Matchup

2025 Video Game Madness - South Region Super Sixteen: 8 Live A Live vs. 4 Signalis

2025 Video Game Madness - South Region Super Sixteen

2 - 2

8 Live A Live

JPN

Region: South

Developer: Square Enix

Released: 2022

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch

Genre: RPG

4 Signalis

GER

Region: South

Developer: rose-engine

Released: 2022

Platforms: Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One

Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie

South - Live A Live vs. Signalis

Prepare for a clash of classic RPG nostalgia versus eerie survival horror, as the 8th seed Live A Live takes on the 4th seed Signalis in the South Region Super Sixteen. This match presents a striking contrast in gameplay styles, offering a diverse journey through time and space with one game, and a grim, atmospheric exploration of horror and mystery in the other. Get ready for a showdown that brings both a sense of adventure and a creeping sense of dread.

Live A Live, developed by Square Enix, is a role-playing game that has captured the hearts of both retro fans and newcomers alike. Originally released for the Super Famicom, the game has been given new life with a HD-2D remake that brings its unique storytelling style to modern audiences. The game features a series of distinct, episodic adventures, each set in a different time period or genre, from prehistoric times to a distant future. Players can experience multiple characters and scenarios, each with its own gameplay mechanics and narrative tone. Whether it’s battling in a wild west showdown, solving a murder mystery in a futuristic setting, or navigating the perils of ancient China, Live A Live offers a diverse, multifaceted RPG experience. Its charm lies in its narrative structure and the way it blends different genres and historical moments into a cohesive whole.

Meanwhile, Signalis, developed by rose-engine, is a survival horror game that draws heavy inspiration from the classic survival horror titles of the late ‘90s, particularly the *Resident Evil* and *Silent Hill* series. Set in a dystopian future, the game follows the story of Elster, a technician on a search for her missing partner in a remote facility on a distant planet. As players explore the haunting, atmospheric environment, they must solve puzzles, fight terrifying creatures, and manage limited resources—all while uncovering the dark, cryptic narrative that ties everything together. Signalis is all about tension, dread, and meticulous survival, with a strong emphasis on mood, setting, and a slow burn of psychological horror. Its retro-inspired visuals and eerie soundtrack only enhance the feeling of isolation and fear that permeates the game.

This Super Sixteen matchup pits two vastly different games against each other. On one hand, Live A Live offers a rich tapestry of storytelling, full of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, each adventure offering a new world to explore. On the other hand, Signalis is a dark, atmospheric journey where survival is paramount, and every corner may hold a new nightmare. Where Live A Live excites with its variety and episodic charm, Signalis lures players into a chilling, oppressive world that keeps them on edge at all times.

Both games excel in their respective genres, but the question is: can the varied adventures and colorful worlds of Live A Live outshine the dread-filled survival horror of Signalis? While Live A Live offers more diversity in its storytelling and gameplay, Signalis offers an experience that hooks players with its immersive atmosphere and relentless horror.

Prediction: This one could go either way, but with Signalis's ability to capture the essence of survival horror and its strong fan following, it may have the edge over the whimsical, yet nostalgic charm of Live A Live. Expect a close and tense match, but Signalis’s gripping atmosphere may just push it ahead.