Traditional JRPGs are type of having a second. has introduced new life and a brand new technology of avid gamers to some of the iconic franchises round. Extra just lately has given us a religious sequel to Ogre Battle that’s so good even collection creator Yasumi Matsuno (and director of Last Fantasy Techniques) has . And later this summer time, Sq. Enix has challenged itself with reimagining some of the beloved SNES titles of all time after greater than 15 years. However now I’ve had the possibility to play a preview of Visions of Mana, it feels just like the builders have retained the spirit of the franchise however in a sport that feels far more at residence in 2024.
One of many greatest challenges for Visions is the transition from traditional 2D sprites to a a lot richer and extra expansive 3D world. And whereas there are some visible similarities to current Dragon Quest video games, I believe Sq. Enix has performed an exquisite job of sustaining the franchise’s id. The sport’s colour palette is vivid and energetic, recreating most of the pastel hues seen in earlier video games. Character designs skew extra in direction of cute and lovable in contrast to a few of its darker and edgier rivals, which provides the title a playful vibe, similar to Secret of Mana did greater than 20 years in the past.
One other factor that has translated fairly effectively is its gameplay. Again in 1993, Secret of Mana’s ring menu was lauded for making it straightforward to modify between weapons and gadgets (and even characters) with out making fight really feel stilted or clunky. And with the Mana franchise having made the soar to action-orientated gameplay (as an alternative of turn-based) means earlier than mainline Last Fantasy video games did, Visions’ assortment of speedy combo-based assaults, spells and sophistication strikes (that are type of like restrict breaks) are an incredible match. You’ll be able to even launch enemies within the sky and rain down blows whereas they’re suspended, which is an actual deal with as I’m a sucker for any sport with air juggles.
Every of the 4 most important characters (Val, Hinna, Careena and Morley) even have distinct courses like Rune Knight or Oracle, so all of them have a novel model and really feel in fight. I discovered myself gravitating in direction of the thief/catdude Morley, whose katana felt extraordinarily quick and fluid. My solely small grievance is that with Sq. additionally bringing again the idea of three-person events, issues can get type of hectic once you’re attempting to maintain tabs on folks performing multi-hit combos towards giant teams of foes.
Crucial addition to Visions is the introduction of Elemental Vessels, which offer you new skills each out and in of fight. While you’re merely operating across the map, much like gadgets just like the hookshot in Legend of Zelda, vessels present essential traversal skills. For instance, the Sylphid Bommering lets you create floating platforms so you may cross valleys and chasms or summon gusts of wind so you may soar to a faraway ledge. In the meantime in battle, you should use the boomerang to entice enemies within the air, deal harm and blow away surrounding foes which may wish to interrupt your assault. So whereas it’s not a groundbreaking function, I recognize how Visions is utilizing new mechanics so as to add an additional layer of depth to a number of aspects of the sport.
Sadly, one trait of earlier Mana video games that hasn’t carried over to Visions is using a giant roster with branching storylines. For longtime followers, this could be a little bit of a bummer, however when requested about this variation, Visions of Mana producer Masaru Oyamada instructed me (through an interpreter) that one of many group’s objectives for this installment was a extra targeted story. So whereas I couldn’t glean a lot in regards to the sport’s plot throughout my one-hour demo, there’s nonetheless hope that Visions will nonetheless ship an attractive narrative.
However my greatest takeaway from the preview is how Oyamada is attempting to respect the legacy of such a storied franchise whereas additionally delivering recent and thrilling experiences for brand new and previous gamers alike. Oyamada mentioned “I actually thought in regards to the components that I liked once I was a toddler, so I leaned into these emotions as a way to drive resolution making for the newest installment on this collection.”
On prime of that, I like how mechanics just like the Ring menu are pulling double responsibility on this sport. Oyamada instructed me that not solely does this method act as a nod towards gamers conversant in the franchise, it additionally serves as an essential accessibility software that makes it straightforward to modify gadgets and plan your assaults within the warmth of battle. In the meantime, to assist the collection develop and evolve, Oyamada mentioned “We thought in regards to the elemental side as one thing that was type of under-utilized and under-appreciated in earlier Mana video games.”
And with Oyamada having been accountable for the remasters for Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana (AKA Seiken Densetsu 3) and others lately, although a lot of the unique improvement group for the collection has moved on, it’s clear Sq. Enix has preserved quite a lot of the DNA that made earlier Mana video games so nice all these years in the past.
In some methods, I want this sport was known as Spirit of Mana, as that appears like a extra applicable title for a collection whose final entry was launched in 1995. Regardless, I can’t wait to play extra when Visions of Mana formally goes on sale someday this summer time.
One remaining word is that Visions of Mana is slated to be out there on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection S/X and PC. At present, Sq. Enix says that whereas “We need to assist Steam Deck compatibility, we can not affirm right now as we’re nonetheless optimizing the sport.”
