Story

Live A Live is a unique role-playing game originally released in 1994 for the Super Famicom. The game is a mosaic of narratives, each set in different time periods and featuring distinct characters. This ambitious storytelling approach allows players to experience a plethora of mini-stories, each with its own plot, gameplay mechanics, and thematic elements. The overarching narrative is a tapestry woven from the threads of these individual tales, culminating in a grand finale that ties together the disparate stories into a cohesive whole.

Chapters and Characters

Live A Live features seven main chapters, each set in a different era and following a different protagonist:

• Prehistoric Era: The story of a caveman named Pogo, who must rescue his kidnapped love interest from a rival tribe.
• Imperial China: A tale of a Shifu and his quest to find a worthy successor to pass on his martial arts legacy.
• Feudal Japan: Follows Oboro-maru, a ninja on a mission to rescue a political prisoner from a heavily guarded castle.
• Wild West: The adventures of Sundown Kid, a wandering gunslinger tasked with saving a town from bandits.
• Present Day: A modern martial artist named Masaru Takahara seeks to become the strongest fighter in the world.
• Near Future: The story of Akira, a young man with psychic abilities, who must stop a sinister corporation from wreaking havoc.
• Far Future: A tale set aboard a spaceship, focusing on Cube, a small spherical robot dealing with a mysterious threat.

Each chapter explores different themes, from the struggle for survival in the prehistoric era to existential musings in the far future. This diversity not only enriches the narrative experience but also ensures that the game remains fresh and engaging throughout.

Final Chapter

After completing the initial chapters, players unlock a final chapter that brings the protagonists together. Set in the Middle Ages, this chapter reveals the true antagonist and allows players to assemble a team from the previously played characters to confront the ultimate evil. This convergence of stories is both a narrative and gameplay climax, offering a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga.

Gameplay

Live A Live stands out with its innovative gameplay design, which varies significantly across chapters. Each story introduces distinct mechanics, tailored to the narrative and setting, making each chapter feel like a unique game within the broader experience.

Combat System

The game employs a grid-based tactical combat system, where characters and enemies move across a battlefield to execute attacks and special abilities. This system requires strategic planning, as positioning can greatly affect the effectiveness of attacks and defenses. Each character has unique skills, which further adds depth and requires players to adapt their strategies according to the characters they control and the enemies they face.

Unique Chapter Mechanics

Each chapter introduces gameplay elements specific to its setting:

• Prehistoric Era: Features a “smell” mechanic, where Pogo can sniff out items and enemies.
• Imperial China: Focuses on training disciples, where the choices made affect their development and the chapter’s outcome.
• Feudal Japan: Offers a stealth-based approach, allowing players to choose between sneaking past enemies or engaging them in combat.
• Wild West: Involves setting traps to prepare for an enemy attack, requiring strategic planning and resource management.
• Present Day: Emulates a fighting game with one-on-one battles, where players learn new techniques by observing opponents.
• Near Future: Incorporates puzzle-solving and exploration, emphasizing the use of psychic abilities.
• Far Future: Focuses more on story and atmosphere, with less emphasis on combat and more on interaction with the environment.

This variety keeps the gameplay engaging and prevents it from becoming monotonous, as players are constantly challenged to adapt to new mechanics and strategies.

Graphics and Sound

Live A Live boasts vibrant 16-bit graphics that are characteristic of the Super Famicom era. Each chapter’s visual design is carefully crafted to reflect its unique setting and theme. From the lush, prehistoric landscapes to the cold, metallic interiors of a futuristic spaceship, the game’s art style captures the essence of each era beautifully.

The character sprites are detailed and expressive, enhancing the storytelling by conveying emotions and personalities through pixel art. The environments are equally well-designed, with intricate backgrounds that immerse players in each story’s world.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack, composed by Yoko Shimomura, is a standout feature of Live A Live. Each chapter features its own thematic music, which perfectly complements the story and setting. From the haunting melodies of the Far Future to the energetic beats of the Present Day, the music enhances the emotional depth and atmosphere of the game.

Shimomura’s work in Live A Live laid the groundwork for her future success as a composer for iconic games like the Kingdom Hearts series. The soundtrack’s diversity and quality contribute significantly to the game’s enduring appeal.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its original release, Live A Live was a commercial success in Japan, praised for its innovative storytelling and diverse gameplay. However, it remained relatively unknown to Western audiences due to its Japan-exclusive release. Despite this, the game developed a cult following over the years, with fans creating fan translations and spreading its acclaim through word of mouth.

In recent years, Live A Live has gained renewed interest with the advent of the retro gaming movement and increased accessibility through emulation and digital platforms. The game’s unique approach to storytelling and gameplay has been recognized as ahead of its time, influencing subsequent RPGs and game designers.

The 2022 remake for Nintendo Switch brought Live A Live to a global audience for the first time, featuring updated graphics, voice acting, and quality-of-life improvements. This release received acclaim for preserving the essence of the original while making it accessible to modern players.

Conclusion

Live A Live is a remarkable RPG that continues to captivate audiences with its innovative storytelling, diverse gameplay, and memorable music. Its impact on the genre is evident in the way it challenged traditional RPG conventions, paving the way for more experimental and narrative-driven games. The recent remake has introduced Live A Live to a new generation of players, ensuring its legacy endures. For fans of RPGs and unique storytelling experiences, Live A Live remains a must-play title that exemplifies the creative potential of video games.