Live A Live: Beginner tips you should know before starting

A REMAKE of the 1994 classic, Live A Live is a complex JRPG.

After a very long wait, the remake of Live A Live is here, using the HD-2D style of Octopath Traveler, and some modernised designs.

Square Enix

Live A Live takes you on an adventure from prehistory to the far future.[/caption]

This is the first time this game has come to the West, so JRPG fans will want to get going with this one as soon as possible on the Nintendo Switch.

Across the eight different time zones and scenarios, you have to play through, there are a lot of problems a new player can encounter.

We’ll help you with these tips that’ll get you flying through the game’s story a lot quicker than usual.

Choose your story

One of the appeals of this game is its non-linear story. Although things eventually intertwine, at the start you’ll need to choose where you want to start.

It’s not just personal preference either, as they vary in difficulty quite drastically.

If you’re looking for an easier experience at the start, then go to Imperial China or the Distant Future first.

However, if you’d rather challenge yourself right away when Twilight Edo of Japan and Prehistory are some of the toughest.   

Scenario differences

Gameplay will be different from scenario to scenario, as each protagonist has different abilities.

Some can hide from enemies, while others can read minds. Always make the most of what you’ve been given.

This is part of what makes it the most hotly anticipated RPGs of 2022.

Explore everything

You’ve got eight different time zones to play in Live A Live, it would be a shame to just whizz through them all.

Take your time to explore the beautiful scenery and learn a little bit more about the world.

Plus, as you poke around in every corner, you’ll probably find some great items and unique encounters.

Charge battle system

The grid-based battle system is something you probably aren’t familiar with, so take the time to learn its little tricks.

You’ll be charging forward with just about every action, and how far you’re moving can mess with the turn order.

If you charge for too long, then the enemies could batter you before you get the chance to act, so be careful and make sure you’re always in the fight.

Strengths and weaknesses

Like most JRPGs, attacks of certain types will be especially effective against some enemies, but less effective on others.

Read your enemies’ weaknesses and exploit them whenever possible to inflict more damage, and potentially land status conditions.

Save often

The autosave system in Live A Live is pretty robust, but if you’re struggling with a particular section, or just got through a tough fight.

Some people like to play without that safety net, but if you’re having a tough time, there’s no shame in it.

Grind time

It’s a tried and tested tactic in games like this, so don’t be afraid to grind your levels a little bit if you’re struggling with combat.

Part of what makes Twilight Edo of Japan such a difficult scenario to start with is a high-levelled boss that you’ll be unlikely to beat without beefing yourself up a bit.

Tile effects

Elemental effects can be applied to tiles, and they mostly involve doing damage, so be sensible and don’t charge into fire.

That said, it will hurt your enemies too, so it can be used for a tactical advantage if you’re clever.

Written by GLHF.