Trials of Mana Reviews
Trials of Mana doesn't deliver an epic, groundbreaking narrative in 2020, but folks looking for a fun, vibrant action-RPG will enjoy their time here.
With plenty of old-school charm, fantastic visuals and robust, fast-paced combat, Trials of Mana is a fantastic remake of an underappreciated ’90s classic.
Overall, Trials of Mana seems like a more focused product for fans of the saga. If you are a well-versed player in JRPGs, it will most likely not pose any challenge beyond the need to have to stop to level up to face enemies.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Trials of Mana is not a remake, as it has remained in the past despite its new look, and in most cases has made little effort to modernize. The shortcomings of the gameplay section, from the lack of fast track and backtracking to the lack of variety, along with the game's story weaknesses in terms of expanding the details of its characters, have made us not have much joy in this remake. Only go for this game if you are looking for a new Japanese role-playing game or are curious to know what Trials of Mana are all about. Otherwise, it is better to wait until a significant discount.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Trials of Mana brings the original Seiken Densetsu III experience to new and old fans while offering more content to engage in. The simple and fun combat system pairs greatly with an ability system that is easy to understand. Although it has flaws carried over from the original game, Trials of Mana is an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
For fans of more modern entries in the genre like Kingdom Hearts or recent titles in the Ys or Tales series, Trials of Mana is a chance to discover a missing link which stays true to its 16-bit roots while improving the experience in numerous ways.
Twenty-five years is a long time and nothing better than bringing back a classic video game with a great remake that will please old and new fans alike. Its visual appeal is impeccable, although it's true that better arrangements could have been made in the gameplay and design instead of being so conservative.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
But more than that — whether it was simplicity, or cleanliness, or maybe just good old-fashioned nostalgia — there was something immensely charming about the entire experience.
Trials of Mana is a good modernisation of a nearly 25-year-old game, but it’s also one that was obviously held back.
Trials of Mana is colorful, quirky, familiar, and a lot of fun. It is a blueprint for how an older RPG can be remade in a way that keeps the charm and working parts of the original but upgrades it so that it is graphically appealing to a modern audience.
Trials of Mana is a stellar remake that manages to bring one of the most elusive Square Enix RPGs to the West in an impressive and colorful way.
Its accessibility is consistent, and makes for a smooth and flawless experience. It’s fun and engaging to play, and would be a great entry point for those looking to experience a JPRG, on a smaller scale. Trials of Mana remains legenadary through its 2020 remake.
Trials of Mana doesn’t really do anything new or very innovative but it tells a classic story with some very nice visuals and fun gameplay mechanics.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Trials of Mana is a compelling and charming RPG that feels old-school in design, but offers plenty of fun with its action-orientated combat and wonderful world. There’s a fair bit of variety on offer with its character choices and levelling up system too, with players having to play through the game at least three times to see everything it has to offer – this isn’t an RPG you’ll be finished with quickly!
Trials of Mana is unapologetically traditional and, yet, still makes itself accessible to all JRPG fans, both new and old. The dedication that the developers show as they retain the fantasy appeal of this classic title with updated systems is what ultimately shines during every moment of this adventure.
Trials of Mana is a strong remake of the classic 2D Super Famciom RPG that Western fans pined after for so very, very long. Its story is a bit weak, Charlotte's English voice acting might make you retch, and there's some notable repetition in the game's environments, but fighting through enemy hordes feels great. It's a considerable step above the 2018 revamp of Secret of Mana, so no worries there.
Trials of Mana is the pure definition of an AA game and that is not necessarily a criticism, not every game has to be a AAA blockbuster. Indeed, despite my grievances with a lot of the game’s issues, I never once disliked my time with the game and hopefully this is the start of a revival for the Mana series.