Visions of Mana preview: A charming new take on a classic

Classic JRPGs are currently experiencing a resurgence. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has revitalized one of the most iconic franchises, attracting a new generation of gamers. Unicorn Overlord, a spiritual sequel to Ogre Battle, has impressed even series creator Yasumi Matsuno. Square Enix is also reimagining a beloved SNES title this summer. However, after playing a preview of Visions of Mana, it seems like the developers have captured the essence of the franchise in a game that feels perfectly suited for 2024.

Transitioning from classic 2D sprites to a more expansive 3D world was a significant challenge for Visions. Despite drawing some visual similarities to recent Dragon Quest games, Square Enix has succeeded in maintaining the franchise’s identity. The game’s vibrant color palette and adorable character designs evoke a playful vibe reminiscent of Secret of Mana from over two decades ago.

Gameplay in Visions has successfully evolved from its predecessors. With action-oriented gameplay and a variety of speedy combo-based attacks, spells, and class strikes, the game offers a fresh and engaging experience. Each main character brings distinct classes and combat styles, adding depth to the gameplay. The introduction of Elemental Vessels further enhances both exploration and combat mechanics, providing an extra layer of depth to the game.

While Visions of Mana departs from the big roster and branching storylines of previous Mana games, producer Masaru Oyamada emphasizes a more focused narrative for this installment. Despite this change, there is hope that Visions will deliver an engaging story for players to enjoy.

Overall, Visions of Mana aims to honor the legacy of the Mana franchise while offering new and exciting experiences for players new and old. Oyamada’s focus on incorporating elements that resonated with him as a child highlights the dedication to creating a game that balances nostalgia with innovation for fans of the series.
I really appreciate how Visions of Mana is incorporating familiar mechanics like the Ring menu, not only as a nod to longtime fans but also as a useful tool for accessibility during battles. It’s great to see the developers thinking about new ways to evolve the series, like emphasizing the elemental aspect that previous Mana games may have overlooked.

The art style of Visions of Mana definitely brings back memories of earlier entries in the series, with its vibrant colors and adorable character designs. With Oyamada’s involvement in remastering past Mana games, it’s clear that Square Enix is dedicated to preserving the essence of what made the series so beloved in the first place.

While I personally think Spirit of Mana might have been a more fitting title for a series that hasn’t seen a new entry since 1995, I’m still excited to dive deeper into Visions of Mana when it officially launches this summer. And with plans for availability on various platforms including PlayStation and Xbox, it’s reassuring to see the game reaching a wide audience.