| Visions of Mana | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Visions of Mana is an ARPG developed and published by Square Enix, where you embark on an epic journey to the Tree of Mana. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Visions of Mana Review Overview
What is Visions of Mana?
Every four years the Tree of Mana sends out Faeries around the world to choose alms.
The chosen alms must travel to the Tree of Mana and help rejuvenate the flow of mana power.
Soul guards are also chosen to accompany alms on their journeys for a safe pilgrimage.
Visions of Mana will center around Val, a chosen soul guard from the Fire Village who brought his childhood friend to the arrival of the Faerie. The Faerie, out of everyone, chose Val’s childhood friend and appointed her as the Alm of Fire.
Val and his friend must now venture from their home village and reach the Tree of Mana together, hand-in-hand.
Visions of Mana features:
⚫︎ Fully-fledged Action RPG
⚫︎ Vibrant Semi-Open World
⚫︎ Around 100 Background Music Tracks
⚫︎ Handful Number of Classes and Weapons
⚫︎ Diverse Range of Characters
⚫︎ A Brand New Story
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Visions of Mana's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Playstation |
 Xbox |
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Visions of Mana Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Breathtaking Vibrant Visuals Charming and Likable Characters Engaging and Fun Combat |
Occasional Frame Rate Issues Awkward Narrative Pacing |
Visions of Mana Overall Score - 90/100
Visions of Mana is a truly remarkable and heartfelt revival of the often-overlooked Seiken Densetsu series. This much-needed update brings new energy to the 30-year-old RPG franchise, providing an engaging adventure from beginning to end, even with a few minor bumps along the way. It stands as the pinnacle of gameplay and storytelling in the Mana series, offering something truly magical for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Visions of Mana Story - 8/10
Visions of Mana weaves a tale of defying Fate, returning to the heart of classic RPG storytelling. While its narrative might seem simple, its charm is exactly what we need in an era of overly complex modern RPG plots. The game stays true to its roots, featuring rich lore and engaging, heartfelt characters with great chemistry. The main drawback is its occasionally uneven pacing, but overall, it remains a beautifully told and deeply moving adventure.
Visions of Mana Gameplay - 9/10
The gameplay in the Mana series has reached new heights with Visions of Mana, offering a truly fun and engaging experience. The beautifully crafted world is a joy to explore, and the combat system is more polished and refined than ever, thanks to quality-of-life improvements and a fantastic range of customization options. While there are a few minor issues, the game clearly represents a stunning step in the right direction.
Visions of Mana Visuals - 10/10
There were times when I had to put down the controller just to admire the game's breathtaking visuals or just to capture screenshots. The art direction, combined with Haccan’s iconic character designs, creates a world that feels both creative and unique, with each location teeming with life. My only minor gripe is that some NPCs can appear a bit expressionless, but this is easily overshadowed by the overall beauty and vibrancy of the game.
Visions of Mana Audio - 9/10
Square Enix really needs to drop the game’s soundtrack right away—it’s an absolute masterpiece. The music just brings each scene to life with its magical and classic vibes, and the voice acting, especially from the main cast, is top-notch. It all adds up to an unforgettable experience.
Visions of Mana Value for Money - 9/10
$60 might seem like a lot, but Visions of Mana is definitely worth every penny. With over 40 hours of gameplay, there's so much to explore and do in this world. The game offers plenty of customization and variety, making it hard to put down the controller even after you've finished.
Visions of Mana Review: A Beautiful and Deeply Moving Revival
As a big fan of the Mana series, I was thrilled to dive into this game, especially since we haven’t seen a true console main title since 2006’s Dawn of Mana, which I also enjoyed. And what a way to kick things off! The opening instantly hooked me as it introduces us to two new characters—Lyza and Eoren—who are on the run from their village. The story begins with them fleeing from the Earth Village, with Lyza being the Alm
chosen to sacrifice herself to the Tree of Mana.
In this world, every four years, the Tree of Mana sends out Faeries to select alms
who must travel to the Tree and sacrifice their lives to rejuvenate the flow of mana, maintaining the world's balance and blessings. Soul guards are appointed to accompany these alms on their pilgrimage for safety. Lyza, the chosen Alm, is desperately trying to escape her fate, with Eoren, her lover, by her side.
During their escape, you play as Eoren, and the emotional tension is palpable as you encounter friends who try to stop them. It's truly heartbreaking to see Eoren torn between his deep desire to save his beloved and the realization that doing so might mean sacrificing their village and the world.
This setup perfectly introduces the game’s themes of challenging fate and weighing personal desires against the needs of others.
In the end, Eoren and Lyza manage to escape, but their relief is short-lived as Lyza turns to stone. The scene, with an emotional Eoren holding her and a Faerie hovering in the distance, beautifully sets the stage for the journey ahead. It’s an incredibly moving and engaging start that promises a deeply compelling adventure.
Fast forward four years, and we step into the shoes of our true protagonist, Val. He’s about to become the Soul Guard for his childhood best friend, Hina, who has just been chosen as the new Alm. Both hail from the Fire Village. We discover that Lyza, once from the Fire Village, has since moved to the Earth Village, and the main characters are unaware of her current situation.
Now, Val and Hina must leave their village, meet new allies, and set off on a journey to the Tree of Mana, united in their quest.
I won’t spoil the story, but it definitely captures the spirit of classic RPGs, offering a simple yet deeply moving narrative with powerful themes. Like many RPGs, it does face some pacing issues, especially towards the end when things feel a bit rushed. However, the engaging story and memorable cast make it easy to overlook these flaws and stay invested in the adventure.
Exploring this game is a real treat. The world strikes a perfect balance—it's not too vast or overwhelming, and its semi-open layout makes navigation a breeze. The environments are full of verticality, making movement feel smooth and dynamic. Each area is beautifully and creatively designed, with Wind being a standout. In that region, everything, from your characters’ hair to their clothes, sways with the breeze, adding so much charm and attention to detail.
The overworld is packed with unique and memorable spots, and things get even better once you unlock your Pickul, a giant dog you can ride around.
One thing this game nails perfectly is its incredibly fun combat system. The ARPG gameplay that the Mana series is known for is even better here, feeling faster and smoother than ever. The shortcut options are a game-changer, keeping magic and items seamlessly integrated into the combat flow.
With tons of customization for your class, abilities, and elements, each encounter becomes much more engaging. While the game is generally on the easier side, you'll definitely need to stay sharp for special bosses scattered across the world and some of the tougher side quests.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but Visions of Mana is a fantastic improvement and a great return to the series’ roots. I really hope it does well so we can see more games from this franchise come out sooner.
Pros of Visions of Mana
| Things Visions of Mana Got Right |
|---|
|
Breathtaking Vibrant Visuals Charming and Likable Characters Engaging and Fun Combat |
Breathtaking Vibrant Visuals
This game is stunning in every possible way. The character designs are as memorable as ever, perfectly complementing the breathtaking world. With its vibrant colors, it feels like stepping into a true fantasy realm, with each location featuring unique and fun elements that showcase incredible attention to detail. I found myself pausing frequently just to take in the beauty of the world. Every area is beautifully crafted, making it tough to pick a favorite—whether it's the charming Fire Village, the refreshing Wind Village, or the icy mountain slopes. The world feels alive and dynamic, especially with the way your characters interact with the environment and the elemental effects. It’s a real treat for the eyes.
Charming and Likable Characters
It's refreshing to see such a likable group of characters who genuinely get along and have great chemistry. In an era where modern media often portrays characters as constantly clashing or dealing with forced drama, it's wonderful to witness such a genuine display of friendship and camaraderie. There’s no unnecessary group tension or awkward love triangles here—just a wholesome and endearing bunch. Val and Hinna’s relationship, in particular, is incredibly heartwarming and adorable, making it hard not to swoon over their chemistry. The other characters—Careena, Morley, Julei, and Palemena—are also fantastic and get their moments to shine. I found myself really invested in each of their storylines and personalities. They feel like a genuine group of friends, and I hope we get to see more of them in future games.
Engaging and Fun Combat
There’s never a dull moment in Visions of Mana, especially with its incredibly fun combat. The battles are fast-paced and lively, letting you use a variety of Elemental powers against all sorts of monsters. Playing around with different elementals, classes, and abilities makes each fight feel fresh and exciting. The game does a great job balancing roles, each with its own special quirks and combos. The shortcut menu pairs well with the Ring menu, making shorter fights even more enjoyable.
What I love most in its combat (and in exploration) is the ability to switch between characters. Each one feels distinct—Morley’s agility and Careena’s powerful spells quickly became my favorites. If you’re a fan of games like Kingdom Hearts, you’ll find a lot to love here. The boss fights are imaginative and offer many strategies, whether you’re focusing on damage or magic. It might seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, the game becomes a playground for creative strategies.
Cons of Visions of Mana
| Things That Visions of Mana Can Improve |
|---|
|
Occasional Frame Rate Issues Narrative Pacing |
Occasional Frame Rate Issues
I tested both quality and performance modes on the PS5 and, unfortunately, noticed some frame rate hiccups in both. While it didn’t ruin the experience, it was noticeable enough to take me out of the immersion at times. Hopefully, a patch is on the way to smooth things out. I can’t say if this issue extends to other consoles or the PC version, though.
Awkward Narrative Pacing
I really enjoyed the story in this game, but it does have its pacing issues. At times, the narrative feels like it’s being pushed and pulled between taking its time and rushing forward, which can be a bit frustrating. It’s especially noticeable when the pacing slows down during crucial moments, interrupting the flow of the story.
Is Visions of Mana Worth It?
An Absolute Must-Buy for Fans and Newcomers!
Visions of Mana is a breathtaking revival of an underrated series, well worth the investment. Longtime fans will appreciate the nostalgic return, while newcomers will find it easy to dive into and enjoy. Despite some pacing and framerate issues, the game offers an incredibly fun experience overall. It’s an absolute steal at $60.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Playstation |
Xbox |
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| $59.99 | |||||
Visions of Mana FAQ
Can I Play Visions of Mana Without Playing the Other Mana Games?
Yes, like Square Enix's Final Fantasy series, the Mana series consists of stand-alone games that can be enjoyed individually without needing to play other titles in the series.
Who are the Main Characters in Visions of Mana?
⚫︎ Val
⚫︎ Hina
⚫︎ Careena
⚫︎ Morley
⚫︎ Palamena
⚫︎ Julei
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Visions of Mana Product Information
 | |
| Title | VISIONS OF MANA |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 29, 2024 |
| Developer | Square Enix |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam, Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S |
| Genre | Action, RPG |
| Number of Players | Single-Player(1) |
| Rating | ESRB T |
| Official Website | Visions of Mana Official Website |
