Live A Live is an experimental and rather enjoyable RPG that takes chances that, for the most part, pay off. I’m glad we finally got this cult classic in the West, as its creative approach to narrative and gameplay makes it stand out even today.
Live A Live
Developer: Square Enix
Price: $60
Platforms: Nintendo Switch (reviewed)
MonsterVine was provided with a Switch code for review.
Like many people, I gained all of my knowledge of Live A Live through internet videos and articles. It always intrigued me, but not enough to play a ROM hack like Mother 3. When it was announced that the game would receive an HD-2D remake worldwide, I saw the perfect chance to finally fulfill a long-standing curiosity of mine. It was worth the wait. Live A Live is a truly fascinating and enjoyable experience for RPG fans.
The main gimmick of Live A Live is that everything is broken into eight varied scenarios (and a final one). Each scenario follows a different character in a separate time period, which is a novel way of exploring different stories and settings. The scenarios vary in length, making this a breezy game to pick up for shorter periods.
I love that you get the chance to explore different eras like this, each with their own appropriate story. The Western story struck an incredibly accurate tone to old Spaghetti Westerns in particular, but many of the different eras are quite a blast to go through. There’s an overarching story too, which builds upon the game’s vignette-styled narrative. I have a lot of admiration for how different this approach is, even today. Some stories are more interesting than others, but I can respect that Live A Live tries so much.
“I’m a sucker for pixel art, especially when it’s so detailed, so I was very happy with how Live A Live looks.”
While Live A Live isn’t the most complicated game to play, I think this compliments the accessibility of the game. Battles take place on a simple 7-by-7 grid, where you and your enemies can move about and use moves in an active turn-based manner. Some abilities charge faster than others, so you need to be cautious about exactly what you’re using and when you’re using it. Again, it’s not super complex, but I don’t mind something a bit breezier – especially given the variety of characters and abilities you’ll experience.
Where you move is especially important in boss fights, particularly when a party member falls and you need to revive them before their body gets hit. This wipes them from the battle, and healing is done through items, so you have to play smart to clear these imposing baddies. It strikes a good balance in the difficulty department without ever feeling too frustrating.
Of course, Live A Live looks great – it’s an HD-2D game after all. This style hasn’t gotten old to me yet, and I hope to see more remakes of classic titles in this dynamic and visually pleasing style. I’m a sucker for pixel art, especially when it’s so detailed, so I was very happy with how Live A Live looks.
The English voice acting was a pleasant surprise, as it’s very spirited and fitting for each time period. The accents and enthusiasm sell the majority of the performances, though it’s easy to skip through dialogue if it’s not your thing. The music is similarly excellent, encompassing the feel of each era impeccably, and the high-stakes and energetic beats of the battle tracks are some of Yoko Shimomura’s and all of the rearrangers’ best.
The Final Word
Live A Live is genuinely one of the most ambitious RPGs to have come from Square Enix. I’m truly glad that the world can now experience this gem, as it offers a unique experience that is tough to find anywhere else. If you dig RPGs but want something different and creative, I implore you to give Live A Live a shot.
MonsterVine Rating: 5 out of 5 – Excellent
