High Life follows 18-year-old Eleanor, a bright student whose life spirals when her charismatic but troubled best friend introduces her to sex, drugs, and alcohol. As she navigates the chaos of university, players guide her through pivotal choices about sexuality—exploring love, desire, or self-destruction—to uncover what truly makes her happy.
A Sheltered Life Upended
Eleanor’s story begins with familiarity: top grades, a stable family, and a clear path to college. But her world shatters when her enigmatic best friend, Jamie, lures her into a hedonistic underworld of late-night parties, risky encounters, and substance use. What starts as a quest for “freedom” quickly spirals into a battle for control—just as she’s set to start the most transformative chapter of her youth.
1. The Allure of Risk: Jamie’s magnetic personality masks a turbulent past, making them both intriguing and unreliable. Their promise of “living without limits” taps into Eleanor’s desire to escape her sheltered upbringing, even as warning signs—missed lectures, secretive texts—hint at deeper chaos.
2. College as a Pressure Cooker: University isn’t just a new school; it’s a crash course in independence. For Eleanor, it’s where her choices—from casual hookups to academic priorities—collide, forcing her to redefine herself beyond her family’s “model student” label.
3. The Slippery Slope: The descent into chaos feels gradual. A shared beer at a frat party turns into her first one-night stand; a late-night study session becomes a drug-fueled binge. These small compromises blur the line between “experimentation” and self-sabotage, making redemption feel both urgent and elusive.
Sexuality as a Journey, Not a Label
High Life rejects rigid boxes, instead focusing on Eleanor’s emotional and psychological exploration of desire. Players don’t just “choose” a sexuality—they grapple with what it means to be with someone, whether that’s a boy, girl, or both.
1. Fluid Attractions: Eleanor’s connections defy easy categorization. A flirty chemistry professor might spark intellectual tension, while a late-night conversation with a female classmate could reveal unexpected intimacy. The game lets players explore these fluid dynamics, mirroring the messiness of real-life attraction.
2. Love vs. Lust: Not every encounter is casual. A genuine bond with a kind-hearted boyfriend might offer stability, but it could clash with her newfound sense of freedom. Conversely, a string of hookups might feel exhilarating—at first—before leaving her hollow. Players weigh these trade-offs, asking: Is this connection, or just filling a void?
3. Consequences of Choice: Sexual exploration isn’t consequence-free. A one-night stand could lead to an unplanned pregnancy; a drug-fueled night might damage her reputation. These outcomes aren’t moral judgments—they’re realistic, forcing Eleanor (and players) to confront the fallout of their actions.
Your Choices Shape Her Future
Every decision in High Life ripples through Eleanor’s life, shaping her relationships, mental health, and sense of self. The game’s branching paths ensure no two playthroughs feel the same, with endings that range from redemption to ruin.
1. Short-Term Thrills, Long-Term Costs: Indulging in Jamie’s lifestyle might feel freeing initially, but will it derail her degree? Skipping classes for parties could cost scholarships; lying to her parents might shatter their trust. Players see how “fun” choices accumulate, often with painful results.
2. Seeking Help vs. Hiding Pain: Eleanor isn’t powerless—her roommate, a campus therapist, and even Jamie (at times) offer support. Choosing to open up could lead to healing, but vulnerability is daunting. The game rewards honesty with deeper connections, while secrecy breeds isolation.
3. Redefining Success: By the end, “success” isn’t just about graduating or finding a partner. It’s about Eleanor defining her own happiness—whether that’s sobriety, a committed relationship, or simply learning to love herself. Players craft this definition through every choice they make.
