes interrupting the narrative flow. Players have reported game-breaking glitches that prevent progression, turning what should be a seamless journey into a series of frustrating roadblocks. Despite these challenges, the game includes innovative storytelling elements, like a secret ending that rewards players for thinking outside the box.
Final Verdict
“High on Life 2” is a game of contrasts. It offers engaging gameplay and a vibrant visual style, but it’s hampered by significant technical issues and a story that doesn’t quite live up to its potential. Fans of the original will find much to enjoy, but newcomers might want to wait for patches to smooth out the rough edges. If you’re willing to overlook the bugs and embrace the chaos, there’s fun to be had—just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Score: 6.5/10