Live A Live Reviews

Live A Live is ranked in the 86th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8 / 10.0
May 11, 2023

Live A Live uses creativity and courage to build an RPG like no other. Instead of a single plot, the game is made up of numerous mini-stories, each with its own ideas and concepts. The variety of themes is one of the highlights, making it difficult not to appreciate at least some of the tales. Furthermore, the battle system is inventive and unique. The retro atmosphere oozes charm with the HD-2D visuals and the excellent soundtrack. The remake of the title released for the SNES in 1994 is technically impeccable, but perhaps too stuck in the past. The stories lack depth, the chapter structure is too basic and the RPG systems could be better worked on. Other than that, combat is unbalanced, sometimes being trivial, sometimes being too difficult. At least the pace is agile, with a modest length compared to other RPGs. Furthermore, Live A Live is worth checking out, mainly for its bold attempt to experiment and try to be different.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Apr 24, 2023

Overall, Live A Live emerges as a must-play title, feeling both wonderfully part of the golden era of Square RPGs, and as modern as other similar titles released today. There were some chapters that weren't quite as impactful as others, and the lack of a strong and continuous narrative might turn some players away, but Live A Live is a fantastic overall package that leaves you hungry for more at each turn. For both seasoned JRPG fans and players new to the genre alike, you won't want to miss Live A Live, as its comparatively short 20-hour playtime is always giving you something new, having you wishing that you had the chance to play it when it first came out.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 24, 2023

While Live A Live wouldn’t have been the first game I would have picked to get the HD-2D treatment, I am certainly glad to see this underappreciated gem finally get the respect it deserves, while full 3D remakes certainly have their place some games are just better conveyed it that old school art style and Live A Live is no exception.

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8 / 10.0
Aug 9, 2022

Live a Live is just the right dose for those looking to escape the extensive RPG standards and live 8 different and relatively short experiences, to go along with the enhanced and most beautiful HD-2D visuals used in a video game to date. A Nintendo Switch exclusive title not to be missed!

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 31, 2022

Live A Live is a Turn-Based tactical JRPG in which several small stories together form a larger whole. Each character comes from a different era with different weapons and skills. The style in combination with the gameplay makes this a must-play for the Nintendo Switch.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

80%
Aug 11, 2022

Even today, Live A Live feels fresh and different due to its unique story structure and it passes the test of time.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Aug 17, 2022

Live a Live is an eccentric game that has been brought into the modern gaming landscape not just through its stunning pixel work but also with some modern features that make it a breeze to play through. Its unique structure was intriguing throughout, and the short, self-contained chapters throughout most of the game make for an easy pick-up and play experience.

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4 / 5.0
Aug 1, 2022

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.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 30, 2022

‎The only aspect that is less in Live A Live is the combat. There is little variation in enemies outside of the bosses and the ‎‎battles‎‎ feel a bit monotonous. This does not detract from the fact that Live A Live as a whole is a great experience, so this Nintendo Switch game is definitely worth a try!‎

Review in Dutch | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2022

Live a Live puts together many of the things that put people off from playing JRPGs but makes it surprisingly accessible. It gives you several lives worth living and rewards you for really exploring every one of them.

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Kakuchopurei
Tony Tudin
80 / 100
Jul 22, 2022

Live A Live is a treasure of a game that still stands the test of time and gets the remake treatment it truly deserves, being playable for a new generation of gamers who need to play a game that was way ahead of its time.

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8 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2022

LIVE A LIVE is a great adventure that still holds up 28 years later. With its 8 very different stories, the game delivers a wide variety of still very original gameplay. Despite offering 2 or 3 scenarios that aren't as interesting as the others, it makes up with a well-balanced rhythm of story and gameplay. In the end, it's relatively short compared to other Tactical RPGs which, in my opinion, make the genre more accessible to newcomers.

Review in French | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 24, 2023

If you enjoy retro and at the same time want something unique that is not quite common even nowadays, Live A Live will definitely offer you that. Some periods of the game are more fun, others less so, but overall it's still a very good game after all these years. And the PC port is successful, although the controls could have been a little more refined.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 21, 2022

Live A Live is a remake of the game from 1994, which may not offer an equal story, but in the end it allows you to experience some interesting twists and turns and it is for them that it is worth playing the production of Square Enix ... Although I am aware that the proposal will be appreciated by a few.

Review in Polish | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 28, 2022

If you’re a fan of quirky JRPGs, consider Live A Live a must-have. Each and every one of the stories offered up here is distinctive and interesting, keeping your attention held like a vice. Along with a fantastic combat system, and numerous improvements to the presentation of the overall package, we’re overjoyed that this title is finally available in the west. Only the occasional frustration brings it down a little, but they’re very much worth pushing through.

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Saudi Gamer
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jul 24, 2022

Live A Live is worth a try for everyone who owns a Switch and loves RPG games with a multi-role system and contains an innovative and wonderful story with a fun and simple fighting system, but needs to think about every step you take, do not expect it to be a revolutionary game, but it is worth every minute of your time, especially for the scarcity of this

Review in Arabic | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Jul 25, 2022

Live-a-Live is well polished old title with new production values. But after all these years, it is refreshing experience with different time eras, chapter and heroes leading to solid finale. If you are ready for RPG all-in-one, it will show you how good games last.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

4 / 5.0
Jul 26, 2022

Live A Live is one of the most unique games we never got to play in 1994.

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Jul 27, 2022

Live A Live is an RPG that was reborn with new life and vigor, and it shows. It's a solid RPG that weaves all sorts of unique mechanics, stories and genres into one package that is very special indeed.

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8 / 10
Jul 21, 2022

Although it is more than 25 years old, Live A Live delights with charming narratives, solid gameplay, and a well-remastered presentation.

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