Revolutionize Your Life: Live a Life of Purpose!

Live A Live is a 1994 role-playing video game developed by Square (now Square Enix) for the Super Famicom. It was later remade in 2022 for the Nintendo Switch and subsequently released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows in 2023. The game stands out for its unique structure, featuring seven distinct scenarios set across different time periods, each with its own protagonist and gameplay mechanics. Two additional chapters tie the narratives together, with the recurring antagonist, Odio, serving as a unifying element.

Gameplay

• The game combines exploration and turn-based combat on a 7x7 grid.
• Each scenario introduces unique gameplay twists, such as stealth mechanics or telepathy to uncover story elements.
• Combat involves characters moving on the grid, using skills without limits, and managing abilities that affect tiles (e.g., healing or elemental damage).
• The remake introduced quality-of-life improvements like health bars, move indicators, and an optional radar system.

Story

The narrative spans multiple eras:

1. Prehistoric
2. Ancient China
3. Feudal Japan
4. Wild West
5. Present Day
6. Near Future
7. Distant Future

After completing these chapters, an eighth set in the Middle Ages is unlocked, followed by a final chapter that ties all stories together.

Development and Reception

• Directed by Takashi Tokita in his debut project, the game featured contributions from various manga artists for character designs and music by Yoko Shimomura.
• While the original release sold poorly (270,000 units), the remake was more successful, selling 500,000 copies globally.
• Critics praised its innovative narrative structure and updated visuals in the remake but noted that some gameplay elements felt dated.