Visions of Mana Reviews
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. đ
Playing Visions of Mana almost feels like playing an old JRPG. Its setting was inspired by the Super Nintendoâs Secret of Mana, after all, and you can really feel it when making your way through its wondrous world. However, too much reliance on classic elements also means that the gameâs story feels a little too straightforward and as if it, too, is being sacrificed for the sake of reviving the series.
Visions of Mana is a wonderful continuation of the series that completely understands the strengths and appeal of the series while knowing what to modernize and what to keep classic. The themes, structure, mechanics, and art all feel explicitly Mana to the point you could swear new main entries never stopped coming out for over a decade. While there are some technical issues, it's nothing that affected my enjoyment of the game. With the closure of Ouka Studio, the basis for what could have been an even greater sequel or the hope of patches to smooth the few remaining rough edges is nothing more but leaves scattered on the wind...
If youâre a fan of the Mana series, Iâm confident that you will most likely enjoy Visions of Mana quite a lot. Thereâs a lot here that feels in line with what the series has to offer, while offering some absolutely gorgeous locales accompanied by a great soundtrack. If youâre like me and youâve wanted more out of the Mana series in the past, I donât quite think this game elevates the bar all too much. Still, itâs a gorgeous game thatâs still decently fun enough to play much of the time. While I would have liked to see it do more with its potential in terms of combat and story, I still found it a satisfactory adventure. If youâve never played a game in the Mana series and you want to get into it, this is a fine place to start.
By focusing on simplicity and fun, with stunning graphics and PS2 design, Square Enix presents one of its best games in recent years.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Ouka Studios final game with Visions of Mana will go down as one of the most... neutral Mana games ever released.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a wonderful RPG that really shows just how special the Mana series can be (and that it deserves more new entries). Whilst the story can be guilty of being a bit predictable, the combat is exciting, the diversity of classes gives players plenty of cool ways to experiment, whilst the world looks gorgeous and brings with it an array of astounding things to discover on your journey. It is guilty of playing things a bit too safe at times and itâs a shame that it doesnât do more with its puzzles across the world, but these are small issues in what is otherwise an enthralling experience. I really, really hope it sells well, because Iâd love to see what future adventures Square Enix could bring to the Mana series.
Visions of Mana, the latest installment of the Seiken Densetsu franchise, offers us a solid action RPG with quite a few strong points, although with some aspects that could have been improved. The narrative and exploration, while competent, don't reach their full potential, and technical performance can impact the gameplay experience. However, the depth of the combat, the artistic design and the soundtrack make it a highly recommended title for fans of the saga and lovers of the action RPG genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
A beautiful JRPG that invites us to live a new adventure that revolves around the mana tree and that will make us have very fun and entertaining times.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Visions of Mana does a brilliant job of rebooting the classic series for the modern age. Just enough nostalgia, innovating on previous systems with real-time battle mechanics to appeal to those who find turn-based systems a tad too dull. With a story full of sacrifice and duty, it provides an interesting backdrop to the action. While the pacing is a tad off at times and the voice acting is a little contentious, this game shines in its combat, customization, and presentation.
The game starts with Lyza and Eoren: two lovers with a task. She must sacrifice herself at the Mana tree and he must protect her while she does this. Each area completes this task every four years. However, a number of things go wrong in Lyza's year. In the next round, Val and Hinna get to try again. Will they succeed in saving their village? During the story you will come across different areas, seasons and environments. Each beautifully developed and very beautiful to look at. The opponents change constantly and are varied. All in all, this new part is a long-awaited treat for many fans.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Visions of Mana brings the Mana formula to the modern day, providing a beautiful game that is a blast to play. Some slight problems keep it from being a truly amazing game, though.
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.
I definitely did not hate my time with Visions of Mana, but itâs also not a game that feels like itâll garner much mass appeal either. If youâre like me, and have fond memories of Mana games prior, then itâs worth checking out. For everyone else, there are plenty of RPGâs on the market that are more worth your time.
"Visions of Mana is a JRPG set in a beautiful world that encourages exploration, with plenty to discover in the fields. The battles can get chaotic with all the enemies and magical attacks, but experimenting with different classes and moves keeps them fun. While the story isnât groundbreaking, itâs more intriguing than the demo suggests, and the game is definitely worth playing despite a few minor flaws."
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Visions of Mana is an adventure that honors and expands the legacy of the Mana series by maintaining its characteristic accessibility and charm, but it ends up stumbling in its execution. The game presents a visually charming world and fast-paced battles, but the lack of boldness and superficiality of several aspects prevent the experience from standing out. Although the combat is dynamic and the exploration is engaging, the lack of significant challenges and the repetition of common elements weaken the potential of the journey. Still, the game is an interesting evolution for the series, and is recommended for those looking for a light and nostalgic experience. Despite the problems, Visions of Mana manages to capture the essence of the franchise, delivering a lush and charismatic universe. It is clear that the series has potential, however, it may need a little more boldness for future titles to truly shine.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Visions of Mana is absolutely worth the wait as it offers a substantial gameplay experience. Fans of the series or those seeking an exciting and engaging role-playing game will likely find what theyâre searching for in Visions of Mana. I highly recommend this game to anyone new to the series and like action role-playing games. The graphics are eye-catching, and the combat is highly customizable, making for an enjoyable gaming experience. The gameplay involves exploring extensive open areas, ensuring you get your moneyâs worth in content and playtime. Visions of Mana is a great choice if you seek a game that combines elements of the past with those of the present.
Visions of Mana is a strong entry that effectively revitalizes the lore of the series and keeps it more alive than ever. With dancing merchants, the ring system, and cute creatures such as Sproutlings, the game includes many staples of the series at their best, with Elemental Vessels being a magnificent addition.
Visions of Mana marks a triumphant return for the Mana series, offering a richly detailed world with deep lore, an intricate combat system, and robust customization options. While the early pacing may deter some players, those who persist will find a rewarding RPG experience filled with compelling characters, challenging gameplay, and a wealth of content, including a post-game chapter and a New Game Plus mode. Visions of Mana successfully blends classic RPG elements with modern innovations, making it a standout title in Square Enix's lineup.