Visions of Mana Reviews
Visions of Mana weaves accessible action and RPG elements together to create a gorgeously enthralling fairy tale.
The Mana series is back with Visions of Mana, a steady, fun, and slightly by-the-numbers entry in the style of the Trials of Mana remake.
Exciting combat, a deeply rewarding class system, and likable characters make Visions of Mana a great comeback for this classic RPG series.
While much of Visions of Mana’s bloated side content misses the mark, its gripping storyline, likable cast, ample mechanical tweaking, and engaging combat combine to forge a very good game, if not quite a great one.I wasn’t at all confident that we would ever get another big swing at the series, so for all my caveats, I’m damn glad this game exists.
I quickly found the screen would get too cluttered to see my party or enemies, and with no optional targeting lines or much color coding going on, combat choreography is unintelligible.
A weak story and frustrating pacing combine into a disappointing entry in a venerated series.
The first mainline Mana in over a decade is a wholehearted vision for a different kind of modern RPG
After eighteen years, the Mana series' new entry, Visions of Mana, proves that the franchise hasn't gone anywhere.
Visions of Mana is an enjoyable adventure that doesn't push the boundaries but serves as a solid series entry for fans and newcomers alike.
The 15-year wait for the saga has been good for this brand new installment, as it has a depth of gameplay worthy of the best RPGs of the moment. Its great customization of each character's play style is very addictive and its artistic style and setting are beautiful, but it is also weighed down by a story with good ideas but improvable execution and an exploration that does not stand out.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Visions of Mana is like a snack that you eat in between your big meals. There’s enough here to satiate your hunger, like the fun combat and entertaining cast of characters, if you’re looking for another RPG to play in the meantime. It feels safe and familiar, so don’t come in expecting a novel experience.
The best Mana game in a long while but how it managed to leave out the one feature that should have come as standard is a complete mystery.
Visions of Mana is not only one of the most beautiful action RPGs, it is also a very fun one, with a great combat system and a lot of content, although sometimes it seems that Square Enix has wanted to play it safe without betting on new ideas and concepts, although the move has worked out well.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A commendable comeback for the series, capable of offering a beautiful, bittersweet story and captivating gameplay in its liveliness.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a traditional JRPG with a dramatic story and well-developed characters that gets a little more boring outside of the main storyline.
Review in Russian | Read full review
I’m always almost in love with Mana games. There’s just some minor thing that won’t click into place. Visions of Mana is no exception. I’m hooked by the story and the characters are gorgeous. I have a lot of fun exploring this world and meeting all these fascinating people. But the combat still feels a little stiff and sluggish. Battle customization is a mile wide and an inch deep. The plot dragged me by the collar, and the boss fights were a pleasant highlight. I wish the regular combat had some similar hooks to deploy, however. If you’ve been waiting for the next great Mana game, I honestly don’t know if this is the one. But Visions is pretty great for a Mana game.
It's a good game that never quite reaches greatness. It's not a perfect RPG by any means - and it still feels outdated in a lot of ways. However, it's a game that leaves me feeling hopeful about the series' future. It feels like, at long last, the Mana series is back on track.
While Visions of Mana did not end up being the title that will take the series to the next level due to its issues with clunky combat, pedestrian difficulty and lackluster story, it’s still a solid entry to this long running series and a step in the right direction for what I hope will be continued to be improved upon for the next entry.
Visions of Mana is a bold new step for the series and manages to almost totally stick the landing in the process. The DNA of the series is still here for legacy fans to enjoy, and yet it stands as a remarkably approachable and digestible RPG that can be enjoyed by those looking to dip their toes into this genre. A visually stunning, heartfelt and lovingly crafted world awaits those who jump into this new entry and I'm surprised by just how much it resonated with me in the long-term, despite some pacing issues and some small cut corners.
Visions of Mana is an operation that exudes love for the reference brand, but which aims above all to be an extremely light experience for fans, or better yet an excellent example of entertainment aimed at the youngest and most neophyte audience of RPGs. In spite of an all-in-all simple-minded gaming experience, the Square Enix production still manages to stand on its feet thanks to the charm of its colorful and fairy universe of characters and the charisma of its cast of protagonists, all attributable to the canons of the series.
Review in Italian | Read full review