LIVE A LIVE (First Thoughts) - Happy Console Gamer

[@themailman3331]

I’m obsessed with HD2D. There’s just something amazing about it. Add in the fact that Octopath Traveller, Triangle Strategy and Live A Live are all great games. Perfect genre for this art style. Good times.

[@JegoEXP]

I absolutely love the art style of games like this, Octopath Traveler, and Triangle strategy. I 100% agree

[@blues4509]

Same as a big Pokémon fan I wish it went in this direction as opposed to going 3d

[@themailman3331]

@@edfiridosa I’m sure you heard about Dragon Quest 3 getting a remake in HD2D. It looks amazing and will be another banger. They must have something else in development using the HD2D art style.

[@eliv8468]

Yup, Live A Live is my first HD2D game, and I’m planning to get the other two with Dragon Quest 3. The Switch is now my main RPG console.

[@rcast002]

I grew up with the 64 and once I played Octopath Traveler I’ve gone on to fall in love with 2D games to where I almost prefer the simplicity. It feels as though the 2D art style allows developers to completely control what you are visually experiencing moment to moment. I have so many hours in the HD 2D releases from Square Enix and even gotten into the Mana and Saga series. I can’t wait to play the chrono trigger and final fantasy VI

[@ChristopherAOBoyle]

Even after 10 years I still come back to happy console gamer for my rpg recommendations! Deffo willing to give the a demo a go now! Thanks for a great review once again!

[@dewinter1411]

Love this guy. He’s so passionate, articulate, and honest. He’s never steered me wrong. And with all the negativity in the world, his channel is refreshing.

[@MichaelMashpotato]

I’m 5 stories into this game. I have japan and space left. I am blown away with the story, gameplay and the music is absolutely phenomenal. I love this game

[@ThayneJiutsu]

@@james441 she literally said all of them but Japan and space…

[@kennethhernandez9243]

Akira should have gotten his own game. That’s all I’m saying.

[@lukeyost7566]

Blown away? Really? How many games have you played… it’s good sure but not something we haven’t seen… considering how it’s an old game

[@kennethhernandez9243]

@@lukeyost7566 the fact that it’s an old game is what makes it that much more important. When you consider when this came out, the people involved, and what they went on to do, it’s really cool to just finally be able to have this as a fan of jrpgs. It’s a very important game to the genre.

[@lukeyost7566]

@@kennethhernandez9243 I know it’s an important game… it was a trend setter and a corner stone for rpg’s… but that doesn’t make it better.. especially for those like me who has no nostalgia or bias towards the og

[@RobinFowler1982]

This feeling of fulfillment Is why I have loved the Yakuza series of games the last few years. As a dad, I don't have alot of time, but I can boot up Yakuza, complete a few side missions and log off feeling like i have done something.

[@TheGamingShelf]

Been loving this game so far! It’s kind of blowing me away honestly. The visual upgrade is fantastic and I really like how each character has their own unique gameplay mechanics.

[@Thirteen13551355]

It's insane how so many people, after so many years, are showing so much love to a game I've considered my second favourite game of all time for years. It's really heartwarming. In case people like to know, my favourite game is Mother 3.

[@xandroid9231]

This game is awesome. I played the SNES original and loved it. Play through it again with a guide after you beat it since there are a TON of secrets in almost each chapter. It's meant to be played multiple times.

[@topazlight1586]

Live A Live is a PHENOMENAL and super creative game that absolutely deserves to be included among the likes of Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, the SNES and PS1 Final Fantasy titles, etc. as one of Squaresoft's great classic JRPGs. Funnily enough, apparently they did WANT to give the original SNES release an English localization, but it just didn't sell enough in Japan for them to be able to get the power that be on board with that idea. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and that the game is getting more (much-deserved) love lately in general!

[@NightFlyStudio]

If you played Live A Live on the SNES and didn't like it...I still recommend giving this game a try. They really improved a LOT of things vs. the original. I loved this game. Almost all the stories have consequence to your actions, the music is quite good, the voice acting is kinda good, and the final chapter really brings things together. The distant future chapter made me fall in love with the game.

[@Retrosys]

There’s zero reason for me to ever go back to the Super Famicom version again with this remake

[@Avrazael]

Same! Distant future alone is 10/10

[@LYM0805]

Wow hearing you talk like that, with such love and nostalgia... I thought you were gonna cry. Amazing. Goty? Even as Xenoblade 3 is just around the corner with great reviews? 😱 What a time to be alive!

[@thenuclearsandwich]

Now we need Bahamut Lagoon. That's another one that stayed in Japan that I've hoped we get one day.

[@jasonstults8986]

This feels like a Spin off of Chrono Trigger. With full voice, planning for fights and different stories. A+

[@femtrooper]

Whaaaaat! You are seriously making me want to give this another shot!

[@jcnba28]

I'm giving the demo another shot lol

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

LOL you were the person I was quoting with the demo!

[@femtrooper]

@@HappyConsoleGamer haha oh mannnn what is wrong with me then??? I am really considering playing the demo again because everything else about the game is amazing. I love JRPGs like this so maybe I was having an off day!

[@trustee2494]

As a long time JRPG fan I can say with confidence that this game has me enthralled...it's simple and charming and I appreciate it being different. I don't have the time to play these games as much as I would like to and I love that you don't have to grind and it's super casual. I'm loving it!

[@AdamEspersona]

The thing about the soundtrack is… it’s the very first Square-centric OST done by Yoko Shimomura. Yes, her very first video game OST with Squaresoft, later SquareEnix. Even before Secret of Mana, or Super Mario RPG. And she even returned for the remake. So saying that the soundtrack is “far from memorable” is a disservice. As for the gameplay, I love it. I got used to the battle system relatively quick. And what was accomplished in this game in 1994 would later lead to other classics like Chrono Trigger and Saga Frontier. And for the record, the correct pronunciation of the title was right there in the kanji/katakana: ライブ・ア・ライブ, or Raibu A Raibu.

[@poppiaria]

I'm absolutely loving it, i'm very close to the ending and It's honestly one of my favourite games of the year so far.

[@saucygoat24]

The soundtrack is actually one of my favorite parts, Megalomania (the boss theme) might be my new crush, and the game itself is incredible so far, I'm in love a love.

[@markdiaz8895]

I've been enamored with this game. I think this is a goty for me for sure so far. I'm not done yet but I've been all over this. The boss encounters are awesome and the music is fitting for each story. It's beautiful, fun and fascinating!

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Man I liked having the different stories. Its sort of like giving each character a big back story. Then I also like the huge plot twist after you beat the game with all the characters, and the fact that at the last Chapter. All the heroes get together in a huge adventure all together. Also the music composer is great, her name is Yoko and she was the same music composer for Street Fighter 2, and the 1st Kingdom Hearts game too.

[@Mossfam86]

We need more of these games! I’m just getting through live a live more even though I bought on launch.

[@jayperrin5645]

Really appreciate this first thoughts video. I’m on my 3rd story and I’m finding a lot of the same things you have mentioned. I’m from the good ole days of gaming and this really was a great choice to take us old folks back to a simpler time.

[@snowypods9812]

Did you reply to the message about the give-aways? I received the same message. I'm not 100% sure it's from happyconsolegamer.

[@snowypods9812]

Yep it's definitely a scam. Do not give them your details

[@michelzero5012]

Play the fan translation and I was fascinated with the history of the game. Amazing remake, absolutely loving every minute of gameplay. Fingers crossed for Secret of Evermore remake. Thanks for this review Johnny.

[@rpgrufus]

Okay you talked me into it. Tried to play fan translations before , but this looks dope , and it gave me an excuse to get saga frontier too. thanks johnny,

[@cameronlodor6985]

Only 3 scenarios left for me! I’m halfway through the Shinobi with Caveman and Cowboy left. I really really hope that someday we get an HD-2D remake of Terranigma.

[@EvilHienSan]

Small spoil. You don't 3 left........you have 5 😉

[@PressStartMark]

Man a remake of terranigma would be awesome chrono trigger would be amazing too

[@kevinconnor3187]

Thanks!

[@macavityomega]

I'll say this. I knew exactly what I was getting into since I've played, and beaten, the original via a translation patch back in 2004, and again when it got overhauled in 2016. I really want you to come back and do a review after you finsh the game, as I consider this game up there in the same ultra high tier as Chrono Trigger and FF6. Still working through the remake, but the sheer attention to detail in regards to the original is impressive. Like almost 1/1 in terms of how close it is aside from the obvious, to the point where an old walkthrough I had from the first translation patch in '04 still works. Makes me very interested in how the Dragon Quest III remake will shape up.

[@hiphopopautumus]

Nobuyuki Inoue was the scenario designer for Live A Live, and went on to director the similarly episodic game, Mother 3! No wonder you feel the Earthbound vibes! Tim Rogers had a great video detailing Live A Live and it blew my mind. With this localization, I feel complete.

[@aaronburns9538]

Link to Tim Rogers review please.

[@hiphopopautumus]

@@aaronburns9538 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2ird2qsbtyIi6M I believe it’s number 12 or around there

[@leef2842]

This game is so fun so far. I love the idea of bite size chunks of stories, and how every scenario experiments with things to showcase the personality of each character. Little things like Shifu being automatically max level, or the descriptions for the caveman moves being in broken English. It's so wonderfully creative.

[@technologyanimals]

"Is it really that powerful what we're doing with the stuff there?" That's a quote for the ages. I love it. Thanks

[@exzisd]

Your review specifically has sold me on this. I have been on the fence but after hearing your explanation of it I am on board.

[@exzisd]

I did buy the game bc of this video and I’m loving it.

[@TheSmartAttack]

I pretty much check out what you think Johnny before I buy most JRPG / RPGs.. appreciate the very in depth reviews and thoughts you give out.

[@Iridium-77-g]

This is one of my favorite games of ALL TIME and getting this remake is a dream come true. I love this version and I hope it sells well enough so Square gives this treatment to more games like this.

[@OrangeLightning]

I'm so glad to see you're enjoying it. I'm 4 stories in and it's already in my top 3 of the year. I'm a fan of 16-bit JRPGs but I sometimes get thrown off them because of difficulty spikes and a lot of obtuse mechanics but this game has been the perfect sweet spot of engaging combat, beautiful storytelling (the Kung Fu Master storyline was genuinely breathtaking) and outstanding presentation. This really feels like the HD-2D format reaching its peak and it makes me so excited for Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D.

[@acerola3576]

oh MAN if it’s your GOTY and you’re only halfway through… you’re in for a serious treat.

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

IN my games of the year! Not #1 but very cool for old school JRPG ers!

[@acerola3576]

@@HappyConsoleGamer same here. you’ve already played thru my favorite story (ninja) but all seven scenarios are very charming in spite of their short runtime. i love how the ninja castle is basically a bite-sized metroidvania, since you unlock shortcuts and gain tools to reach new areas. it’s so neat to see that sort of game design wrapped into a JRPG package. it’s super experimental, especially for 1994! but even so, the way the game ends is personally my favorite part, so i hope you enjoy it too!

[@GrimlockHero]

I absolutely LOVE this game. I was looking forward to this since it was announced. I’m hoping that enough people bought it and gave it a chance and hopefully it will warrant Square to make a sequel

[@jbiz1995]

Ordered the game right after watching your review 🙌 That HD-2D looks INCREDIBLE

[@mattlockwood6089]

I love how you have kept your game stuff that is the ultimate Nostalgic trip

[@Lloydo111]

What a brilliant rpg! To think this was released nearly 30 years ago is a testament to these creative minds!! Hearing how the director is passionate and want this game to have another chance in life "since it was released Between FF6 & CT" beautiful rpg and very original & unique! Now i know why ppl loved it soo much years ago! I never thought we would have it but they did it and i am happy ppl are actually talking about it a lot! It got the love it deserves! I was afraid it will be overshadowed by XBC3 but thankfully it didn't! Also i loved yoko's music in this one!

[@RhydderchZX]

This game is my second favorite game ever, I played the fan translation years ago and am now playing the remake, it is still fantastic.

[@richardcarpenter24]

I wish they would remake Chrono Trigger, Just update the graphics and sound.

[@gr8latino]

I would love a CT Remake ala FFVII

[@silentobserver888]

All we need

[@gregblessing7036]

I just rented it from the library and your review has definitely motivated me to play it. Great review, great passion, great confidence, you deserve every last but of your success and then some. Have a good one, dude.

[@snowypods9812]

on the very Final Chapter, I would like to hear your thoughts on how the stories all come together.

[@TripodDetergent]

I hope this does well enough to get a sequel. Same structure of multiple small stories but with a little bit of modernization in terms of morr accuracy in the times and locations of where stories are set and more depth/differentiation to the gameplay in each chapter

[@BladetastersDelight]

I don’t know if I’m interested in a direct sequel but Chrono Trigger was essentially this game’s spiritual successor made by the same dev team, I really hope this game is a sign we’re getting Chrono Trigger in the ‘HD-2D’ style next

[@raspberrylicious76]

THANK YOU for getting the title's pronunciation right!! As a Japanese speaker, I cringe hearing how a lot of people pronounce it haha

[@chrilz1498]

I love that you still have that soundtrack after all these years, Johnny. And thank you for making this video--the game has looked so appealing to me, and knowing how similar your taste for RPGs is to mine, I'm sure I'd love it just as much as you do. If I get some extra money soon, I'll have to pick it up, thanks for sharing your excitement with us!

[@Farimere]

I played the fan translation and I am glad that they kept almost everything in this game. They say this was like the precursor to Chrono Trigger and it shows with going through different eras in time and even though you dont have control of the movement or AOE attacks the remnants of the grid based system are still there as positioning was important. The boss theme Megalomania will always have a place in my soundtrack.

[@phillip2863]

There was more to this game than I expected there to be. Looking forward to a final thoughts video once you've completed it.

[@noahholbrook6890]

I LOVE this game. I'm only in my 20s and haven't played many old games, and I'm obsessed.

[@landolondon3978]

I grabbed this game blind once I saw the art style. Now I am extremely excited to start it. Triangle Strategy has me in it's vile clutches though at the moment.

[@Mahaloth]

I played the fan translated rom of this game back around 2002 or so. I agree; I had ZERO expectation for this to ever be translated. This was the big game along with Bahumut Lagoon that was not released here. I'll pick this new version up.

[@RevolverLink]

I finished Live A Live last night (loved it!), and I've been thinking how different the game could've been had we actually gotten it back in 1994/1995, between English character limitations, the generally toned down nature of Super NES localizations, the tiny windows of time localizers often had to actually translate & script an entire game's worth of text and the 93/94 US senate hearings into video game content that lead to the creation of the ESRB - it still would've been considered a classic, I think, but so much of what this game does really pushes up against that T rating!

[@a_lot_of_lions]

absolutely loved playing this game, love the way it played on and twisted genres in each chapter

[@RetroWolf13]

wow im sold and the funny thing is i didnt even know this game was released

[@RetroWolf13]

Guess what I just bought it thanks dude

[@julianbruce7595]

you have the best reviews. you are clearly a old school RPG and videogame lover to the max!

[@josesuarez1711]

It feels more as you live a live. So it makes sense that many thought of it that way as you are living a live in different times.

[@TVOR]

I would've loved this game in the 90s. I was always looking for RPGs back then. I was always frustrated that they didn't bring that many over.

[@SuperPowerPainter]

Bought it, but have yet to play it. So excited to get to it. I’m absolutely sure I’ll love it!

[@411sponge72]

Ok I was on the fence on this one and you sold it! Thank you!

[@DaddyGamerDiaries]

Back in the 90s? Yes please!

[@jaysons8050]

I played this on the SNES emulator with a fan made English translation patch back in the mid 2000s. I only played a little of it and always meant to go back to resume, but somehow forgot about the game. Now that there's remake, I'll get a chance to complete it

[@volginicity]

Great Review Johnny.Its my 51st Birthday today and i preordered this game,it was ment to be for my birthday but i couldn`t resist and started playing it on release day,i absolutely love it,best JRPG ive played the HD2D graphics are stunning and its so much fun 🙂

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

Happy 51st!!

[@zakuguriin4521]

This game definitely needs a sequel or sequels. It's a fantastic idea for an RPG and I think they could explore so many cool ideas with sequels.

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

I hope they do a sequel for this game. There is a possibility for a sequel, since Odio the Dark Lord can be anyone, as shown towards the ending of the game.

[@funtimewallace6580]

You're one of the few KZbinrs I take opinions on with RPG's and you saying it was you GoTY is going to make me go out and buy it today. This is a game I've been super excited for since the announced it and I'm even more excited to dive into it now!

[@nicksuwalski2838]

The space level was SO GOOD.

[@fareastarmadildo5093]

Speaking of soundtracks, I recommend you give a listen to "Treasure of Rudras" or "Rudras no Hihou" soundtrack, a snes jrpg by square unreleased in the west. There is a fan translation though.

[@chadmaxilla4064]

I'm not drinking the Kool-Aid. It's still Live a Life to me.

[@braikingboss9137]

I haven't seen nobody say this asking, so I'll be the one to ask, why does the production looks so different? I think it's like the brightness of thinks a little way up, I don't know what it is, just seems different I've been watching this show since the begin ❤❤❤ And I'm truly in love with all your content I must say

[@lukegto]

I played through the translation back in 2015 and loved it. The remake is even better as they have improved quality of life immensely. The fact that the scenarios are bite sized is so nice as it makes it fun to go through rather then daunting to learn a new 6-10 hour scenario every time you start a new one

[@kennytaylor5849]

Will be buying this. Great review mate!

[@Deexeh]

Love it. Great remaster/remake in the style it went with. I'm also very biased as I played the fan translation to this ages ago.

[@Myatheequestrian]

Couldnt agree more. Just finished Pogos (Prehistoric) story and Im loving it. Perfect to pick up and play on the OLED too. Was feeling a bit burnt out on modern JRPGs to be honest but this has rekindled the love already!

[@1DangerMouse1]

Thank you for this! I had added this to my wish list and thought it seemed like something you would like.

[@BigHilm]

I pre ordered this but thought no maybe its not for me so cancelled my pre order. But after seeing alot of reviews and hearing great things about i ordered it again. Arriving today!

[@chocolocojames213]

If Square do a remake of Vagrant Story then I'm all in 😊😊😊

[@chriscangelosi9438]

this looks amazing, never heard of it, but now i need it ; )

[@Transfixed]

I finally tried the demo after hearing such good things, and loving how it looks, but it's agonizingly slow!

[@Cleve_Crudgington]

I knew nothing about this game prior to this remake but the idea of a videogame equivalent of a short story collection sounds really cool.

[@PressStartMark]

Im 6 stories into the game and im loving the ride this game takes me on this is fun and im glad that we got the opportunity to play this each story gives u a different take and blow you away in its own way

[@Victor-lk8ty]

I was unsure about this game but…you sold me on it. I’m buying it today! Thanks, Johnny.

[@rednoggy]

I always find its the games you don't expect to love and do that hit the hardest . Baten kaitos was one of mine, bought on a whim one bank holiday and spent the whole day playing it.

[@tdotran]

Only a few hours in and I’m loving it. So unique and different!!!!

[@theLethalRabbit]

Having played the original game and many, many other rpgs (old school guy, here), i have to say that Live A Live has one of the best plot twists i have EVER seen, in any game. It blew me away when i first played the game, many years ago, and i know that it can do it once again. That is another one of its many charms - along with the beautiful HD artstyle, the music and its great variety! I' m really happy that people are discovering this gem, after all these years, it really deserved this remake.

[@cloudbloom]

Hey Johnny! It's pretty cool how you still have that old soundtrack, I wish I collected game OST back in the day. I only have the final fantasy anthology soundtrack from the 90s

[@james441]

It’s a great game. Hope there’s more to come of HD2D

[@shenloken2]

Many SuperFamicom JRPGs unreleased in the West are worthy of HD2D remakes!

[@westonmeyer3110]

Dragon Quest 3 is coming next.

[@danihazes]

I wish Golden Sun come back with a Remaster in HD2D 😢

[@james441]

@@danihazes got a feeling thats coming

[@gregoriocruz4530]

I'm playing through Pogo's story right now. The whole thing with the prehistoric girl is adorable, in how you meet her. She was a good healer.

[@jonnjonzz5702]

I’m completing the stories in chronological order. I did prehistory my first night. Second I finished Imperial China, then I hit Edo Japan… Took me three nights for that one and I needed a walkthrough but I finished it with 0 kills! Wild West is up next.

[@jeffreyluzunaris8257]

I’m loving it so far! Finish about 3 stories! Loved the Shinobi one! Man the music is great too!

[@samghost13]

Of course it is a must have for us 80-90's People! Give some love to the good old games and the People will be shocked how good the stuff was back then. Good Job that Dev. Team Nailed it!

[@AnthyLoneExoria]

Boy, you are gonna be in for a treat for the final chapters.

[@sirninja6027]

I played it when I was younger, it’s the perfect remake. I’m capturing the EXACTING feeling I had playing it the first time.

[@ViktarTheBarbarian]

Haven't played the original. Bought this and have played through the caveman and cowboy stories. Loving it so far. The bite sized chunks of stories really make things manageable especially as a 30 something with kids. Also it's absolutely beautiful!

[@Videogamer80]

Yeah, with each story being short yet so satisfying is why I've loved this game, even when I played the original with the translation patch years ago. I never actually ended up finishing the game, but it was still so fun, as each story was still so fun

[@RegalPixelKing]

I won't spoil anything, but for 1994 this game was very impressive and innovative with the plot and where it goes after finishing the seven characters. This game was without a doubt a stepping stone that was required to get Chrono Trigger or Final Fantasy VI, that's not to say that this game does not stand on its own feet either.

[@Dash-Kyolux]

Played through all of it over the week-end. Fell in love. I don't keep too many games in my collection nowadays. But I'm keeping this one. I really hope to hear your thoughts when you're done.

[@pixelframe7126]

We love you John ❤️ keep up the great work 👌

[@hollywood_sadness]

Ooh I am stoked for this game! Played the demo and it was awesome. It gives me strong Saga Frontier vibes which I love.

[@videogameenjoyment1984]

I completely agree with you Johnny! This game for me is game of the year material and like you said it is a game that truly does have charm to it!

[@AlwaysTiim]

Just started the Near Future and oh boy.. the music so soooo great! I'm so in love with HD-2D games!

[@MikeMethot256]

The separate scenarios is somewhat nostalgic, kind of reminds me of the wild arms series in a way

[@thestuff10]

"Welcome back to another episooode..."