High on Life, the irreverent and wildly popular first-person shooter from Squanch Games, features a surprising number of full-length, real-world movies that play out on televisions throughout the game. The game includes eight complete movies, offering a bizarre and often hilariously jarring contrast to the intergalactic bounty hunting action.
The Curious Case of High on Life’s Movie Theater
High on Life isn’t just about blasting aliens with talking guns; it’s about immersing yourself in a world that’s as absurd as it is engaging. The inclusion of complete movies – often questionable choices in terms of cinematic merit – is a core part of that immersion. These movies aren’t mere background noise; they’re meant to be actively watched and listened to, adding another layer of comedic commentary and challenging the player’s attention span. They function as distractions, rewards for exploration, and, occasionally, bizarre narrative parallels. They also provide a breather from the intense combat, allowing players to relax and, if they choose, engage with something entirely different. This unique feature sets High on Life apart from many other games in the FPS genre.
A Detailed Look at the Eight Movies
The eight movies featured in High on Life span a range of genres and eras, from schlocky B-movies to cult classics. Here’s a list of what to expect when you stumble upon a TV screen showing a film:
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Blood Harvest (1987): This low-budget slasher is considered one of the worst films of all time, but its presence in High on Life is undoubtedly intentional, showcasing the game’s penchant for the weird and the awful.
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Demon Wind (1990): Another horror gem from the past, Demon Wind features cheesy special effects and a convoluted plot, perfect for those who enjoy a dose of unintentional comedy.
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Dangerous Men (2015): Known for its amateurish production values and nonsensical narrative, Dangerous Men has gained a cult following for being so bad it’s good.
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Tammy and the T-Rex (1994): This science fiction horror comedy starring Denise Richards and Paul Walker (voice) features a high school student whose brain is transplanted into a T-Rex.
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Hobgoblins (1988): Similar to Gremlins, but significantly lower in quality, Hobgoblins offers plenty of laughs for those who appreciate B-movie horror.
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Starcrash (1978): An Italian space opera designed to capitalize on the success of Star Wars, Starcrash is notorious for its wooden acting, cheap special effects, and questionable dialogue.
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Track of the Moon Beast (1972): This science fiction horror film follows a man who is turned into a moon beast after being struck by a meteorite fragment.
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Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994): This slapstick comedy featuring Leslie Nielsen is arguably the highest quality film available, providing a stark contrast to the other movies’ intentional awfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High on Life’s Movies
Here are some common questions players have about the movies included in High on Life:
Q1: Are the movies actually complete, or are they just clips?
The movies are complete and play out in their entirety, assuming the player chooses to watch them. You can start, stop, and fast-forward them as you would with any video player.
Q2: Where can I find all the TVs playing movies?
The TVs are scattered throughout the game’s various locations, including your house, Blim City, Zephyr Paradise, and other areas. Exploration is key to discovering them all. Some are more hidden than others.
Q3: Can I interact with the movies in any way besides watching them?
While you can’t directly interact with the movies in terms of changing the plot or adding your own dialogue, the Gatlian guns often provide humorous commentary on what’s happening on screen.
Q4: Do the movies have any impact on the main story of High on Life?
Generally, no. The movies are mostly separate from the main narrative. However, they contribute to the game’s overall atmosphere and comedic tone. Occasionally, a character might reference a scene or theme from a movie.
Q5: Can I skip the movies if I don’t want to watch them?
Absolutely. You can easily switch off the TV or leave the room at any time. The game doesn’t force you to watch them.
Q6: Are the movies censored in any way?
The content of the movies remains uncensored, reflecting the mature themes and humor of the game itself. This means violence, language, and suggestive content may be present.
Q7: Why were these specific movies chosen for High on Life?
The selection appears to be based on a combination of cult status, B-movie appeal, and comedic potential. The films’ low quality and often absurd plots perfectly complement the game’s irreverent sense of humor.
Q8: Do I need to watch all the movies to complete the game?
No, watching the movies is entirely optional and has no bearing on your progress in the main storyline.
Q9: Can I watch the movies with subtitles?
Yes, the movies support subtitles, making them accessible to a wider audience and ensuring that you don’t miss any of the dialogue (however awful it may be).
Q10: Are there any secrets or Easter eggs related to the movies?
While there aren’t any major secrets tied directly to the movies themselves, paying attention to the Gatlians’ commentary can reveal hidden jokes and references within the game.
Q11: Does High on Life add new movies through updates?
As of the latest information available, Squanch Games has not announced any plans to add more movies to the game. However, future updates could potentially include new cinematic additions.
Q12: Where can I find out more about the movies featured in High on Life?
You can find information about each movie on websites like IMDb (Internet Movie Database), which provides details on cast, crew, plot summaries, and reviews. This is a great way to learn more about the films’ history and reception before (or after) watching them in the game.
The Enduring Appeal of Low-Brow Entertainment
High on Life’s inclusion of these movies is a testament to the enduring appeal of low-brow entertainment. They remind us that not everything needs to be high art to be enjoyable, and sometimes, the worst movies can be the most entertaining. By blending intergalactic adventure with cinematic schlock, High on Life has created a uniquely bizarre and memorable gaming experience. The eight full-length movies provide hours of potential viewing pleasure (or pain), depending on your tolerance for cinematic absurdity. So, grab your talking gun, settle in, and prepare for a movie marathon unlike any other. Whether you love them or hate them, the movies in High on Life are undoubtedly a talking point and a key component of the game’s unique identity.