High On Life - What We Know So Far

The gaming world was abuzz by the conclusion of the 2022 Xbox & Bethesda Game Showcase. While much of the hype went to the highly anticipated "Starfield," many other smaller titles also had their time to shine and leave an impression on prospective buyers. And fewer of these games seem to have left an impression quite like "High on Life," a first-person shooter lifted directly from the mind of "Rick and Morty" and "Solar Opposites" co-creator Justin Roiland, which is due for a release exclusive to the Xbox Series X|S and PC later in 2022.

Developed and self-published by Squanch Games, "High on Life" was an absolute secret prior to June 2022 and caught the gaming world pleasantly off guard. In the time since its announcement at the Xbox Showcase, the game's quirky and amusing premise and biopunk setting have plenty excited for its release. But what exactly is "High on Life" and why should you join the legions of people who can't wait to get their hands on it? Here's everything we know so far about "High on Life."

"High on Life" was formally announced as part of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase on June 12, 2022. Alongside its reveal, as well as a first-look into its gameplay and story, Xbox stamped the game with an Oct. 25, 2022 release date. "High on Life" will be exclusive to both the Xbox Series X|S and PC and will be available on GamePass for both platforms upon its release.

In a behind-the-scenes interview posted to GameSpot's YouTube channel, Justin Roiland called "High on Life" his "dream game" and one that he was very proud to have a hand in creating with his company Squanch Games. He also marks "High on Life" as Squanch's first real attempt at a AAA (or "triple-I" as he called it) gaming experience. "As a studio, we are attempting to bring A-level adult comedy into video games," Roiland said when asked why people should be excited about the new release.

A trailer for "High on Life" was released on June 12, 2022, and boy, is it something. The trailer shows off both gameplay and cutscenes, giving gamers a good idea of what to expect when the game finally drops in October. According to the its official synopsis, "High on Life" takes place in a world where "humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs." From there, the player embarks on a journey to destroy the alien drug cartel and liberate humans from this enslavement.

The trailer itself is bizarre and difficult to describe. Guns are sentient creatures that talk to you, there are enemy types that require the insertion of a monkey-like creature into their heads, and even teddy bear-type enemies. It's quite a wild ride and one that shouldn't surprise fans of Roiland's previous works, be it "Rick and Morty" or "Solar Opposites." Accompanying this hilariously nutty trailer is deep-bass electronic music, pushing home the core combat-centric gameplay and overall immaculate vibes.

You might want to take a seat for this one.

In the trailer for "High on Life," viewers are treated to visuals reminiscent of other first-person shooters they have probably played in the past, but where the game differs in this regard is in its approach. The guns players will use aren't really guns per se. Instead, they are a sentient species of aliens called Gatliens who not just fire projectiles from their bottom half, but also comedically riff with the player as they embark on their tasks. These Gatliens also seem very enthusiastic about their assignments, gleefully rejoicing whenever you successfully engage an enemy.

Gatliens come in various different sizes and with a variety of different abilities. One Gatlien seems to have the odd ability of producing offspring on queue that can be used as "bullets." Another takes the shape of a knife that has an obsession with being used as such. It's all really weird, but it looks like a heck of a lot of fun.