Sword of Mana

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
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  1. Z.Z.Pop
    Dec 8, 2003
    9
    This game is awesome! The multi-player madness looks tight, but my brother hasn't bought the game yet so I haven't yet experienced it, but I'm a nut for GBA multi-madness, so BUY THIS GAME!!!
  2. Ness33
    Dec 15, 2003
    9
    This game's greatest feature is that its "original." It has a different combat style than what most FF and other RPG games have. The "ring command" gives it a quicker and more "user-friendly" way to battle. And yes, it is similar to the Zelda fighting style in which u actually fight in "real-time." Lots of RPG's will stop you first, then put you into fighting mode. With this This game's greatest feature is that its "original." It has a different combat style than what most FF and other RPG games have. The "ring command" gives it a quicker and more "user-friendly" way to battle. And yes, it is similar to the Zelda fighting style in which u actually fight in "real-time." Lots of RPG's will stop you first, then put you into fighting mode. With this game, you're always in battle. But best of all, you can actually enjoy the game with a friend. The multiplayer action in RPG games are rare, and that gives this game lots of fun to enjoy with someone else. You worry about your own character, while your friend does his part :). Now to clarify the games history. This game was linked to what started off as the FF series. The GB game was called Mystic Quest. These stories were all about the Mana tree. FF did take its own path, but the SOM series pretty much stuck with the same story. Mystic Quest was Seiken Densetsu 1 in Japan. Seiken Densetsu 2 which was known as Secret of Mana in the US, was the first actual SOM game here. This game was for SNES, which consisted of "3" characters, and with a multi-tab on the SNES, you can enjoy this with 2 of your friends (3 players). Then there was the next SD game, Seiken Densetsu 3 (which never released in the US). This game was similar to SOM, but they gave it a big varity. With 6 characters to choose from (and you can only pick 3), and the class-changes, it gave SD3 about 20 different storylines that you can go with. It was definitely a great game. Sword Of Mana is now back as a SOM series. Its definitely a great game and very unique to what most people have seen. For those who hate to wait on battles and like to fight as you go, and for those would like to enjoy an RPG with a friend, this game is definitely for you!… Expand
  3. Odin
    Feb 21, 2004
    7
    This game isn't that great. Sure, you might enjoy the class system but if you are anything but an RPG freak you'll be scratching your head with all these strange controls and dull storyline throughout.
  4. ManafanM.
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    Great game! hope it will give me much fun ;x
  5. C.K.
    Dec 2, 2003
    9
    Its the remake of the game boy game Seiken Densetsu... (Final Fantasy Adventure in the US)... it is the same basic story, just enhanced.
  6. SeanT.
    Mar 30, 2004
    8
    Since this is the first time we're graced with the original Seiken Densetsu (the game Secret of Mana was the sequel to), this is an awfully nostalgic title. Fans of the original Secret of Mana will be overjoyed when they give this a go. The combat interface could've been smoothed out a bit more, but it's nothing all that difficult to adapt to. The decent story helps push Since this is the first time we're graced with the original Seiken Densetsu (the game Secret of Mana was the sequel to), this is an awfully nostalgic title. Fans of the original Secret of Mana will be overjoyed when they give this a go. The combat interface could've been smoothed out a bit more, but it's nothing all that difficult to adapt to. The decent story helps push the game along, but be prepared for more than a little plodding and occasional cliche dungeon puzzles. Meant more for those die-hard fans of the Mana series, but can be enjoyed by just about anyone with an eye for RPGs.… Expand
  7. sAsHidelR.
    Sep 9, 2004
    10
    This game rocks!!!!
  8. Sami
    Aug 14, 2005
    3
    Sword of Mana is a far cry from Final Fantasy Adventure and Secret of Mana. First of all, for a portable game, Sword of Mana is the most unportable game I've played. Save spots (yes, they actually _downgraded_ the save system) are nigh, and you might well be reading a very slowly drawn out plotscene for 15 minutes, then battle for half an hour before finding a save spot. In a Sword of Mana is a far cry from Final Fantasy Adventure and Secret of Mana. First of all, for a portable game, Sword of Mana is the most unportable game I've played. Save spots (yes, they actually _downgraded_ the save system) are nigh, and you might well be reading a very slowly drawn out plotscene for 15 minutes, then battle for half an hour before finding a save spot. In a portable game, this is simply ridiculous. In addition, the menu system is completely horrendous, with important choices hidden under a layer of menus, and several options which should be presented together strewn in completely different parts of the menu tree. Simply everything in the game is lacking, from characters to plot to music to control to the ridiculous weapon upgrade system. Do yourself a favor: instead of Sword of Mana, search the original Final Fantasy Adventure. The 10-year old classic is leaps and bounds ahead of its remake.… Expand
  9. GarretY.
    Dec 17, 2003
    10
    Sword of mana kicks A$$.
  10. StevnH.
    Jul 28, 2004
    10
    It's perfect game, even though perhaps not flawless. It's definitely one of the best RPG games ever. Its graphics, sounds, musics, everything is well made.
  11. [Anonymous]
    Nov 18, 2003
    9
    The usual square RPG fun.
  12. JeremyB.
    Nov 27, 2003
    10
    This game IS a perfect ten. Get the game, and find out why. BTW, the info did not mention the fact that Sword Of Mana is part two of a final fantasy series. It all began on gameboy, years ago, and I do not recall the name of the game. Sorry. Anyway, there is also a part three - Japanese game. Part two and part three are probably the two best FF games ever made. If you are a fan of This game IS a perfect ten. Get the game, and find out why. BTW, the info did not mention the fact that Sword Of Mana is part two of a final fantasy series. It all began on gameboy, years ago, and I do not recall the name of the game. Sorry. Anyway, there is also a part three - Japanese game. Part two and part three are probably the two best FF games ever made. If you are a fan of FF7/FF8, you may enjoy this game; however, the fighting environment is very different. More like Zelda 1, but you have companions. Because multiple characters are played, you can insert another control pack and play 2-players! Much like gauntlet, only without the sh.tty ass graphics. Good luck, man. Have fun!… Expand
  13. GustavK.
    Nov 28, 2003
    9
    The game is NOT a follow-up of the ff-series. it (final fantasy adventure) was called seiken densetsu in japan wich roughly translates holy sword legend (or something like that) legend of mana for SNES is seiken densetsu 2. squaresoft america probably just named it final fantasy adventure to get more people to buy it :P also the three other FF games for gameboy has nothing to do with finalThe game is NOT a follow-up of the ff-series. it (final fantasy adventure) was called seiken densetsu in japan wich roughly translates holy sword legend (or something like that) legend of mana for SNES is seiken densetsu 2. squaresoft america probably just named it final fantasy adventure to get more people to buy it :P also the three other FF games for gameboy has nothing to do with final fantasy either. they are predesessors of the Saga (romancing/frontier) series. thus ends todays lesson.… Expand
  14. Ryatta
    Nov 22, 2013
    7
    It feels like a Legend of Zelda RPG; which is in no way a bad thing if a little clunkier when it comes to lining up attacks. It's simplicity helps with it being a gba game when it comes to navigation and combat and the story reaches the levels of a final fantasy game.
  15. CrazySeanDX
    Sep 15, 2019
    10
    The fact that critics think this game is inferior to the remake on Vita that tries barely anything new or interesting as a remake is concerning. This game took a ton of liberties to make it more akin to the Mana series without changing too much of the plot, and they call said plot too basic? Even though it, again, is technically the same plot as the original aside from SOME changes? It'sThe fact that critics think this game is inferior to the remake on Vita that tries barely anything new or interesting as a remake is concerning. This game took a ton of liberties to make it more akin to the Mana series without changing too much of the plot, and they call said plot too basic? Even though it, again, is technically the same plot as the original aside from SOME changes? It's just surprising, as even the gameplay is pretty great.

    Instead of the meter rising or being required to max out, each attack builds up a meter, allowing you to do a sort of charge attack once the meter is full, and it allows you to choose when to do the charge attack, too, so you don't HAVE to use it right away. Not to mention, you can play as the heroine in this one, and it adds SO much to her character and helps us care more about her.

    Not to mention that Willy has a somewhat bigger role in this remake, outside of "generic death to fuel the hero's determination." Heck, the story shows some extra stuff in the beginning to have us know what Dark Lord did, giving us more reason to care about the hero's desire to beat him, aside from "Mana is in trouble." Like, seriously, who says it like that, and how is that enough of a motivational incentive?

    I repeat. The fact that critics think Adventure of Mana is the better remake(while it also has a lower Metacritic score than this one so how the fu-) is just concerning. Let's hope they'll rerelease this version someday, cause I doubt a 3rd remake will do it proper justice.    … Expand
  16. PabloEnver
    Aug 30, 2022
    7
    Gráficamente es una gozada, y la música es genial. La historia no está mal, aunque tampoco es increíble. El problema principal es que el gameplay es bastante aburrido. Según vas avanzando en la historia consigues diversas armas como espada, lanza, mazo, arco, etc, pero es probable que acabes usando la espada más que ninguna otra cosa, e irás dando estocadas y alejándote, una y otra vez,Gráficamente es una gozada, y la música es genial. La historia no está mal, aunque tampoco es increíble. El problema principal es que el gameplay es bastante aburrido. Según vas avanzando en la historia consigues diversas armas como espada, lanza, mazo, arco, etc, pero es probable que acabes usando la espada más que ninguna otra cosa, e irás dando estocadas y alejándote, una y otra vez, contra el 99% de enemigos. Los espíritus te proporcionan la habilidad de usar magias pero no son demasiado útiles. Un juego entretenido sin más, merece la pena por la música y el apartado gráfico, pero poco más.… Expand
  17. Yojimbo2015
    May 6, 2023
    7
    Pretty but very wordy arcade RPG. As ever, it's good but not as good as Zelda or Final Fantasy.
  18. 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.

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
17
#17 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
15
#15 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Edge Magazine
    60
    We were hoping for a passionate display of Square's rekindling love for the RPG craft. Instead, Sword of Mana hangs around its competitors in relative mediocrity instead of blazing the trail the SNES title did all those years ago. [Feb 2004, p.109]
  2. GMR Magazine
    60
    Once you begin playing, though, you realize that Sword of Mana's interface is among the most ill-advised in recent memory.
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  3. GBA Central
    60
    Follows every role-playing cliché and rule but does so with style. Sadly however the flaws within the game remain too obvious and Sword of Mana is merely a slightly above average game that deserves a slightly above average score.
    Read full review
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