Check Out More Classic RPG Titles
Live A Live is an HD-2D remake of the classic Japanese exclusive role-playing game of the same name. Now with enhanced graphics and worldwide availability, Live A Live brings fans back to the classic RPG era of the 80s and 90s’. This game is full of incredible storylines. Each of them presents a new set of well-rounded and colorful characters per story. While it may be an older title, fans will notice how it paved the way for other titles of the same kind. If you’ve finished playing Live A Live and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks. Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with. So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Live A Live.
Triangle Strategy
Triangle Strategy is another HD-2D-styled RPG game that offers a powerful narrative that will keep fans engaged. Like Live A Live, this game includes a stellar battle system and intriguing approach to storytelling. Unlike Live A Live, Triangle Strategy solely focuses on one protagonist and his journey. However, players do receive some leeway with how this protagonist’s journey unfolds. This is in the form of the game’s approach to decision-based storytelling. In this game, you’ll be able to control who the protagonist adds to his team. This allows the game to bolster high replay value as there are multiple endings and storylines for you to uncover. On the other hand, Triangle Strategy tackles gameplay from a different angle. This game is more in line with titles like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics, where you’ll be moving characters across a grid to engage in combat. Despite that, the gameplay delivers the same amount of action and thrills as the battles shown in Live A Live.
Octopath Traveler
Despite being a remake of an older title, Live A Live owes a lot to Octopath Traveler for introducing fans to its newly enhanced HD-2D styled graphics. Octopath Traveler is an award-winning turn-based RPG that follows Live A Live’s structure. In this game, you’ll get to experience eight different storylines. Each follows a unique personality with different goals, aspirations, and engrossing backgrounds. Despite being different narratives focusing on distinct protagonists, Octopath Traveler’s storylines do interconnect in some ways. Both games deliver impeccable and jaw-dropping visuals inside and outside of battle. This new approach to high-resolution 2D visuals allows the landscapes to pop out more. Furthermore, these JRPGs both feature engrossing soundtracks that mesh well with their multitude of worlds and their environments. If you’re looking for another stupendous HD-2D game with an incredible battle system, gorgeous visuals, and a memorable soundtrack, check out Octopath Traveler.
Mega Man X: Command Mission
Mega Man X: Command Mission is a unique game in the Mega Man franchise. This game opts for turn-based RPG-like gameplay instead of the usual side-scrolling shenanigans one would expect from the franchise. This allows the game to craft an identity for itself while bolstering a new form of play for Mega Man fans. Like Live A Live, Mega Man X: Command Mission’s battle system is fun and strategic. Players will need to plan their attacks out or suffer from a miscalculation of their opponent’s strength. The visuals in this game are on par with those in Live A Live, despite Live A Live having the better presentation. The soundtrack in this game is top-notch and should satisfy fans of RPGs and the Mega Man franchise. If you’re looking for a new take on Capcom’s blue-bomber, find yourself a copy of Mega Man X: Command Mission.
SaGa Frontier
SaGa Frontier is a sci-fi adventure JRPG that was developed by Square Enix. This game offers a stellar cast of characters, memorable music, and engaging environments. It’s another one of Square’s JRPGs that has gone through the remastered treatment. Its remastered variant includes more visually appealing character sprites, cut content, quality of life improvements, and several pointer-like features to help with level traversal. The game also features a New Game+ Mode and a better logging system to entice players to return to the game for numerous play sessions. Like Live A Live, Saga Frontier follows the journey of multiple characters. Each of them has a different mindset, dream, and persona. The personalities clash well, creating visually enticing and interesting story beats for fans to follow as they progress. Live A Live’s HD-2D visuals hold higher visual engagement than the visuals found in Saga Frontier and are a remastered variant. However, if you can overlook its mixed visual design, you’re in for a wonderful treat with Saga Frontier.
Undertale
Undertale has amassed a wide following since it was released. This game features a slew of lovable characters, a memorable and stress-inducing battle system, and a beautiful story. Like Live A Live, Undertale offers different story routes for players to engage with and complete. The story routes of this game include neutral, pacifist, and genocide routes. Each comes jam-packed with new dialogue, scenarios, and outcomes involving the protagonist and the NPCs he encounters. This gives the game great replay value, allowing you to experience three distinct and magnificent tales. Undertale features a bullet-hell and turn-based battle system. As the protagonist, you can choose to attack enemies, heal yourself through items, or spare enemies. When your enemy attacks you, your character’s heart will be placed inside a square. You must dodge enemy attacks by carefully moving your heart away from the projectiles they throw at you. This battle system gives Undertale its charm and is pivotal in deciding what story route you’ll undergo. If you’re looking for a wonderful RPG title with mesmerizing music and fantastic characters, check out Undertale.
Chrono Trigger
Like Live A Live, Chrono Trigger is an incredible JRPG full of life and charm. This game features a spectacular cast of characters designed by Dragon Ball series creator Akira Toriyama. The characters in this game have impressive personalities and will leave a lasting impression on you. Chrono Trigger’s gameplay is equally enjoyable as Live A Live’s gameplay. Its Active Time Battle system makes battles feel more impactful and strategic. The character’s abilities and strengths vary per character, too. Like most JRPGs, you can expect to travel across a large world, interact with nearby NPCs and shop owners, and engage in multiple emotional sub-plots. Although Live A Live has the upper hand over Chrono Trigger with its stellar HD-2D graphics, Chrono Trigger’s 16-bit graphics still hold up. You’ll become infatuated by the character’s quick and snappy character and battle animations. Each fight in this game feels memorable and fun to participate in. If you’re looking to find out why many critics regard Chrono Trigger as one of the best JRPGs of all time, then I’d suggest picking it up.
Final Fantasy IV
The Final Fantasy franchise has given fans spectacular worlds to explore, characters to attach themselves to, and enchanting music that will last with them for millennia. Final Fantasy IV is regarded as one of the franchise’s finest entries. Like Live A Live, this title’s ensemble cast and the world will invigorate you. This game’s large character cast was astounding at the time. Players loved how each character tied into the game’s overarching complex plot. This game introduced fans to the franchise’s staple Active Time Battle system and gave its protagonists unchangeable character classes. The enemies you encounter in this game are as fantastical and grand as those found in Live A Live. After the battle, you’ll gain experience points to raise the level of your characters. Not only that but levelling up your characters will grant you access to some neat and useful power-ups for them. There are many towns and areas for you to explore in this game. Many of them will feature shops where you can purchase useful items to replenish your party’s strength and buy new equipment. Final Fantasy IV was an excellent entry to the Final Fantasy franchise and introduced many concepts later games would adopt. If you’re looking for a Final Fantasy title with a retro-edge, I’d recommend this game.
Secret of Evermore
Secret of Evermore is an action RPG developed by Square that was released in the late 90’s for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Like Live A Live, this game tackled multiple different periods of time regarding its storyline. The Secret of Evermore takes place in the fictional world of Evermore and follows the adventure of a teenage boy and his dog. As the boy, players explore four main areas in Evermore. Each area offers a different historical setting. For example, one area has you traveling through a Prehistoric environment full of cavemen and dinosaurs while another has you traversing through a futuristic space station. The game also includes a unique feature for your canine companion. Your dog can transform into something that fits the theme for each specific area. For example, if you’re in the Prehistoric area, he’ll turn into a feral wolf. This brings the world to life and allows you to immerse yourself in its environment. Secret of Evermore’s gameplay features similar elements to the Mana series made by Square. The battles in this game are done in real-time and feature the same Ring-menu system found in Square’s Mana series of games. This allows the combat to feel smooth and quick. While you’ll start off the game with a mere bone, you can purchase better equipment from shops found in the four areas. Like your canine companion, the items in these shops are themed around that specific environment. Winning battles will net you wonderful experience points that can help your character level up. As you level up, our hero’s strength and evasive stats increase. While this game may not feature multiple protagonists, the hero you follow in this game is just as wonderful. If you’re looking for another classic RPG with historical-themed areas, then Secret of Evermore is worth playing. So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Live A Live. What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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