Look, there’s a TON of awful games out there – seriously, games that are just a waste of your time. A lot of them feel like they were made just to get a quick buck, and honestly, there’s not much good to say about them. Luckily, with so many games available now, it’s pretty easy to avoid those duds and find the ones everyone’s raving about. But here’s the thing: sometimes a really good game gets a bad first impression and gets overlooked. It’s a shame, because you might miss out on something amazing if you only go by initial reviews!
As a games journalist, I’m usually hesitant to defend games that have received a lot of negative attention, especially when it feels like no one is willing to listen. However, I feel it’s time to speak up about Left Alive, the often-criticized survival shooter from Square Enix. It’s sadly become a forgotten title, relegated to discount bins and selling for next to nothing. While Left Alive definitely has its flaws, it’s actually a better game than many people believe.
Left Alive Is Much Better Than People Give It Credit For
If you haven’t heard of it, Left Alive takes place in the same world as Front Mission Evolved. You play as one of three people who survive after their city is attacked and destroyed by an enemy force. The game features challenging stealth sections, exciting action, and battles with giant robots. Plus, it has a unique winter setting with Christmas decorations – something you don’t often see in video games. In fact, Left Alive is as much a Christmas game as Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Consider that as you like!
As a big fan of stealth games and mechs, the premise of Left Alive really grabbed my attention. But sadly, when it came out in 2019, critics weren’t impressed – it only scored a 37 on Metacritic! It seemed to suffer from the usual problems: the AI wasn’t very smart, the game was buggy, and the controls felt awkward. Because of all that, Left Alive kind of got overlooked and seen as a failed attempt to recreate the magic of Metal Gear Solid. It was also a letdown for fans hoping for a strong comeback for the Front Mission Evolved series.
Despite initial negative reviews, Left Alive is a surprisingly good game. It features a captivating story set in a realistically devastated city, populated with well-developed characters over its 15-hour length. More importantly, it’s one of the most thrilling and suspenseful stealth games I’ve played. The game constantly puts you in challenging situations, as every area is filled with enemies you’re not prepared to fight.
Before you can pilot a powerful mech and destroy everything, you’ll need to rely on strategy. This means setting traps, quietly eliminating enemies from both close and long range, and quickly finding cover when things go wrong – all while hoping you don’t run out of ammunition. Left Alive constantly challenges you to think on your feet. It’s a thrilling and tense experience that remains engaging even after multiple playthroughs of the same areas. Ultimately, Left Alive is a genuinely enjoyable, though sometimes stressful, stealth game – and that’s saying something, considering I don’t usually enjoy stealth games.
Left Alive Is Worth Playing In 2026
I highly recommend Left Alive, not just for 2026, but for years to come. It still looks fantastic on any platform, and its amazing cutscenes, incredible music (especially the track “Enemy Sighted,” which you won’t be able to forget!), and strong voice acting really bring the story and world to life. Plus, there’s a lot of hidden lore to discover, and the detailed environments make you feel truly immersed – even while you’re trying to avoid being destroyed by giant robots.
While not perfect, Left Alive presents a significant challenge (though easier settings are quite forgiving). You’ll often need to carefully plan your approach or be prepared to learn from repeated deaths, gradually familiarizing yourself with the environments and enemies. The game also feels a bit rough around the edges; it doesn’t have the polish of a major title, with some minor bugs and awkward animations expected from a game with a limited budget.
Despite its flaws, Left Alive is a game I truly wish I could play again with fresh eyes. It’s one of those titles that deserves a sequel, but unfortunately, a follow-up is unlikely given its initial disappointing reception. I really hope the game gets another look someday, so more people can discover it without being put off by the harsh early reviews. Even seven years later, Left Alive remains a truly unique and enjoyable experience – unlike anything else I’ve played. I highly recommend giving it a try; you might be surprised by how much you like it.
Should Left Alive get another look? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2026-02-02 00:13