Live A Live
Metacritic
IGDB
Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About Live A Live
Live A Live arrives as a rare chance to play a classic title finally released outside Japan. Square Enix brought this 1994 Super Famicom RPG to modern systems in 2022 using their signature HD-2D art style. You can find it on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game offers seven distinct stories set across different eras and genres. One tale follows a cowboy in the Wild West while another puts you in the shoes of a ninja in feudal Japan. Each chapter stands alone with its own cast and mechanics. You can tackle these narratives in any sequence you prefer. This structure allows players to jump between high fantasy, futuristic sci-fi, and historical settings without losing momentum. It is a compilation of short adventures rather than one long epic.
Gameplay
You control your character through turn-based battles or exploration segments depending on the chapter. The Wild West section uses an overworld map with real-time movement while other chapters revert to grid-based tactical combat. Each story changes how you interact with the environment and enemies. One segment might involve stealth mechanics where you must avoid guards, while another focuses on dialogue trees that determine outcomes. You do not carry over gear or stats between stories since each is a self-contained experience. The controls remain consistent across platforms for movement and menu navigation. Sessions usually last an hour or two per chapter, making it easy to pick up and put down. Some stories feature unique battle systems like the futuristic segment where you manage energy reserves differently than standard HP pools.
What Players Think
Critics and players have responded well to this remaster with a Metacritic score of 81 and an IGDB rating of 81.5 from 29 users. The community reports an average completion rate of roughly 65 percent for the main content. Reviewers frequently mention that the variety keeps engagement high throughout the collection. Playtime data shows most users spend between 8 to 12 hours finishing all seven tales. Community moods skew positive with frequent mentions of nostalgia and appreciation for the art direction. Players often cite the Edo period chapter as a standout moment due to its tight pacing. Negative feedback usually focuses on the short length of individual stories rather than gameplay flaws. Achievement data indicates that many users hunt for 100 percent completion despite the game not requiring it.
PlayPile's Take
This title is worth your time if you enjoy compact narratives or want to try different RPG mechanics without a long commitment. The price point on most stores reflects its anthology nature rather than a massive open world. You will unlock several achievements for finishing specific chapters or finding hidden items. I recommend playing the Wild West story first because it introduces the HD-2D style well. Avoid this if you expect a single continuous character progression from start to finish. The lack of shared inventory between stories might frustrate some players seeking depth. Square Enix did a solid job updating the visuals without altering the original design too much. It stands as a unique collection of ideas that rarely get paired together in modern releases.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
81.5
RAWG Rating
4.5
Deals
Finding deals...
Videos
2Trailer
Screenshots
12Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...