Last year, Squanch Games released their 4th, and most ambitious, title High on Life. Critical reception seemed mixed and ultimately boils down to the player’s sense of humor. The game’s humor very much borrowed inspiration from Justin Roiland’s Cartoon Network show Rick & Morty. Nearly 10 months after launch, Squanch Games released High on Knife, a standalone DLC pack that continues the story of The Hunter and his sentient weapons.
After turning in the latest bounty, Gene explains that someone tried delivering a package for Knifey. After reading the note left on the fridge, the Bounty Hunter, his group of Gatlien, and Knifey set off on what is supposed to be another simple adventure. The sense of humor found in the base game is still retained, despite Justin Roiland’s departure from the project. The Duffalo Ranch location, for example, is home to the phallic duffalo, which in-game is described as a majestic creature. In actuality, the duffalo look more like something that should be blurred up by censors. That warped world the main High on Life campaign created expands with even more absurdity.
Absence Explained
Taking place 2 years after the main campaign, High on Knife sees our bounty hunter return home from another successful mission. The Hunter and his talking gun companions return to Gene once again, to reminisce about the previous adventure and complain about the monotony in their current position. The absence of Kenny, the main Gatlien from High on Knife, is briefly explained, revealing why he was replaced with a similarly powered military veteran Harper. Fan favorite Lezduit also doesn’t make a return for the DLC. While his disappearance isn’t explicitly explained, a photo of him with the player’s parents can be found on the fridge in the player’s house.
Different Environments
High on Knife departs from High on Life in that it has a horror-themed undertone. After deciding to smuggle themselves into the Muxxalon facilities, through the anus of one of the duffalo, things begin to derail. The Hunter and his team find themselves in a run-down warehouse, brimming with petrifiying monstrosities. Muxxalon’s art direction feels very inspired by ID Software’s Doom franchise. While the DLC aims to scare, or creep, players out, it came across much more unsettling than spooky. While there were a few jump scares thrown in, they ultimately fell flat. It could just be me, but I didn’t find it remotely scary… Maybe next time Squanch!
Escape & Discovery
While exploring the dilapidation that is Muxxalon, The Hunter finds himself taken prisoner, forced to seal boxes in the warehouse. After discovering that the facility is harboring the galaxy’s newest drug craze, humans, The Hunter and crew set forth to break free and take Muxxalon down. Along their way, they are able to track down Knifey’s package. In turn, the package also reveals some history into Knifey’s past. Players will learn how Knifey got separated from his species, and why.
High on Knife doesn’t only mix up the atmosphere, but also how the game plays. Throughout this 3-hour add-on, The Hunter will gain a few new weapons. Starting out, players will have the other Gatlien from the main adventure, minus Kenny and Lezduit, all bearing their optional upgrades. Harper, the newest Gatlien players start out with, plays identically to Kenny, being that she shares the same subspecies.
Shortly into the adventure, The Hunter will receive a new Gatlien known as B.A.L.L. This weapon essentially acts as a pinball launcher, controlled by three little blue guys eerily reminiscent of Trover from Trover Saves the Universe. The three little men launch a large ball at foes, which can be parried off enemies, bouncing back to build up momentum. When momentum is fully built, or the trigger is held for a buildup, the ball released will explode, causing knockback. This gun is a ball bust and feels different from any of the other Gatlien.
More Comedic Gold
One of the highest points of High on Life was the miscellaneous comedy sketches. These were discovered throughout the game, on random billboards, security monitors, and television sets. Thankfully Squanch Games included a few more, such as the hilarious newscaster’s recap of the first game’s events, and some psychedelic, more contemporary-style animation. While the number of new clips is few and far between, the fact that they added more of them is still a huge win. Those who want to set the controller down and relax for a few minutes to enjoy a short animation can do so. The absence of Justin Roiland’s iconic voice does result in a bit of an empty void. Despite his absence, the comedic tone and atmosphere are still in full effect.
Audio Is Everything
The comedy in High on Knife works largely due to an excellent cast. This includes Michael Cusack of Smiling Friends as Knifey and SNL’s Sarah Sherman as one of the group’s newest members, Harper. The fantastic vocal performances aren’t the only thing on par with the main adventure. High on Knife features some new music tracks, that at times have that same psychedelic feel from the main campaign but can also shift down to blood-curdling proportions to fit the mood. Sound design, from an environmental level, is also top-notch. There were many times noises in the foreground foreshadowed what was to come.
It’s Knife to Meet You
When found, Knifey’s package holds a chainsaw attachment that also changes how Knifey as a weapon feels. This allows him to slice through foes with ease, resulting in melee combat becoming much more effective against enemies. In addition to offense, the chainsaw can be used to traverse the pink fleshy walls of Muxxalon. Many poppable balls of puss will form a trail leading to central organs. Knifey must use his newly acquired ability to take out the organs and escape the facilities.
A Short Walk Through Hell
High on Knife is a fun return to the High on Life world Squanch Games created. That said, the adventure seems rather short, taking between 2 to 3 hours to complete. While the post-game does provide players with additional side missions, and an excuse to further explore the DLCs new areas, none of them feel particularly substantial. These missions include racing the fastest slug or learning to play cards. It may not be perfect, but this DLC pack is an enjoyable experience. From the grotesque new locals, new weapons, and retained comedic gold, High on Knife is a perfectly timed continuation and a great playthrough this Halloween season!
High on Life and High on Knife are available now on PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam, and the Epic Store. The High on Knife expansion retails for $14.99 USD. Xbox players are offered an exclusive High on Life bundle for $19.99, featuring both the full game and DLC.
A review code was provided for the purpose of this review.
