A new original opus that does not lack magic
With Visions of ManaSquare Enix takes on the challenge of revitalizing a series that hadn't seen a new main title in 15 years given that Trials of Mana was a remake. This therefore represents a challenge for Square Enix which must breathe new life into the license while keeping what has made it successful. Fortunately, the publisher can rely on Koichi Oshii, the creator of the series, who played an active role in the development, particularly in the design of the watches.
Visions of Mana fully embraces the series' signature magical, colorful aesthetic, as we found while exploring the game's first area, a lush green meadow inviting adventure. As for the story, it seems to follow in the tradition of classic JRPGs, with a plot that, although familiar, could conceal unexpected depths. However, our playing session, which was too brief, did not allow us to fully assess the narrative potential or the development of its characters.
Advertisement
In Visions of Mana, the storyline unfolds around a sacred event occurring every four years, where selected offerings from around the world undertake a journey to the Mana Tree to renew the cycle of Mana. A protector of souls is appointed to watch over them during their journey. This time, it was Val who was chosen for this mission. When his childhood friend is chosen as the future offering, he joins her, determined to support her throughout her pilgrimage.
The game takes the form of a semi-open world where we will explore different fairly vast environments during this journey. During our session, we were able to navigate one of the first areas of the game quite freely, before entering a dungeon for a more directed experience which concluded with a boss. Given that we were able to play with the Japanese and English voices, we would like to take this opportunity to point out that both will be available at launch, as will the French texts of course.
New elemental heroes
Visions of Mana is part of a fairly classic pattern of Japanese role-playing games, reminiscent of Tales of Arise, but with an additional touch of cuteness. Faithful to its favorite themes, nature and the different elements of mana, the title offers very bright and colorful settings. This makes it very pleasing to the eye, especially as it offers more than adequate graphics. You can explore to find chests, complete side quests, and fight groups of monsters. The latter always sport adorable designs even if the bestiary knows how to be threatening when necessary, as evidenced by our fight against an imposing praying mantis boss.
Advertisement
Among the familiar creatures, we find the essential Rabites, accompanied by new features imagined by Koichi Oshii. Among these creations, we have the Pikuls, these are enormous mounts that allow you to explore the vast open spaces of the game. These creatures which are described as a curious mix between a Yorkshire terrier, an armadillo, and the Egyptian god Anubis. Obviously, we are in front of the mascot of this opus who will not fail to fill the Square Enix stores with stuffed animals.
Visions of Mana does not deviate from its habits in terms of dynamic gameplay either. The game allows you to manage a trio of fighters with distinct abilities, offering the possibility of switching between them at any time, both for exploration and for combat. Each character brings their own style to the group: Val wields a powerful two-handed sword, the cat boy excels in the art of the katana with rapid attacks, and the demoness masters magic, capable of healing and summoning a dragon to support the team. Each has techniques and spells that can be assigned via the menus. Note that Val's childhood friend was not playable in this demo, she nevertheless acted as support.
In terms of the combat system, the sensations are good although some fights can become slightly chaotic and the execution of combos shows a certain rigidity. Despite this, the combat system is effective and maintains a good dynamic. The real finesse of the game lies in managing elemental spirits. Throughout their adventure, characters recruit various spirits, which they can then equip to modify their fighting style. This involves a visual change in the costumes, but also in the weapons.
For the moment: classic and correct
By equipping these spirits, Val and her companions can radically change their role and fighting style. Val can thus take on the role of tank, adorning himself with heavy armor, wielding a short sword and a large shield, while the cat boy specializes in the role of thief, acting with agility thanks to two daggers. These transformations come with new combos, special techniques, and distinct ultimate attacks for each configuration. The system also intervenes in exploration since the spirits unlock certain passages such as the spirit of the wind which can make you take off to make big jumps or reveal flying platforms.
It is likely that the success of Visions of Mana will go through the exploitation of this mechanism. We are still waiting to experience more situations to fully express ourselves on this. Still, our feelings are rather positive for the moment, even if we should not expect a revolution in terms of RPGs and as a new opus in the Mana franchise. The soundtrack also seems very promising with more than 100 titles announced and dynamic themes like a Final Fantasy VII Remake/Rebirth. For the moment, what we heard we rather liked even if we admit that in combat, with all the sound effects of the attacks and the voices of the characters, it was impossible for us to clearly hear the combat themes.
For the return of a new main title in the series Mana after so many years, Square Enix chooses a cautious approach with Visions of Mana, aligning with the spirit and fundamentals that made the franchise successful. We are in front of a JRPG with dynamic combat and vibrant colors. There is no doubt that fans of Secret of Mana and those lacking Japanese Action-RPG will appreciate it.