Visions of Mana Reviews
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 is a competent, visually beautiful, and fun game that might have stood out were it released any other year but this one.
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, 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 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.
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 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 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 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 a love letter not only to fans of the series, but to anyone who loves the JRPG genre as well, in which the game did everything necessary to provide a unique experience for fans of the genre despite some of its flaws, but it is still one of the best Action JRPG games of the year.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Visions of Mana is a gorgeous-looking action RPG with a highly customizable and enjoyable combat system and an unfortunately simple storyline bolstered by a stellar cast of characters.
Visions of Mana delivers a well written story with strong characters, and the game is stunning to boot.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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.
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 you’re a fan of the Mana series, I’m confident that you will most likely enjoy Visions of Mana quite a lot. There’s 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 you’re like me and you’ve wanted more out of the Mana series in the past, I don’t quite think this game elevates the bar all too much. Still, it’s a gorgeous game that’s 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 you’ve never played a game in the Mana series and you want to get into it, this is a fine place to start.
Visions of Mana masterfully captures the heart of traditional JRPGs with classic elements and stunning visual artistry. The main storyline and combat system shine with engaging characters and smooth gameplay, but the lack of meaningful side content and occasional performance issues hold it back from perfection.
From the stunning, emotion-filled prologue to when the credits roll, Visions of Mana is a spectacular journey that is more than just a visual delight. Understanding the magic system and switching mana elements once obtained is not hard for newcomers to the series to understand. The captivating story is elevated with the memorable soundtrack, and all the characters were likeable. It has its flaws, especially post-game, but overall it is a great introduction to the legendary series and without doubt will lead newer fans to explore older titles, and hope for a new one in the future.
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 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
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