85
If you're a fan of RPGs from the 16-bit era, or if you're looking for something that doesn't require a huge time investment, LIVE A LIVE is one RPG you won't want to miss, and not just because it was a stepping stone to some of the classics of that era. It's a unique storytelling experience! [Issue #61 – September/October 2022, p. 73]
84
Live A Live not only brings a decades-old Japan exclusive to the west, but it also vastly improves it in the audio and visual sense. Flaws of the original are still present, but as a refreshed gem from the past, Live A Live is something every fan of the genre should give a chance to.
80
Despite its 90s origins, Live a Live feels novel, revitalising a genre that often feels too conservative. It’s a constantly shifting, time-travelling bonanza that foreshadows what Takita would perfect in 1995’s Chrono Trigger; 90s role-playing fans are now praying that it receives the same lavish remake treatment, alongside other classics of the time such as Final Fantasy VI. Live a Live is not without its faults, but in an age of fast-food entertainment that satiates without leaving a taste, this compendium is a curio that’s certainly worth your time.
7
If I could get my hours playing it back, I would. But I'm an old fart who's played way too many of these games. I suppose it would be better if I was less jaded. Well, except for the near future storyline, I found it really REALLY bad, even within it's own genre of 'delinquent' stories. So, on the other hand, what about the rest ? It's one of those games where even a simple cheatsheet of information makes the game ten times less frustrating. For instance, if you want to do the merciful route as the ninja and not kill anyone, you have to do things in a very specific order so you aren't forced by the story into an inescapable fight that you'll have to kill to win. Literally anything out of place will ruin your efforts, Might as well not have tried, since you get no reward if you have killed even only one. Other notable things include : The existence and usefulness of hidden bosses ; Training your disciples in a certain way ; On whom you should use robot upgrades ; The importance of anti-petrification in the late-game ; ... All that makes a blind playthrough a lot more frustrating. Well in the end, I think it's going to be a good game to put friends in front of, but for what it was, the price is definitely too high. Buy it only if you're not an experienced RPG player, not a completionist and you like the graphics you see in the trailer.
10
Great and unique RPG that doesn't overstay its welcome due to the seperate chapter system. One of the few games that you can finish a chapter and not forget something after not playing for a couple weeks. Great story as well
7
One of the most diverse games in the world. Are you tired of playing the same characters and seeing the same setting for 60 hours or more? Tired of spending 20 hours of your life just grinding? Well, you won't get that by playing Live a Live. Easy and fun, and suitable for everyone. But...
If I have to be picky and critical, only the story of the shinobi and the robot in the spaceship are really worth experiencing while playing. The medieval fantasy one was also nice but the ending is forced for obvious reasons.
The other five stories go from being okay to making you feel less inclined to continue them, I don't know why but the game fails to engage you well in some stories.
Personally, I consider it a thousand times superior to the first Octopath Traveler for example, since Live a Live makes the right choices at least in game design and quality of life.
Live A Live
Released On:
Jul 22, 2022
Metascore
Generally Favorable
81
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
81
82% Positive
80 Reviews
80 Reviews
18% Mixed
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jul 27, 2022
100
The intriguing and unique premise of Live A Live is a genuine hook for players from all walks of life. This game not only has a fantasy story worthy of a SNES era Square game but it also treads an extremely upto date line with it's cool turn based combat and choice/morality systems. Players will be blown away by the content on show in this awesome RPG and it cannot be recommended enough. A great game turned masterpiece with this fantastic remake!
Jul 22, 2022
90
Even though Live a Live is an old game, it feels fresh and exciting. Moreover, it looks gorgeous. This is a good choice if other JRPGs are too lengthy for your liking.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.5
70% Positive
108 Ratings
108 Ratings
16% Mixed
25 Ratings
25 Ratings
14% Negative
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
Dec 21, 2025
10
Great and unique RPG that doesn't overstay its welcome due to the seperate chapter system. One of the few games that you can finish a chapter and not forget something after not playing for a couple weeks. Great story as well
Jan 25, 2023
10
nice turn-based rpg is an extremely unique and fun experience This is how I'd wish they remake all the classics
Jul 21, 2022
85
We loved Live A Live. Even taking into account the aspects in which it falls a little short, such as a somewhat simple gameplay, we are facing the rebirth of a timeless jewel that is extremely worthwhile, especially if you are a loyal fan of classic role-playing games.
Jul 31, 2022
80
It’s hard for me to fault Live A Live too harshly for its ending, though. I’d have been perfectly satisfied if it had simply been seven separate stories, and each of these is well worth playing through even after all these years. There’s so much creativity and joy present that anyone interested in class RPGs owes it to themselves to give it a try.
Jul 21, 2022
80
It's great that a wider audience now has the opportunity to play Live A Live, with the added bonus of getting the HD-2D upgrade in the process. Its novel anthology presentation won't be for everyone, thankfully, an added map/radar reduces some old-school frustrations. SquareEnix made the right move breathing new life into Live A Live.
Aug 9, 2022
72
Live A Live is a truly unique product of its time that still stands out in the competitive field of role-playing games today. After playing, it makes sense that it would be lauded to this day for its subversive takes on JRPG gameplay elements and its multiple narratives. What’s most charming about how experimental the game is, is that it is not a subversion due to cynicism over the genre, but a love for its potential.
Jul 30, 2022
50
Live A Live takes too long to settle into its RPG groove, making it a missed opportunity on too many fronts.
Nov 22, 2022
10
Juegazo con mayusculas y uno de los maximos exponentes de los JRPG en la Nintendo Switch.
Mar 23, 2026
7
If I could get my hours playing it back, I would. But I'm an old fart who's played way too many of these games. I suppose it would be better if I was less jaded. Well, except for the near future storyline, I found it really REALLY bad, even within it's own genre of 'delinquent' stories. So, on the other hand, what about the rest ? It's one of those games where even a simple cheatsheet of information makes the game ten times less frustrating. For instance, if you want to do the merciful route as the ninja and not kill anyone, you have to do things in a very specific order so you aren't forced by the story into an inescapable fight that you'll have to kill to win. Literally anything out of place will ruin your efforts, Might as well not have tried, since you get no reward if you have killed even only one. Other notable things include : The existence and usefulness of hidden bosses ; Training your disciples in a certain way ; On whom you should use robot upgrades ; The importance of anti-petrification in the late-game ; ... All that makes a blind playthrough a lot more frustrating. Well in the end, I think it's going to be a good game to put friends in front of, but for what it was, the price is definitely too high. Buy it only if you're not an experienced RPG player, not a completionist and you like the graphics you see in the trailer.
Nov 7, 2025
7
One of the most diverse games in the world. Are you tired of playing the same characters and seeing the same setting for 60 hours or more? Tired of spending 20 hours of your life just grinding? Well, you won't get that by playing Live a Live. Easy and fun, and suitable for everyone. But...
If I have to be picky and critical, only the story of the shinobi and the robot in the spaceship are really worth experiencing while playing. The medieval fantasy one was also nice but the ending is forced for obvious reasons.
The other five stories go from being okay to making you feel less inclined to continue them, I don't know why but the game fails to engage you well in some stories.
Personally, I consider it a thousand times superior to the first Octopath Traveler for example, since Live a Live makes the right choices at least in game design and quality of life.
Nov 29, 2022
4
Amazing game, combat is so hard, you can focus on the gameplay instead of losing time grinding (there is only a little grind in prehistoric era), only bad thing is the 30 fps limit. This game would have been awesome on 60+ fps on pc. Prev note: 8/10 The last part of the game is so bad done, looking for the partners is so boring, their dungeons are all boring laberynths, and if you go to the final boss whit only 4 members, you cant fight the final bass. You should had solved all this problems on this remake, not just remaking the graphics, New note: 4/10
Jan 22, 2023
3
The story are boring and very short. The gameplay is also boring. The graphics and music's are good but that's all. I loved triangle strategy and octopath traveler
SummarySeven different stories featuring different protagonists, time periods, and gameplay styles await. In The Wild West, a wanderer with a bounty on his head fights for his life. In the Twilight of Edo Japan, a shinobi undertakes a secret mission. Experience these tales in any order you choose—the adventure is yours to control. What other st... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
Platforms:
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- PC
Initial Release Date:Jul 22, 2022
Developer:
- historia Inc.
Publisher:
