Visions of Mana Review: A Nostalgic Fantasy Adventure

Square Enix’s latest entry in the Mana series, Visions of Mana, brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise. Mana games were there since the 90s and we could not be more excited to share our thoughts on this new one!

After spending some time with the game, we can say that it is a super fun game to play with. If you’re a Mana fan like us, you’re going to love playing this one! Let’s take a look on how the game successfully mixes the modern gameplay features with touches of nostalgic elements to it.

A Visually Stunning World

Now let’s start with the visual. Despite a few bugs and some stuttery combat moments, the game’s imaginative world is very beautiful to explore. The game shines with its stunning visual design. Each area feels like a fairy tale, similar to classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy.

Story and Characters

Just as always, the game’s story centers on the iconic Mana Tree. The whole storyline blends fun, lighthearted moments with more serious themes.

The story may feel familiar to series veterans, however, it also remains accessible and engaging for newcomers alike. While it could use a few more characters, the charm, engaging voice acting, and well-organized menu navigation make it a joy to play.

Gameplay and Combat

The combat in Visions of Mana this time might take a bit to get used to, but once it clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying. The game’s pace feels just right, letting you really enjoy the combat without rushing through it.

You will control a party of three characters, with the ability to switch between them during exploration and combat. The game also introduces the Elemental Vessel system, which allows characters to change classes and access unique abilities. For us, the Elemental Vessel system is likely the game’s best feature.

Conclusion

Visions of Mana effectively captures the heart of the series, offering a warm, nostalgic experience that’s also welcoming to new players. The stunning visuals, engaging exploration, and unique Elemental Vessel system are standout features. While the combat system and story pacing could be better, the game presents a captivating fantasy world that’s a delight to explore.

For us, Visions of Mana remains a charming experience that recalls the golden age of the genre while blending in modern elements. It’s a strong comeback for the franchise and lays a promising groundwork for future games.