Live A Live, a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG), was first released in 1994 exclusively for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in Japan. It was a short game compared to other JRPGs developed by Square Enix during that period. However, what made it unique was its 8 inter-connected stories set across 8 different time periods.
Last year, a remake of Live A Live was released for the Nintendo Switch, and now it is available on Steam. The game’s launch trailer showcases the variety of stories and gameplay it features. The directorial debut of Takashi Tokita, Live A Live was followed by the better-known Chrono Trigger a year later. Its remake was partly inspired by the success of Octopath Traveller and its “HD-2D” art style.
The 8 Stories and Gameplay
Live A Live’s 8 stories take players on a journey from prehistoric times to imperial China, Edo Japan, the Wild West, the modern day, and into the near- and distant-future. Each story has the same basic systems, including turn-based battles. However, they also offer unique twists. For instance, there is a chapter with stealth systems and another without any battles. These experimental gameplay elements made Live A Live unique for its time and remain experimental even in 2021.
The final chapter draws the protagonists from each time period together to the same time, in which players can choose which character to control. Thus, the game’s unique storytelling and gameplay elements make it a must-play for fans of the JRPG genre.
Try the Demo or Buy the Game
If you want to try the game before purchasing it, there is a demo available on Steam. However, if you’re interested in buying it, the game costs £32/$40 with its 20% launch discount. So, get ready to embark on a journey through time and experience the unique storytelling and gameplay of Live A Live.
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