Secret of Mana

 PC
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 41 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 41
  3. Negative: 8 out of 41

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  1. TLuizSilva
    Feb 15, 2018
    9
    The original wording was a comment to a post querying if this game is as awful as (some) reviews say it is.

    The original game is not a "10" score to me, but my review is a "9" regarding the remake, as per the comments below. No, it isn't (as awful as the reviews say so). As a matter of fact, I have the impression that they tried to recreate the same experience from the original game    The original wording was a comment to a post querying if this game is as awful as (some) reviews say it is.

    The original game is not a "10" score to me, but my review is a "9" regarding the remake, as per the comments below.

    No, it isn't (as awful as the reviews say so). As a matter of fact, I have the impression that they tried to recreate the same experience from the original game but with updated graphics and some improvements. Indeed, it could have some minor controller/key maping/gameplay improvements (i.e. an autocollect function), however, the original experience is kept. Nonetheless, such improvements may come through patches (or modding).

    These possible improvement do not, AT ALL, spoil the experience for players of the original game. Maybe newcomers will find it a little bit old school, but I suppose that, if newcomers are attracted to this old school approach, they should have the same approach as when watching old movies. While watching the original Star Wars saga, I do not wonder that the cinematical/storytelling approach is not the same as today - if you choose this game for such purpose, obviousy you are in the wrong place.

    For everybody who have played the original and liked that game, please, try this one. It is really an effort from a producer that constantly tries to keep the fanbase wishes at bay - easter eggs in recent Final Fantasy games are proof of this, the Final Fantasy VII remake confirms this logic and they are constantly reminding the fanbase of aniversaries of such games, etcetera.

    In this game they tried hardly not to mess with the original experience, instead of trying to improve what could "be improved" without doing harm to the purists. I put the sentence "be improved" in quotes because everybody will have something to comment or suggest in any game, really - even the clothes or hair of characters. Proof of this fidelity is the soundtrack - you can choose which version you prefer. The voiceover is not that great, but people are expecting now a Pixar movie voiceover from any game - Mass Effect Andromed was proof of this. Ultimately, you could always turn the voiceover off without impact to the game at all, as subtitles cover the entirety of the dialogues.

    One question that I saw over and over the web is about the price. Despite having a game/script to base your graphics upon, don't think that the game was not created from the ground. The original game graphics probably was used as an inspiration and "sketch" for the newer graphics - please check with an architect the amount of work behind making a 3D example of any project, it's a several days challenge for EACH room.

    Really, I'm from Brazil. Square Enix doesn't even exist here, I'm a nostalgic lawyer that does not have any benefit from this review. I really strive to find games that are enjoyable as they were in the past. There are some really good new RPGs coming every year (The Witcher, Elder Scrolls, Dragon's Age, Tides of Numenera, Pillars of Torment, Diablo's - only some of the games that I found time to play). However, the reviews that I've read are totally out of place with this game. I've played this game from coast to coast, with all secrets, over 30 times. This new version may not have bring the game to new game playing standards, but, honestly, that is not why I chose to play it. Haters will hate, professional critics are being paid to have an opinion (an to have egos) that may say this is not a good game, but I think that, for the proposed time from its announcement to its launch, it has fully kept its promise to its fans. Really hoping that they repeat the feat for SNES Final Fantasies (VI first, please), Chrono Trigger (of course), Secret of Evermore (if you need priorities, please do all of the others first, kindly).    … Expand
  2. yosa1
    Feb 15, 2018
    8
    This is an older Super Nintendo game redone, its an RPG involving a story around mana dieing, you take up the role of hero and kick there badmouthing asses, its a linear game, but will offer some more open choices later on. Im a huge lover of older RPG tittles including this one, in a mere 2 hours of playing this PC version I'm already sold that this is an improvement, and let me explainThis is an older Super Nintendo game redone, its an RPG involving a story around mana dieing, you take up the role of hero and kick there badmouthing asses, its a linear game, but will offer some more open choices later on. Im a huge lover of older RPG tittles including this one, in a mere 2 hours of playing this PC version I'm already sold that this is an improvement, and let me explain why.

    Graphics- hands down they are better, I hate calling attention to graphics, because they do not make a game; between 32bit and full PC type support I don't mind indulging in better visuals, there are a lot of objects that are clearer as well.

    Sound- the music is better and I did sample a comparison, the voice acting is a nice addition, but its mediocre, the rest of in game sounds seems well done and consistent.

    Game play- is similar in most ways to the original, I love that your character is more directional mobile, it does make combat easier for map spawns, but hell its an RPG, combat should get easier the more you battle,

    Controls - you will definitely have to fiddle around with the settings to find something you like, the game does support all of keyboard, most mouse type function and many joystick functions.

    Certainly look into a video of the game play style before deciding its an RPG must have, this reiteration is well worth playing to any fans of the series, and certainly worth a look to anyone not familiar with the game.    … Expand
  3. Mstango
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Pros
    -Auto Save!
    -Gameplay intact (mostly a good thing) -Adorable Graphics are in Keeping with the original art style -Updated version of the soundtrack is great -The New Minimap is a nice refence, while also being useful -Controls Work Fluidly -Story is more flushed out -Different Weapons actually look different -The Dificulty has been rebalenced nicely -Several fixes having to    Pros
    -Auto Save!
    -Gameplay intact (mostly a good thing)
    -Adorable Graphics are in Keeping with the original art style
    -Updated version of the soundtrack is great
    -The New Minimap is a nice refence, while also being useful
    -Controls Work Fluidly
    -Story is more flushed out
    -Different Weapons actually look different
    -The Dificulty has been rebalenced nicely
    -Several fixes having to do with fake depth and range

    Cons
    -Minor Glitches and lag that was not in the original
    -Different Armors still don’t affect the look of the characters
    -They made the save screen kind of boring

    Cons (that was an issue with the original too)
    -Combat is Artificially Slow
    -The #&^% Balloon Spell

    Some part of me wants to say they didn’t change enough, but on the whole that’s probably a good sign. I highly recommend this game in any form.    … Expand
  4. techtronics
    Feb 17, 2018
    10
    Secret of Mana is an amazing take on the old school rpg genre that molded the games we play today, but what makes it stand out in that fashion is that it also, for the most part, play as those games did as well. The updated graphics and amazing soundtrack was just what was needed to revive the dying format. This game also provides an entry to the intense rpg genre that frightens mostSecret of Mana is an amazing take on the old school rpg genre that molded the games we play today, but what makes it stand out in that fashion is that it also, for the most part, play as those games did as well. The updated graphics and amazing soundtrack was just what was needed to revive the dying format. This game also provides an entry to the intense rpg genre that frightens most players away from the long playtime required to finish it. Still at being roughly 40 hours long, this game provides a plethora of story. While this game doesn't serve much in the form of cut scenes, the narrative will keep you going for the hours that are up ahead, so keep in mind that a love for reading makes a love for this style of game.… Expand
  5. Burkley
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    Secret of mana remake is just a nice visual update with the core gameplay still in tact. Love it!
  6. 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.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. CD-Action
    Jun 5, 2018
    40
    The remake not only highlights all flaws of the original, making me wonder why I loved the 1993’s Secret of Mana in the first place, but also introduces some new problems. [05/2018, p.68]
  2. 4P.de
    Feb 23, 2018
    57
    Sorry, but no! The re-imagination of one of the most beloved JRPGs is mediocre in almost every aspect. Bugs, crashes and on top of that the visual renovation is lackluster. If you really wanna play Secret of Mana, you should think about investing in the Nintendo Classic Mini SNES.
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  3. The Overpowered Noobs
    Feb 22, 2018
    60
    Secret of Mana (2018) makes for a nice jog down memory lane, even if there were some long-forgotten design flaws that years of nostalgic memories had blocked out over time. If you remember enjoying the SNES game, Secret of Mana holds onto many of what you liked about it back then. But if you’re looking for a polished, modernized version of the game, then you will be disappointed. For better or worse, not much has changed in Secret of Mana since its initial release in 1994.
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