A New Era for the Mana Series
You might have overlooked the Mana series, Square’s JRPG counterpart to Final Fantasy, given its lack of a mainline game in over two decades. Instead, we’ve seen remakes and remasters of the older titles. Now, with Visions of Mana, a fresh Mana game finally in our grasp, has this new installment set the stage for the future of the series?
Similar to Final Fantasy, the Mana series incorporates recurring themes and characters, each with its own distinct storyline. Central to these narratives is the sacred Mana tree, a life-giving entity revered by all in its world. Threats to the Mana tree spur heroes on journeys to protect and defend it.
Visions of Mana unfolds a tale of sacrifice, where a chosen individual, the Alm, along with their bodyguard, is ritually offered to the Mana tree during a recurring festival. While resonant of Final Fantasy X, this game’s approach diverges in significant ways. Despite a well-executed narrative, the character dynamics and emotional depth are somewhat lacking. The acceptance of fates without sorrow or second thoughts feels peculiar.
Although the game’s maps may seem modest, they disguise vast landscapes with towering mountains and expansive terrains. Exploration rewards players with collectibles and chests, easily identified by beams of light and on the map. Encountering enemies triggers battles on the field, where players can unleash combo attacks or utilize the traditional ring wheel feature for spells and items.
Visions of Mana offers diverse combat approaches, with easier modes providing a smoother experience. On higher difficulties, strategic gameplay becomes imperative to avoid early setbacks. The game introduces various items for combat buffs and enhancements, including the ability to customize weapon appearances—a feature often absent in JRPGs.
Employing a Job system, players can access different character abilities, offering depth in customization. However, the constant acquisition of new abilities later on may disrupt the pacing of gameplay, shifting focus from action to setup alterations. The game encompasses numerous side quests and linear dungeons with light puzzle elements.
In its entirety, Visions of Mana presents a visually stunning world with engaging combat mechanics and captivating music. While the game initially captivates with its storytelling, it falters in character development and emotional depth as the narrative progresses, leading to unexpected directions.
A PlayStation 5 Review code was provided by Square Enix for the purpose of the Review