Live A Live
ライブ・ア・ライブ
JapanLive A Live (ライブ・ア・ライブ) is a role-playing game developed and published by Square. It released for the Super Famicom on September 2, 1994.
Gameplay
In Live A Live, the player controls eight characters in eight unique narratives, as well as a ninth that ties them together. The scenarios all feature the same basic mechanics, but most have a unique gimmick, such as featuring no regular encounters or material gathering and weapon crafting. In battles, party members and enemies are scattered across a 7x7 grid. During the player's turn, they are free to move about the grid, as well as select to use an attack or spells, as well as use battle and healing items found throughout the overworld. Enemies move and attack when their turn meter fills, and every action the player takes increases that meter. New actions open to the player primarily by gaining experience points during battles.
Characters
| Main Character | Image | Chapter Description abridged from the 2021 remake |
|---|---|---|
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Oboromaru | Bakumastuhen Mitsumei (Bakumatsu Chapter: Infiltration) In an age of strife and bloodshed, a young shinobi is given a mission of utmost importance. Into a castle of deadly traps and wary enemies he must venture, that he may free a prisoner of singular talents. Will the shinobi carry out his task with a merciful heart, or will he put his every enemy to the sword? |
 |
Akira Tadoroko | Kin Miraihen Ryuudou (Near Future Chapter: Flow) One day soon, a rebellious youth lives a hard life, getting into trouble and picking fights because he knows what others are thinking. A rough routine, but one he's grown accustomed to. His power eventually leads him to become involved in a dark conspiracy... which can only be stopped through the resurrection of an ancient robot king: the Steel Titan! |
 |
Pogo | Genshihen Sesshoku (Primitive Chapter: Contact) In an era before kings and kingdoms, a young man comes of age, and is given permission to go forth and hunt. Lacking spoken words, he and his best friend Gori rely on their powerful sense of smell to survive. Guided by their noses, they track game and shelter, and learn much of the world is dangerous... |
 |
The Sundown Kid | Shibu-hen Horo (Western Chapter: Wandering) The American frontier is a place of foolish dreams and dashed hopes. A tired soul rides into a dying town terrirized by outlaws. Against a gang of villains, a lone gunslinger stands no chance. But perhaps, by working together with the locals to prepare traps before they arrive, one man may yet make a difference... |
 |
Masaru Takahara | Gendaihen Saikyou (Present Day Chapter: Strongest) To be the world's strongest fighter. A dream shared by many, but one young warrior believes he has what it takes to claim the title. By making the skills of other masters his own, he intends to prove himself. Muay Thai, professional wrestling, lucha libre, sambo - the most powerful techniques of these traditions he will learn. |
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Cube | SF-hen Kishin (Sci-Fi Chapter: Mechanical Heart) Far from Earth, the transport freighter Cogito Ergo Sum slowly makes its way home. Aboard this tiny vessel, a new form of life is born. Alas, as a series of incidents put the safety and well-being of the ship's crew in jeopardy, this autonomous support unit must work together with its creators to ensure not all is lost... |
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Earthen Heart Shifu | Kunfuuhen Denshou (Kung-Fu Chapter: Inheritance) An old Chinese master yearns to preserve his kung fu for future generations. He ventures forth in search of a successor worthy of his legacy. Once he gathers three disciples, he will subject them to relentless training to strengthen their minds, bodies, and spirits. Of these three, who will rise to the occasion and become the nest shifu? |
