Story

Live A Live is a unique and narrative-driven RPG developed by Squaresoft, originally released for the Super Famicom in 1994. The game presents a multifaceted storytelling approach by offering players seven distinct chapters, each set in different time periods and locations, with its own protagonist and storyline. This structure allows players to experience diverse narratives ranging from the prehistoric era to the distant future.

The chapters include:

• Prehistoric: Follows the story of Pogo, a young caveman with the ability to sense smells, as he tries to save his love interest from a rival tribe.
• Imperial China: Centers around an aging martial arts master known as the Earthen Heart Shifu, who seeks to pass on his techniques to a worthy disciple.
• Twilight of Edo Japan: Features Oboromaru, a shinobi tasked with rescuing a prisoner from a heavily guarded castle.
• Wild West: Tells the tale of the Sundown Kid, an outlaw who teams up with a bounty hunter to protect a town from a notorious gang.
• Present Day: Follows Masaru Takahara, a fighter aiming to become the strongest in the world by defeating various martial artists.
• Near Future: Centers on Akira, a young man with psychic abilities, as he unravels a conspiracy involving a mysterious organization.
• Distant Future: Follows Cube, a small robot on a spaceship, as it uncovers the truth behind a series of mysterious incidents.

Each chapter stands alone but subtly intertwines with the others, culminating in a final chapter that brings all the protagonists together to face a common enemy and reveal the overarching narrative. This innovative storytelling approach allows Live A Live to explore different genres, themes, and gameplay mechanics, making it a standout title in the RPG genre.

Gameplay

Live A Live’s gameplay is as diverse as its story, with each chapter offering unique mechanics and challenges that reflect the setting and narrative. The game employs a grid-based tactical battle system, where characters can move and execute actions such as attacking or using skills. This system requires strategic positioning and planning, as characters must manage their range and movement on the battlefield.

Each protagonist brings their own set of abilities and gameplay styles:

• Pogo: Utilizes scent-based mechanics to track enemies and discover hidden items, offering a more primitive and instinctual approach to gameplay.
• Earthen Heart Shifu: Focuses on training disciples, allowing players to choose how to develop their skills and abilities through turn-based combat.
• Oboromaru: Emphasizes stealth and infiltration, providing players the choice between a combat-heavy approach or a more pacifistic route.
• Sundown Kid: Involves resource management and strategic planning to prepare for an impending showdown against a gang of outlaws.
• Masaru Takahara: Centers around one-on-one battles, where players must learn and counter opponents’ moves to emerge victorious.
• Akira: Combines traditional RPG mechanics with puzzle-solving elements, capitalizing on his psychic powers to influence the environment and storyline.
• Cube: Offers a more narrative-driven experience with minimal combat, focusing on exploration and interaction with other characters.

Overall, Live A Live provides a rich and varied gameplay experience that keeps players engaged by constantly introducing new mechanics and challenges with each chapter.

Graphics and Sound

Live A Live showcases the artistic prowess of Squaresoft during the Super Famicom era, featuring vibrant and detailed pixel art that brings each time period to life. The game employs a distinct visual style for each chapter, capturing the essence of its respective setting and enhancing the storytelling experience. From the lush, prehistoric landscapes to the high-tech corridors of a futuristic spaceship, the game’s graphics are both diverse and immersive.

The sound design in Live A Live is equally impressive, with a soundtrack composed by Yoko Shimomura, known for her work on titles such as the Kingdom Hearts series and Final Fantasy XV. Each chapter features a unique musical score that complements its narrative and setting, from the tribal beats of the prehistoric era to the serene melodies of imperial China. The sound effects further enhance the game’s atmosphere, providing an auditory layer that enriches the overall experience.

Legacy and Reception

While Live A Live was not initially released outside Japan, it has since gained a cult following among RPG enthusiasts worldwide. The game’s innovative narrative structure and diverse gameplay have been praised for their creativity and depth, setting it apart from other RPGs of its time. The title’s influence can be seen in later games that adopt similar storytelling techniques, such as Octopath Traveler, which also features multiple protagonists and intertwining narratives.

Live A Live’s legacy was further cemented with a modern remake, bringing the game to a new generation of players and introducing it to a broader audience. The remake retained the charm and uniqueness of the original while updating the graphics and sound to meet contemporary standards, ensuring its continued relevance in the gaming landscape.

Conclusion

Live A Live stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation that defined the golden age of RPGs. Its unique narrative structure, diverse gameplay mechanics, and memorable audiovisual presentation have solidified its place in gaming history. Despite its initial limited release, the game has garnered a dedicated fanbase and influenced a new wave of narrative-driven RPGs. As more players discover the timeless appeal of Live A Live, its impact and legacy continue to grow, ensuring its place as a beloved classic in the world of video games.