Live A Live Demo Impressions

Live A Live is the latest in Square Enix’s series of HD-2D games, and this time it is a remake of a classic RPG that never left Japan before. Live A Live is somewhat similar to Saga Frontier in that you select a scenario and play a different character, but it functions a bit differently here. Here you get to select different eras to play in and take control of a radically different character each time.

Nintendo and Square Enix have now released a new demo of the game to try out and it really is an enticing product. We get to try three different eras in this demo, and each has its own different feeling and art style, but also its own unique gameplay mechanics. While all the eras use gameplay involving grid-based combat, the other aspects of the gameplay are vastly different.

In Imperial China, you play a martial arts master who is extremely powerful but must seek a disciple. In this chapter, you are overpowered and can end most fights quickly, but there are other aspects to be aware of in the experience as well. Conversely in Edo Japan, you play a shinobi and have multiple stealth options and can avoid any battles if you so choose.

While each chapter looks vastly different, the HD-2D art style makes everything look utterly amazing. There is so much detail to enjoy that you can spend a few minutes just staring at the screen taking everything in. The choice of HD-2D visuals really helps the different art styles in each era stand out more as the unique visuals they are meant to be and that is for the best.

One other interesting aspect of the game is that there is some excellent voiceover work in the dub. This is not something we usually comment on, but it is done very well here and deserves mention due to the work put into the presentation. And that is not even mentioning the amazing music in the chapters available so far, all of which is awesome.

One thing that is appreciated about Live A Live is that this is a game you can play at your own pace and choice of style. If you want to fight, you fight, but the combat feels sometimes optional but still satisfying. You also have the option of pausing a character at any time and starting another chapter to see a different era, which is a great touch.

Overall, this is a fantastic demo and makes the final product that much more alluring.