Squanch Games Studio Director Mike Fridley has described the upcomingHigh on Lifeas a “Metroidvania” game which will include open elements in its broad range of levels.Rick and Mortyentered its sixth season earlier this year and co-creator Justin Roiland fans may find several things to enjoy inHigh on Lifewhen it releases later this year.
Fridley recently went on the record with Pure Xbox to discuss various aspects of the game, including the Metroidvania nature of exploration which features levels that may feel open to some players. Metroidvania games have expanded beyond the humbleCastlevaniaandMetroidbeginnings to include titles likeHollow Knight,Returnal,Dead Cells, andHigh on Lifewhen it releases on December 13. The firstHigh on Liferevealhappened during the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase from earlier this year which also included the likes ofArk 2,Forza Motorsport,Redfall, andStarfield, and it has since received only a few other details along the way.
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When asked if theHigh on Lifelevels are open or follow a linear level design, Mike Fridley explained that it’s a mix of things, but primarily that the game’s content layout is more in line with Metroidvania games. The “large, interconnected galaxy” may act asHigh on Life’s overall map which can apparently be accessed in Blim City, while each planet offers “a bit of roaming.” According to Fridley, some areas of the galaxy of theday one Xbox Game Pass releasewill require certain gear or other prerequisites like the completion of a mission which will unlock more areas.
The central hub ofHigh on Lifewill be in Blim City and this is the main location that the game will branch out from like the first level of most Metroidvania titles. Because Mike Fridley has suggested that the overall game may be morelike a Metroidvaniawhile the levels themselves provide some semblance of open-world exploration, the story itself may be linear, as the locations could simultaneously offer more freedom. Suggesting that there are more than just locations to unlock along the way, Fridley hinted that there are other “secrets” to uncover while acquiring gear and completing missions.
Although manyRick and Mortyfans have expressed their appreciation forHigh on Lifeand the humor similarities shared with thepopular Adult Swim show, one has suggested that the Metroidvania style will give them a break from the genres that they normally play. MultipleHigh on Lifefans have noted the humor, gunplay, and level design as reasons why they’re clambering for the Metroidvania game, while many may simply get it because of Justin Roiland’s involvement.
High on Lifewill release on December 13 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
