Square Enix recently revealed a brand-new entry in the beloved Mana series, Visions of Mana. This new entry is being designed as the first mainline instalment in more than 15 years. But is that enough to bring the series back what was once considered one of the best action-RPG titles on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).
We are of course talking about Secret of Mana. The 1993 SNES exclusive is widely considered not only one of the best action-RPG titles of its era, but also one of the best games on the console. The unique three-player design of the game and a storyline that pulled players forward, Secret of Mana was a cherished title. However, the years have not been kind to the Mana series, and many of the subsequent titles failed to capture the same magic.
A Mana Beginning
The Mana series originally begin in 1991. The first title took on the name of Final Fantasy Adventure, deemed a spin-off title for the Final Fantasy series. The game’s positive reception established it as its own standalone action RPG franchise. Since then, the Mana series has released 17 titles over the last 30+ years. Together, they have sold over nine million copies worldwide. The demand for the franchise has seen several Mana games re-mastered and re-released over the last console generation.
The Mana games have immersed players in bright vibrant worlds. Breathtaking environments, heartwarming characters and high fantasy storylines across many genres and platforms. Sadly, of varying quality. The unique elements that make a true Mana game include an emotional narrative about the power of mana, the legendary Mana Sword, a quirky cast of characters, memorable music, and a weapon-based battle system.
A New Vision of Mana Coming in 2024
Visions of Mana will return to the series action-RPG roots. The game will take players on a new adventure with protagonist Val, a soul guard assigned to protect his childhood friend, who has been chosen by the Faerie as the Alm of Fire to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the mana flow. With the forthcoming Visions of Mana, fans of the series can expect new designs of the series’ beloved creatures from Illustrator Airi Yoshioka, and a new musical score composed by Hiroki Kikuta, Tsuyoshi Sekito and Ryo Yamazaki.
Square Enix released a new trailer (below) which provides a first look at the newly imagined world. The trailer features gameplay and showcases a world where players are able to journey across a range of breathtaking environments. We also see some battles with an array of enemies and monsters, including fan-favorite Rabites.
Visions of Mana Announce Trailer
“I am delighted to finally be able to reveal Visions of Mana, the first mainline instalment to Mana series in over fifteen years” said Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada. “The development team have been working hard to ensure that Visions of Mana remains faithful to the series that players know and love while also offering fans and newcomers a fresh new experience with an all-new story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. We cannot wait to share more details about the game with you soon.”
To celebrate the reveal of Visions of Mana, popular series artist HACCAN created new teaser artwork (below). This art gives players a glimpse of the iconic Tree of Mana against one of the game’s enchanting vistas, and a variety of the heartwarming characters that players can expect to encounter within the game.
Visions of Mana will be launching in 2024. The game will be made available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Are you excited for a new chapter in the Mana series? Let us know in the comments below!
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