Live a live: a retro rpg revival worth your time (and cash)
Forget the deluge of sprawling, hundred-hour RPGs demanding a serious time commitment. Square Enix’s Live A Live, a remake of a Super Famicom cult classic, delivers a concise, captivating experience that proves less can indeed be more. And at under €30 on AliExpress, it’s a steal.
A novel narrative structure: eight tales, one thread
What immediately sets Live A Live apart isn't its gorgeous HD-2D visuals – a style now familiar thanks to Octopath Traveler – but its audacious narrative structure. Rather than a singular, sprawling epic, the game presents eight self-contained stories, each unfolding in a wildly different setting and with a distinct protagonist. We’re talking prehistory, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and even a futuristic dystopia, all interwoven with surprising subtlety.
Each chapter operates almost as a mini-game, establishing its own rules and tone. One moment you're navigating a survival scenario in the Stone Age, the next you're uncovering a conspiracy in a cyberpunk metropolis. This episodic nature prevents the game from feeling monotonous; if one story doesn't quite grab you, there’s always another just around the corner—a welcome change from the commitment often demanded by modern JRPGs.
Tactical combat with a twist
The gameplay isn’t revolutionary, but it's smartly executed. Live A Live employs a turn-based combat system, but eschews the static, menu-driven battles of yesteryear. Instead, characters move across a grid, with attacks possessing range and area-of-effect properties. Positioning becomes surprisingly important, adding a layer of tactical depth without overwhelming the player. It’s accessible enough for newcomers to the genre, yet offers enough strategic nuance to keep seasoned veterans engaged.
The remake adds quality-of-life improvements, including auto-saving and streamlined party management, making it far more approachable than the original. Furthermore, the inclusion of Spanish text is a genuinely welcome addition for a wider audience.
More than just a pretty pixel
Beyond the captivating visuals and engaging combat, Live A Live possesses a surprising narrative depth. While seemingly disparate, each story subtly contributes to a larger, overarching mystery—a shared thread connecting these diverse timelines. The game rewards attentive players who notice recurring motifs and clues hinting at a looming threat. It's a testament to the original game's clever design and a demonstration of how seemingly simple narratives can resonate deeply.
With a playtime clocking in at around 20 hours, Live A Live offers a satisfyingly complete experience without the fatigue of extended campaigns. It’s a brilliant example of how to deliver a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay within a manageable scope.
The sudden and unexpected price drop on AliExpress only sweetens the deal. For less than the cost of a couple of coffees, you can experience a genuinely unique and rewarding JRPG. Don’t miss this opportunity.