Visions of Mana, which was revealed at The Game Awards, won’t be exclusive to Nintendo platforms, traditionally the home of JRPGs.
Earlier this year, Square Enix confirmed that it’s doubling down on its proven franchises. Many took this as a sign that we’d see fewer not-so-profitable but admittedly enjoyable if shallow experimental titles and sequels to lesser-known properties, like the Mana games, among others. And, while we’re getting a smorgasbord of Final Fantasy content over the next few years, starting with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth on PlayStation 5 in February and the second paid DLC for Final Fantasy 16, it appears Square Enix hasn’t completely forgotten about the games that helped make it what it is today.
To everyone’s surprise, Square Enix unveiled a new Mana entry at The Game Awards 2023. The best part about it is that it’s not exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, nor a remake, or a derivative of an original title.
Visions of Mana, scheduled for release sometime next year, marks a refreshing return to the franchise’s established and iconic roots, promising to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers alike. It will launch on multiple platforms at the same time, including PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Surprisingly, a Nintendo Switch port was nowhere to be found.
Visions of Mana stands as the first all-new Mana game in fifteen years, a milestone highlighting the enduring appeal as well as its significance to the series. The reveal trailer offered a glimpse into what players can expect from the game: a vivid, 3D adventure that stays true to Mana’s art style, showcasing enchanting, colorful worlds, engaging sword combat, and an array of magical abilities.
The trailer introduces us to Val, a young protagonist embarking on a pilgrimage to one of the series’ few mainstays Tree of Mana, accompanied by a friend and a fairy, hinting at the multi-party member combat system that the series is known for.
Square Enix’s decision to develop a new Mana game reflects a commitment to revitalizing the series while honoring its action-RPG roots. The semi-open world design promises a seamless exploration experience, with the trailer featuring a range of environments and iconic Mana series monsters, such as Rabites, Mushbooms, and the Mantis Ant. The game’s artistic vision is complemented by the return of series veterans, including Hiroki Kikuta, the composer of the original Secret of Mana, lending a sense of nostalgia and continuity to this new chapter.
Unbeknownst to many, the Mana series used to be right up there alongside Final Fantasy as the genre stalwarts, putting itself on the radar starting in 1991 with Final Fantasy Adventure, otherwise known as Seiken Densetsu, before exploding into the mainstream market with Secret of Mana on the SNES a few years later. Similar to Final Fantasy, the series has several constants, including a focus on either the Mana Tree or the Mana Sword if not both.
With Visions of Mana, players can expect to delve deeper into these themes, as the game explores the narrative of Val’s quest in relation to the Mana Tree.
In Visions of Mana, players will navigate through diverse landscapes, engage in real-time combat, and make a series of strategic decisions to adapt to their surroundings. The game’s development team includes notable figures like Masaru Oyamada (Producer), HACCAN (Character Designer), Airi Yoshioka (Monster Designer), and further sound contributions from Tsuyoshi Sekito and Ryo Yamazaki. This ensemble of talent suggests that Visions of Mana will not only pay homage to its predecessors but also bring a fresh perspective to the series.
As 2024 approaches, fans await further updates and insights into this new chapter of the Mana saga, hopeful Visions of Mana will rekindle the magic that has long defined this iconic series.
