Visions of Mana Review: Legendary JRPG Series Finally Returns

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As a seasoned RPG connoisseur and a die-hard fan of the Mana series since the days of Final Fantasy Adventure, I must say that Visions of Mana has truly struck a chord with me. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster waiting for this game, three console generations in the making!

The much-anticipated Visions of Mana has finally arrived after quite some time. This latest addition to Square Enix’s renowned Japanese role-playing game series is the primary sequel since 2006’s Dawn of Mana, which was launched three console generations back on the PlayStation 2. Many seasoned players are thrilled to be part of this project as it effectively preserves the essence of a Mana game while offering a contemporary experience.

In the Mana series, action has been a recurring theme since its inception. The initial game, known as Final Fantasy Adventure in North America, mimicked the style of a Zelda game. Visions is no different. During battles, you can dodge, sprint, and even perform double jumps. This enables players to swiftly overcome weaker opponents simply by repeatedly pressing the attack button and executing basic combos. The action feels smooth, as spells and items are selected from a menu or through shortcuts. Each battle features a team of three characters, so you’re not always controlling the protagonist, Val. Additionally, all three characters can switch between elemental classes, providing them with a wide range of abilities and giving players numerous strategies to employ.

The boss fights offer an opportunity for the game’s combat system to stand out, as they go up against bigger adversaries. For instance, one of the early battles is with a colossal octopus on a ship, utilizing the environment effectively and requiring players to dodge wide-range attacks. All bosses have vulnerable spots that you should aim for to score critical hits. Although it’s not quite a character action game in terms of combat complexity, there are numerous activities during battles that make them captivating.

What’s particularly captivating about Visions of Mana is its narrative. The protagonist is a soul guard tasked with safeguarding offerings from numerous villages during their pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana. This leads to many discussions on the impact of tradition within communities, as well as a somber undertone since those you connect with are destined for sacrifice upon reaching their destination. Despite this, it retains the essence of a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG), offering numerous humorous and uplifting scenes throughout the journey. Ultimately, it explores an intriguing thematic area and turns out to be quite fulfilling due to its unique approach.

In Visions of Mana, one standout feature is the opportunity to delve deep into an expansive world. Instead of just rushing from point A to B to advance the plot, the game offers a vast landscape filled with treasures, items, and hidden nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. By utilizing the resources you collect during your journey, you can unlock new areas, making exploration very rewarding. I strongly advise players to take their time, explore every corner, and enjoy the additional enemy encounters that maintain your character’s level, as well as the items you’d otherwise have to purchase in stores.

In simpler terms, this JRPG serves as an excellent starting point for both newcomers to the series and those unfamiliar with action RPGs in general. It offers four adjustable difficulty levels, ranging from easy to challenging, which can be easily modified during gameplay. This means players can select a level of challenge that suits them best, making it a thoughtful choice as many RPGs limit your chosen difficulty once selected.

Visions of Mana Review: Final Verdict

The long-awaited Visions of Mana has finally arrived, and it’s absolutely worth the patience! This latest installment in the renowned series manages to honor its heritage while also pushing the franchise into exciting new territories. It seems that the developers drew inspiration from the weighty responsibility of creating another Mana game after such a long hiatus, but they’ve delivered a worthy successor that continues the legacy beautifully.

SCORE: 8.5/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Excellent.” Although it has some minor flaws, this score indicates that the artwork achieves its objective effectively and leaves a lasting impression.

Note: We received a digital PlayStation 5 version for our Visions of Mana review, specifically version 1.002.000.

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2024-08-27 15:11