Visions of Mana Reviews
Visions of Mana is extremely close to greatness. The core combat system is a lot of fun, and I'd adore seeing it come back in a more polished form in a future game. The graphics tend to look amazing, and it captures the tone and feel of a Mana title well. A lackluster main plot and a seriously rushed second half tend to drag down the experience, and some of the technical hitches are disruptive. Despite this, I'd argue that Visions of Mana is probably one of the best titles in the franchise and should be a fun time for Mana fans.
Visions of Mana has a great gift: it's a game that understood perfectly what it was meant to be: an adventure faithful to the franchise. So the developers went to the roots of Seiken Densetsu to understand exactly what it was that made it such a beloved series in the Super Famicom years. In doing so, they created an adventure that expresses feelings of nostalgia, but at the same time reminds us that the medium has come on leaps and bounds in the last 30 years.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Visions of Mana is an excellent JRPG and the purest definition of a comfortable game. With functional and very fun gameplay, a simple story, but with a reflection to deliver and very well executed, make it, quite easily, one of the best (if not the best) games in the series so far.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a whimsical adventure that's filled with character and beautiful sights. I took great pleasure in traversing its colourful world and even though it doesn't do anything particularly revolutionary, it's sure to melt your heart as you play. 🐇
Visions of Mana marks a welcome return for the beloved JRPG series after a long hiatus since 2006. The game’s story follows Val, a soul guard, as he protects Hinna, the chosen Alm, on their journey to the Mana tree, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the tension between tradition and personal dreams. Mana’s vibrant graphics, engaging combat system and beautiful soundtrack all add to the overall experience. However, some narrative elements feel clichéd, and the quality of voice acting varies, which detracts from the emotional weight of the story at times. Overall, it’s a solid entry that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
"Visions of Mana, by staying true to the identity of the series and blending its classic elements with modern ones , has successfully revitalized the Mana franchise after many years. Visions of Mana delivers a visually stunning experience, and despite some shortcomings in its story and side quests, it creates a believable world for fans of the JRPG genre."
Review in Persian | Read full review
Visions of Mana might be strictly for the fans, but it has elements that should endear it to general audiences as well. It's not the first game I'd recommend for fans of the genre, but it has enough magic to impress more than once during its epic quest.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Visions of Mana is an exceptionally well made JRPG and a perfect entry into the mana series for those looking to finally dive headfirst into this great and beloved franchise. The Mana games are finally back, and Visions of Mana is what I hope will be the first of many more games to come.
Visions of Mana is a great return to form for the Mana series. Although it starts off a little slow after the first couple of chapters, it definitely picks up the pace. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, uncomplicated action RPG. It would be a good game to use to introduce new people to the pleasures of this genre as well. It isn’t winning any game of the year awards, but it might just be what you’re looking for.
Visions of Mana offers a solid JRPG experience with an interesting cast of characters and a world that is fun to explore. I loved the multiple layers of customisation that the game offers to really tailor the experience and your party to exactly how you want to spec them out. I would have appreciated better pacing overall and side quests that were designed better than what we got but the main story mostly makes up for the issues.
Visions of Mana is an attempt to modernize classic JRPGs that somehow does everything right but lacks the originality to blow you away and earn a spot in the hall of fame. Instead, it becomes a typical JRPG that doesn’t have any major flaws but is likely to fade into obscurity rather quickly.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Visions of Mana is not only a great experience and a wonderful game, it is quite possibly the best game in the Mana series.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a great example of the variety of franchises that Square Enix has, with creative potential to be explored. The game is a great invitation for new fans and at the same time presents classic fans with references to various titles in the franchise.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Visions of Mana marks the return of one of Square Enix's least celebrated series in recent years, but no less relevant. The team at Ouka Studios makes a title that is inherently classic in setting, narrative and feel, but calibrated for a contemporary audience. The result is a Mana that has never been so enjoyable to play, rich in content with a delightfully retro spirit, as well as a deep and rewarding combat system. However, precisely because of its strongly intended and sought-after traditionalism, the title may be far too nostalgic to appeal to a modern audience. For everyone else, it will be a sweet shipwreck in this sea of memories.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Visions of Mana is an easy recommendation for any fan of Japanese RPGs and Square-Enix games, serving as an excellent entry point into the series and a title that promises to carry the legacy of the Mana franchise to new heights. With enjoyable combat, stunning graphics and an exciting twist-filled story, Visions of Mana easily became one of my favorite games of the year.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Visions of Mana delivers a well written story with strong characters, and the game is stunning to boot.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a competent, visually beautiful, and fun game that might have stood out were it released any other year but this one.
Stepping into the world of Qi’Diel is an ocular sensation. Everything around you is so vibrant and colourful, the landscape so inviting — the enemy designs so adorable! You can’t help but smile. Visions of Mana brings a sense of childlike energy and wonder to a genre so often dominated by dark, gloomy settings.
While Visions of Mana doesn’t do enough to propel the series to new heights, many can find comfort in knowing that what we have here is another solid JRPG that can easily reiterate why you fell in love with these types of games, and that it’s a comfort to know that in 2024, there are still new adventures that can transport you to the good old days.
Visions of Mana doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows damn well what makes a wheel work. It plays like a game we all remember from childhood, but with all the modern frills. The game delivers a beautifully crafted, nostalgic JRPG experience that’s worth checking out.