Children of Mana

 DS
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34
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  1. Gamer 2.0
    81
    Since the game is actually a dungeon crawler, Children of Mana may disappoint those looking for their traditional RPG fix. But if it really counts toward opinion, the game just might be the best and most beautiful dungeon crawler ever created.
  2. GameBrink
    80
    Despite some iffy controls, as a dungeon-crawler CoM provides a fairly enjoyable way to kill numerous hours on the go. The nice graphics and really nice music help to smooth out a game that otherwise is a little bit stale. [JPN Import]
  3. Thunderbolt
    80
    For those of you looking for that one great RPG for your DS collection, this game might be your answer. While the game slows down at certain points and has a fair amount of difficulty, it’s still a force to be reckoned with.
  5. GamePro
    80
    Wonderfully rendered, but when compared to Secret of Mana's engaging narrative, Children of Mana's sparse and slow story falls short.
  6. IGN
    80
    As far as hack-n-slash RPGs go, Children of Mana is one of the best we’ve seen on a handheld, and for dungeon crawler addicts Square Enix has definitely hit the spot.
  7. Da Gameboyz
    80
    With great graphics, great sound and pretty good gameplay, including the addition of multiplayer, Square Enix has once again shown why they are on top when it comes to developing and publishing RPG titles.
  8. NintendoWorldReport
    80
    Is this the game Mana fans have been waiting for? Probably not. However, Children of Mana is an excellent game in its own right, bringing dungeon crawling to a new level on Nintendo DS.
  9. PGNx Media
    80
    A good dungeon crawler. The game does have some annoyances and you can argue that the gameplay isn’t deep but fans of the genre will be satisfied. The stylish presentation and multiplayer mode really help round out the package.
  10. Pocket Gamer UK
    80
    Children of Mana brings intelligence and charm into the realm of dungeon-based button bashing.
  11. AceGamez
    80
    The gameplay is a bit watered down by comparison to titles past, but for a dungeon crawler this is actually really engaging and enjoyable.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    79
    Sadly, Children of Mana's extremely repetitive gameplay means that if you're playing for an extended period of time the game's appeal wanes. It all depends on what kind of player you are. [Feb 2007, p.76]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Game Informer
    78
    Children of Mana is not the longest game in the world, but it sure is a fun ride while it lasts, especially if you have friends that are into it as well. [Nov. 2006, p.140]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. RPG Fan
    75
    Another nail in the coffin of the Seiken Densetsu series.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best DS Game of 2006
33
#33 Most Discussed DS Game of 2006
2
#2 Most Shared DS Game of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 29
  3. Negative: 9 out of 29
  1. Yojimbo2015
    May 21, 2023
    7
    Semi-sequel to the attractive RPGs on the SNES, this incarnation pretty much scraps the RPG elements and relies on arcade-adventure styleSemi-sequel to the attractive RPGs on the SNES, this incarnation pretty much scraps the RPG elements and relies on arcade-adventure style dungeon exploring that's not entirely dissimilar to Gauntlet with nobs on. Reasonably good fun but anyone expecting an epic adventure will be sorely disappointed.… Full Review »
  2. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this spin off game in the series.
  3. Secre
    Apr 17, 2016
    1
    Even ten years later I can remember the disappointment that this game originally inspired in me. From the magic of Sword of Mana whichEven ten years later I can remember the disappointment that this game originally inspired in me. From the magic of Sword of Mana which admittedly had some flaws but was a stunning rendition of an RPG to this. A dungeon crawling beast of mediocrity with a cliche story, recycled dungeons, repetitive gameplay and button mashing fighting. This was poor at the time and it is still poor now. It's one of the few series where I can honestly say that the poor experience of one game put me off a series I had loved for life; I have never bought another Mana game since.… Full Review »
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