The Mana series, created by Square Enix, has left an indelible mark on the world of RPGs since its inception. Beginning with the iconic Final Fantasy Adventure in 1991, the Mana series has evolved over the years, captivating players with its enchanting worlds and memorable characters. In this retrospective, we’ll embark on a journey through the ages, exploring the highlights, transformations, and enduring legacy of the Mana series.
Genesis of Mana Series: Final Fantasy Adventure (1991)
The Mana series had its humble beginnings with Final Fantasy Adventure (released as Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden in Japan). The game was made for the original Game Boy. This game set the foundation for what would become a beloved franchise.
Initially conceived as a Final Fantasy spin-off, the game took a departure from traditional turn-based combat, introducing real-time action-RPG elements. This shift in gameplay mechanics, coupled with a compelling narrative, laid the groundwork for the Mana series’ unique identity.
Top Tier 16-bit Action: Secret of Mana (1993)
The series reached new heights with the release of Secret of Mana in 1993. This installment, known for its beautiful 2D graphics and a captivating musical score by Hiroki Kikuta, is perhaps most celebrated for its multiplayer functionality. Allowing up to three players to embark on the adventure simultaneously was groundbreaking at the time. It surely has contributed to the game’s enduring appeal. Secret of Mana stands as a hallmark of cooperative gaming experiences. It’s often regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of its era.
Trials of a New Era: Seiken Densetsu 3 (1995)
Released only in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 3, this entry in the series showcased Square’s commitment to pushing boundaries. Trials of Mana, as it’s now known in the West, featured a unique class system that allowed players to choose their main character and two companions from a selection of six protagonists. This dynamic storytelling approach resulted in multiple branching storylines and endings, offering players a high level of replayability and personalization rarely seen in RPGs at the time.
More recently, Trials of Mana underwent the remake treatment for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PC. The game was well received, and was the first time western gamers got to experience Seiken Densetsu 3 as a native release.
A 3D Leap for the Mana Series: Legend of Mana (1999)
Legend of Mana marked the Mana series’ transition to 3D graphics featured an enchanting world filled with vibrant hand-drawn backgrounds. The game introduced a non-linear narrative structure, and players could shape the world by placing artifacts on the map. The departure from a linear progression and the emphasis on player agency added a new layer of depth to the series. Legend of Mana is remembered for its unique storytelling approach and remains a distinctive entry in the Mana lineage.
The Dawn of a New Era: Dawn of Mana (2006)
Dawn of Mana brought the series to the PlayStation 2, showcasing the console’s capabilities with 3D graphics and dynamic environments. However, the game received mixed reviews, with some praising its visual design and others criticizing changes to the core gameplay mechanics. Despite the mixed reception, Dawn of Mana attempted to modernise the series and experiment with new ideas. It undoubtedly laid the groundwork for future innovations.
Return to Roots: Children of Mana (2006)
Simultaneously released with Dawn of Mana, Children of Mana returned to the series’ roots with a top-down perspective reminiscent of the original titles. Developed for the Nintendo DS, the game focused on fast-paced combat and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Children of Mana aimed to capture the essence of the earlier Mana games, but the small scale dungeon adventuring lost some of the magic along the way.
A Remake and a Classic: Adventures of Mana (2016) and Secret of Mana Remake (2018)
In 2016, Square Enix released Adventures of Mana. A full 3D remake of the original Final Fantasy Adventure. The remake retained the essence of the original while introducing updated visuals, a rearranged soundtrack, and quality-of-life improvements. This was followed by the 2018 remake of Secret of Mana, bringing the classic title to a new generation of players with fully voiced characters, modernised visuals, and a rearranged score. These remakes served as a testament to the enduring popularity of the Mana series. What’s more, they demonstrate Square Enix’s desire to introduce its magic to a contemporary audience.
Visions of the Future for the Mana Series
As we reflect on the Mana series’ journey through the years, it’s essential to consider its future. Square Enix has expressed ongoing commitment to the franchise, with the recent reveal of Visions of Mana. There are apparently plans for other new projects and adaptations, also. Whether through entirely new titles or remakes of classic entries, fans can anticipate further exploration of Mana‘s rich lore and the continuation of captivating adventures that have defined the series.
The Mana series, with its rich history spanning over three decades, has woven itself into the fabric of RPG gaming. From its humble beginnings as a Final Fantasy spin-off to the groundbreaking multiplayer experience of Secret of Mana, the series has consistently embraced innovation. With each installment, Square Enix has sought to redefine the RPG experience. Introducing new elements while maintaining the series’ distinctive charm.
Which is your favourite game in the Mana series? Let us know in the comments below!
You must be logged in to post a comment.