A critically acclaimed Nintendo Switch exclusive remake has been announced for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. In recent years, Square Enix has put a lot of effort into reviving its classic IP and certain beloved titles, from remasters like Final Fantasy 8 Remastered and Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition to full on remakes like last year's Live A Live, which saw a cult classic SNES RPG finally make its way west in a gorgeous HD-2D reimagining. Now, Square Enix has announced that Live A Live will be coming to PC and PlayStation platforms next month.
Live A Live is a 1994 JRPG developed by Squaresoft that was originally released only in Japan. The game features turn-based combat and follows seven protagonists each with their own self-contained stories that can be played in any order, all of which feature unique settings and mechanics. Stories range from the wild-west, prehistoric times, the Middle Ages, and the far future, culminating in a final story that ties all seven narratives together. The game was the directorial debut on game designer Tokashi Tokita, who would later go on to co-direct Chrono Trigger and Parasite Eve.
Last year, Square Enix announced a full remake of Live A Live in the HD-2D style created by Team Asano, the developer behind Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. This remake was a Nintendo Switch exclusive co-published with Nintendo, however much like Team Asano's other games, Live A Live is now making its way to other platforms, namely PS4, PS5, and PC, on April 27th, 2023. The game is currently available to pre-order digitally now with a 20% discount, alongside a free demo that allows players to carry their progress to the main game.
This is the third time an HD-2D release is skipping Xbox platforms following the release of Octopath Traveler on Xbox One in 2021, which launched as part of Xbox Game Pass. Last month's Octopath Traveler 2 marked the series' debut on PlayStation platforms, while 2022's Triangle Strategy remains a Nintendo Switch console exclusive after arriving on PC last October. Square Enix has not yet revealed why these games have been skipping Microsoft's systems despite Octopath Traveler's release on the platform.
Live A Live released on Nintendo Switch last July to critical success, with many reviewers at the time praising the game's originality and charm even after almost thirty years. Despite this, some criticized some of the game's mechanics for remaining outdated and lacking the polish of some of Team Asano's other recent games. Regardless, much praise was heaped upon Live A Live's gorgeous HD-2D style, which is sure to look even more charming with the extra power of the PS4 and PS5 powering it.
Live A Live is available now on Nintendo Switch. It will release on PC, PS4, and PS5 on April 27th 2023.