2024 has been a year of big RPGs likeShin Megami Tensei V: VengeanceandFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth. However, another big contender has arrived: Visions of Mana. The series it comes from is legendary, but is it necessary to play before Visions?
As the first mainline entry in the Mana series in over 15 years, with the last being 2006’s Dawn of Mana, Square Enix’s Visions of Mana is a fantasy action RPG with a semi-open-world, real-time combat, and tons of vibrant and creative characters and environments. The story of Visions of Mana will follow protagonist Val as he protects his childhood friend Hinna as they travel to the Mana Tree.
Visions of Mana: the Highly Anticipated Return of a Legendary Series in 2024
Developed by Square Enix, this action-packed RPG marks the series' triumphant return after over 15 years, promising an expansive and vibrant adventure
Should You Play the Mana Series before Visions of Mana?
When it comes to playing the previous Mana titles before Visions of Mana,it isn’t necessary, but familiarity with the series would be recommended. The game is the fifth mainline game of the series but, like other RPGs likePersonaand Final Fantasy, each entry follows different characters and situations. However, there are many recurring elements, like the Mana Tree and Mana Sword that appear.
If you choose to play previous games, you may have to take a trip back a generation or two with consoles. The last mainline game was Dawn of Mana all the way back in 2006 for the PlayStation 2. Now, while PlayStation 2 was a best-selling console, not many people still have them, let alone can get a copy of Dawn of Mana. However, while Dawn of Mana hasn’t been brought back to life, other titles have been.
In the past few years, two remakes of Mana games have been made: 1993’sSecret of Manain 2018 and 1995’sTrials of Manain 2020. Secret of Mana has the distinct pleasure of being known as one of the best RPGs on the SNES. Meanwhile, Trials of Mana was Japan-exclusive, only coming to the West via 2019’sCollection of Manafor the Nintendo Switch, which included Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana, and Trials of Mana. Both remakes are available on PlayStation 4, with Trials of Mana also launching on the Nintendo Switch.
Both of the games are great gateways into the series, featuring real-time combat, a fun cast of characters, and a charming color palette, set to a whimsical soundtrack. Many RPG fans will find themselves right at home with the gameplay, as it’s reminiscent of modern games likeTales of AriseandGranblue Fantasy: Relink. Visions of Mana, as previously mentioned, comes after a 15-year gap between mainline entries, so the entry will likely be a great starting point for new fans. However, you go about it, the Mana series is one that, while somewhat connected, can be enjoyed no matter where you start.
Visions of Mana is set to launch onAugust 29on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC and Xbox Series X|S. A demo of the game isavailable nowfor players to dive into and get a feel for the world before the game’s release.
PAX East 2024: Talking Visions of Mana with Series Producer Masaru Oyamada
As I was thinking about what I enjoyed as a fan was the fact that you could go on a journey that is almost planetary where you’re exploring the world.
Visions of Mana
Visions of Mana is a brand new title in this series revolving around the sacred sword and mana. The protagonist Val and his childhood friend Hinna, the newly appointed Alm of Fire, set off on a journey to the Mana Tree.This game’s iconic vibrant and vast semi-open field contains adorable yet ferocious monsters, allowing you to enjoy swift three-dimensional battles using the power of the Elementals. Through adventures with friends met along the way, they start to see the truth about the world.Must we accept our fates?A new “Mana” tale begins here as a classic fantasy series returns to its roots.Bold graphics full of characteristic “Mana” flair. The characters journey across a vibrant world alive with spirits.Exploring the world: Explore the vast, semi-open world that stretches as far as the eye can see. Traverse the environment quickly and safely with new companions, the “Pikuls".Harness the power of the Elementals: In this game, you will fight enemies using weapons that house the power of the Elementals. Change between different classes and characters to suit your playstyle and enjoy combat that has evolved both three-dimensionally and strategically.
