Visions of Mana Exceeds Expectations
Visions of Mana has been highly anticipated by fans, marking the first main entry in the Mana series in almost two decades. Despite the long wait, the game delivers on many fronts, bringing the series up to date with its exceptional combat and class systems, as well as introducing a cast of endearing characters. It not only lives up to the Mana name but also stands out as a standout JRPG in recent years.
The Simplistic Yet Engaging Storyline
Visions of Mana kicks off with a simple yet engaging storyline that avoids unnecessary complications. The game follows Val, a swordsman tasked with escorting chosen individuals to sacrifice their souls for the Tree of Mana. The characters, like Val and Hinna, his childhood friend, are immediately likable, with a noticeable absence of unnecessary embellishments in the storytelling.
Visions of Mana Gameplay Screenshots
You play as Val, a skilled swordsman who must escort a group of people chosen to sacrifice their souls to sustain the Tree of Mana. This includes Hinna, Val’s childhood friend and hinted sweetheart, and I found the duo endearing right from the start. You’d normally expect a character in Val’s role as a guardian to be someone who takes things too seriously, but instead he’s cheerful, charming, and brimming with optimism. And rather than dwell on being compelled to sacrifice herself, Hinna is honored to be selected and excited to make her pilgrimage with Val by her side.
The party members they gain along the way have their own distinctive personalities that add variety. Careena, for example, is plucky yet irritable, and — for some baffling reason I’m still trying to wrap my head around — speaks with a heavy Texan accent. Morely, meanwhile, is easily the most serious of the group, but it’s his blunt attitude that leads to some of the funniest moments. It soon becomes apparent what shaped your new friends into the people they are, and each has a proper arc that gives them a chance to grow as individuals by directly confronting their own flaws. Rather than feeling like side stories, their tales are woven into the central plot in a way that feels organic. Gaining more insight into these characters helped change my entire perspective of them — for instance, Careena begins the journey as a brat and I had initially dismissed her as rude, but by the end, I found her to be one of the most endearing party members.
The Ups and Downs of the Storyline
Visions of Mana’s main story is engaging from the start, but hits a bump in the road later on with pacing issues and unnecessary padding. While the story remains enjoyable overall, the pacing problems in the latter part of the game detract from the initial momentum built up.
The Real Highlight: Combat and Class System
Despite any narrative shortcomings, Visions of Mana truly shines in its combat system. The fast-paced battles incorporate various strategic elements, including standard and special attacks, spells, and Elemental Vessels that provide unique abilities. The standout feature is the class system, which allows characters to switch roles and abilities based on the Elemental Vessels they equip.
Unlocking the Full Potential
Players can unlock a range of moves and abilities through the Elemental Plot upgrade system, providing a deep level of customization. The ability to transform characters with Elemental Vessels adds a fun and dynamic layer to the gameplay, with thematic costume transformations that inject even more excitement into battles.
Even more depth is added to combat by Ability Seeds, which are obtained through quests, chests, and battles. Some Seeds grant you passive bonuses like upping your stats while others grant you an entirely new move to use. Later on you’ll even be able to transfer the Corestones of defeated enemies and bosses into more powerful Seeds. A particular favorite of mine let me summon a late-game boss at my leisure to unleash some serious damage.
Challenging Boss Battles
The varied and challenging boss battles in Visions of Mana require players to strategize and make the most of their options. Each boss presents a unique challenge, testing players’ adaptability and skill in combat. The game keeps players on their toes with inventive boss designs and rewarding victories.
Exploration and Visuals
Exploration plays a significant role in Visions of Mana, with diverse and visually stunning locations to discover. The art style, reminiscent of a storybook, adds to the fantastical atmosphere of the game. Despite some visual bugs, the overall aesthetic quality of the game shines through, drawing players into its enchanting world.