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Live A Live, a cult classic JRPG developed by Squaresoft (now Square Enix), originally released in Japan in 1994, has finally received a global release thanks to a stunning HD-2D remake. While overshadowed by the monumental success of Final Fantasy VI at the time, this innovative title offers a unique and captivating experience that transcends its era. This review explores why Live A Live deserves recognition as a timeless RPG masterpiece.

A Narrative Tapestry Woven Through Time

Live A Live eschews a traditional linear narrative, presenting seven distinct stories featuring different protagonists across various time periods, from prehistory to the distant future. Each chapter offers a self-contained narrative, reminiscent of an anthology series like Death, Love & Robots. While seemingly disparate, these stories gradually intertwine through a hidden thread, culminating in a final chapter that unites the narratives in unexpected ways.

Live A Live – Chapter Selection

The variety in storytelling is remarkable. In prehistory, communication relies on gestures and intuition, challenging players to decipher the narrative through environmental cues. In the present day, inspired by fighting games like Tekken, the focus shifts to mastering hand-to-hand combat against a series of rivals. Each chapter immerses the player in its respective era, showcasing meticulous research and attention to historical detail.

Live A Live – Prehistoric Era

The narrative is further enriched by unpredictable twists and turns, keeping players constantly engaged and eager to uncover the next surprise. The relatively short length of each chapter ensures a fast-paced and captivating experience, avoiding unnecessary padding. Furthermore, player choices throughout the seven chapters influence the final outcome, offering multiple endings and encouraging replayability. This includes the intriguing possibility of embracing a villainous role and altering the course of events.

Simple Yet Diverse Gameplay

Live A Live features a straightforward, grid-based combat system reminiscent of the ATB system in Final Fantasy games. Movement on the grid charges an ATB gauge, enabling characters to execute abilities. Resource management is streamlined, eliminating concerns about MP or skill points. This encourages a strategic approach, prioritizing positioning and timing to maximize effectiveness while minimizing vulnerability.

Live A Live – Combat

The game’s true depth lies in the diverse character abilities and unique mechanics woven into each chapter. In the Present Day chapter, the protagonist learns new techniques by experiencing them firsthand, leading to creative combat solutions. Pogo, the prehistoric boy, relies on his sense of smell to detect enemies. Sundown Kid, the Wild West gunslinger, utilizes traps to outsmart bandits. Oboromaru, the Edo Japan ninja, emphasizes stealth and puzzle-solving to minimize casualties. This diversity ensures a consistently fresh and engaging experience.

Live A Live – Wild West Era

A Visual and Auditory Delight

The HD-2D art style perfectly captures the spirit of the 16-bit era while infusing it with modern visual flair. Environments are beautifully rendered, with shimmering water, sun-dappled forests, and vibrant cityscapes. The combination of detailed backgrounds and classic sprite-based characters creates a visually striking aesthetic.

Live A Live – Imperial China Era

The soundtrack, composed by Yoko Shimomura, further enhances the experience. Each chapter features unique musical themes that perfectly complement its setting and tone. The remastered score delivers a rich and evocative auditory experience.

Minor Drawbacks

While Live A Live excels in many areas, a few minor shortcomings are worth noting. The simplified combat, while strategically engaging, may not offer the same level of challenge as other JRPGs. The short length of each chapter also contributes to this reduced difficulty.

Live A Live – Boss Battle

The voice acting, while generally high quality, could benefit from greater diversity. While offering both English and Japanese options, the lack of era-specific language choices can occasionally disrupt immersion.

Conclusion

Live A Live is a remarkable JRPG that deserves recognition for its innovative storytelling, diverse gameplay, and stunning presentation. While not without minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. This remake breathes new life into a forgotten gem, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a JRPG that breaks the mold and defies expectations, Live A Live is a must-play.