The upcoming video game, High on Life 2, showcased its potential as a sequel during a preview event at Gamescom 2025. Departing from the original’s reliance on humor, the new installment focuses on delivering an engaging gaming experience that combines action and comedy. Players can expect improved mechanics, particularly in the game’s combat system, which significantly enhances the overall gameplay.
During the Gamescom demonstration, attendees explored a level called ConCon, a whimsical convention themed around other conventions. Initial gameplay involved navigating the chaotic atmosphere of Parking Con, where players engage in a humorous bloodbath over parking spots. The experience quickly transitioned into a frantic battle for survival, showcasing how the game cleverly integrates comedy into its action sequences.
The first task of finding a parking space quickly escalated into a competition where players could eliminate rivals competing for the same spot. The absurdity of the situation prompted laughter, highlighting the game’s unique ability to intertwine humor with gameplay. As one participant noted, shooting an opponent who claimed dibs on a parking space was both satisfying and entertaining.
Following the Parking Con escapades, players encountered Murder Con, where they participated in a tournament-style battle. This segment allowed High on Life 2 to demonstrate its revamped weapon arsenal and the speed of character movement. The game’s pacing has been notably improved, enhancing the overall experience of traversing its vibrant world.
The narrative remains peppered with clever writing, exemplified by the villainous senator character who comically taunts players during battles. Players can attempt to shoot him, but he cleverly deflects attacks by sending security guards to absorb the damage, adding to the game’s quirky charm.
Innovative Gameplay Enhancements
One of the standout features of High on Life 2 is the introduction of skateboarding as a mode of transport. This new mechanic allows players to traverse levels more swiftly and even use the skateboard as a weapon against enemies. During the demo, players found it particularly gratifying to execute attacks while gliding around the environment.
The game’s developers from Squanch Games expressed their excitement over the project’s progress. Observers noted the developers’ enthusiasm as players explored the world, discovering hidden jokes and engaging in the game’s humor. This feedback indicates a strong connection between the developers and the player experience, emphasizing their commitment to creating an entertaining and immersive environment.
An example of the game’s inventive humor comes from a segment where players perform “surgery” on an alien hitman voiced by Ralph Ineson. Players can either take their time to listen to the hitman’s lengthy explanation or expedite the process by completing the task quickly, further showcasing the game’s playful approach to storytelling and gameplay.
Comedy Meets Action
The challenge for High on Life 2 lies in balancing its comedic elements with the demands of a longer gameplay experience. Unlike a television show, video games require sustained engagement, making it crucial that humor remains relevant throughout. The developers have embraced this challenge, crafting scenarios that encourage players to discover humor organically as they progress through the game.
So far, the combination of action and comedy appears to be a winning formula for High on Life 2. The game’s ability to keep players entertained while also providing a satisfying gameplay experience suggests that it may exceed the expectations set by its predecessor. As anticipation builds for the game’s full release, the foundation laid during the Gamescom 2025 preview leaves players eager to see how the final product develops.
