If you blinked, you probably missed it. High on Life 2 launched surrounded by hype, platform drama, skateboarding in the middle of gunfights, and that familiar question: is this a true evolution or just more of the same? I pulled together what came out from TechRadar, IGN, and Xbox Wire, and when you look at the full picture, it gets interesting. This isn’t just about a weird shooter with talking guns. It’s about strategy. About PlayStation becoming the lead platform after an Xbox exclusivity deal. About Game Pass as a growth engine. And yeah, about how a skateboard somehow became central to a first person shooter. Let’s unpack it. ## The Platform Shift and the Strategy Behind High on Life 2 When the first High on Life launched as a timed Xbox exclusive, it seemed like the franchise would stay closely tied to Microsoft’s ecosystem. But the market had other ideas. In an interview with TechRadar, Squanch Games CEO Mike Fridley explained that once the original game eventually launched on PlayStation, it sold extremely well. Well enough that today PlayStation, specifically PS5, is considered the franchise’s lead platform. That changes the narrative. High on Life 2 launched simultaneously on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. No waiting months. No staggered rollout. The goal this time is reach. Maximum reach from day one. And here’s where Xbox Game Pass enters the conversation. The sequel launched on Game Pass at release. On paper, that might sound risky. If people can play it through a subscription, won’t that hurt sales? Maybe. But the strategy seems focused on brand growth rather than short term unit sales. More players means more visibility. More streamers. More conversations. More long term engagement. It’s not just about selling copies. It’s about expanding the franchise. Sources [https://www.techradar.com/gaming/despite-the-first-games-xbox-exclusivity-deal-playstation-is-still-our-lead-platform-says-squanch-games-ceo-as-high-on-life-2-launches-this-week](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/despite-the-first-games-xbox-exclusivity-deal-playstation-is-still-our-lead-platform-says-squanch-games-ceo-as-high-on-life-2-launches-this-week) [https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/) ## What Critics Are Saying About High on Life 2 IGN’s review takes a grounded approach. High on Life 2 keeps the absurd humor that defined the original. The talking guns are back. The bizarre aliens are back. The chaotic tone is still there. If you liked the first game, you’ll immediately recognize the DNA. But IGN points out something important. The sequel expands on the original’s ideas, yet it doesn’t fully surpass it. The story feels less impactful in places. The humor still lands, but maybe it doesn’t surprise the way it did the first time. Combat evolves, but not dramatically. It’s energetic and chaotic, sometimes even messy in a way that fits the game’s personality, but it doesn’t always feel tighter or more refined. Then there’s the big new feature. The skateboard. ## The Skateboard That Changes the Shooter Formula According to Xbox Wire, skateboarding isn’t just a side mechanic thrown in for marketing appeal. It’s central to the experience. In High on Life 2, the skateboard affects how you move, how you fight, and how you explore. It’s not just about going faster. It’s about flow. Instead of moving cautiously from cover to cover, you’re encouraged to stay in motion. Grind rails. Chain jumps. Keep momentum during combat. It adds verticality and speed to encounters, pushing the game toward a more fluid, movement driven style. In a crowded FPS market, that kind of differentiation matters. The result is a shooter that feels less static and more kinetic. Whether it completely transforms the experience is debatable, but it definitely changes the rhythm. Source [https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/) ## PlayStation as the Lead Platform The fact that PlayStation is now considered the lead platform is significant. It shows that timed exclusivity doesn’t always define a franchise’s long term trajectory. Once High on Life reached PS5 players, the response was strong enough to shift strategy for the sequel. This move signals a broader multiplatform mindset. The franchise is no longer anchored to one ecosystem. It’s going where the audience is. And right now, that audience is spread across multiple platforms. ## Game Pass as a Growth Tool There’s still debate around day one Game Pass launches. Do they boost engagement at the cost of sales? Or do they create larger ecosystems for franchises? In the case of High on Life 2, the approach seems clear. Use Game Pass to maximize exposure. Let players try it easily. Build community. For a series built on personality, humor, and word of mouth, visibility is currency. ## Is High on Life 2 Better Than the First Game That depends on what you’re looking for. If you wanted more of the same tone, more absurd weapons, bigger areas, and faster movement, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you expected a massive narrative leap or a complete gameplay reinvention, you might feel the improvements are more evolutionary than revolutionary. But one thing is undeniable. The game has identity. In a market filled with safe, formula driven shooters, that alone gives it an edge. High on Life 2 isn’t just a sequel. It’s a strategic repositioning of a franchise navigating exclusivity, multiplatform releases, subscription models, and creative experimentation all at once. ## FAQ About High on Life 2, PlayStation, Xbox, and Game Pass Is High on Life 2 an Xbox exclusive No. Unlike the first game, High on Life 2 launched simultaneously on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Is High on Life 2 on Game Pass Yes. The game launched on Xbox Game Pass on day one. What is the lead platform for High on Life 2 According to Squanch Games’ CEO, PlayStation is currently the lead platform for the franchise in terms of sales performance. What is new in High on Life 2 The biggest addition is the integrated skateboard mechanic, which changes movement, combat flow, and exploration. The game also expands weapons, areas, and maintains its signature humor. Is High on Life 2 worth playing If you enjoy fast paced shooters with absurd humor and strong personality, it’s worth your time. If you’re looking for a deeply narrative driven experience, you may want to adjust expectations. Additional Sources [https://www.ign.com/articles/high-on-life-2-review](https://www.ign.com/articles/high-on-life-2-review) [https://www.techradar.com/gaming/despite-the-first-games-xbox-exclusivity-deal-playstation-is-still-our-lead-platform-says-squanch-games-ceo-as-high-on-life-2-launches-this-week](https://www.techradar.com/gaming/despite-the-first-games-xbox-exclusivity-deal-playstation-is-still-our-lead-platform-says-squanch-games-ceo-as-high-on-life-2-launches-this-week) [https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/](https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/02/12/how-high-on-life-2-skateboarding-kickflips-shooter-genre-on-its-head/)