Visions of Mana

The triumphant return of the Mana series! A wonderful RPG that mostly keeps things light and enjoyable while having fun combat and lots to see and do in the world.

Visions of Mana design keeps in mind the long-time fans who have followed the series since its inception many years ago. It provides what they seek in a game of color, vibrant settings, and a story whose narrative revolves around a tree. It also delivers on gameplay mechanics but strives to be something other than groundbreaking. The class system is very entertaining. While not extraordinary, the narrative is straightforward and will give Mana fans what they're looking for.

When I think back on my experience in totality, what enraptured me so much about Visions is an innocent worldview in what it has to say and how it says it. There’s an underlying hope that humanity can live in harmony with the nature around them, to bask in the awe-inspiring world we exist in. In addition to that, it’s refreshing to play a game that is so excited to just be itself. Trials of Mana got me to give these games a chance, but Visions made me a fan. There’s so much more room for this series to grow, and I hope they continue to build from here.

Visions of Mana is a good game that follows in the footsteps of its predecessors with brio, featuring action-packed combat and an interesting storyline, even if the set-up leaves little room for surprise. Nevertheless, it succeeds in taking us on a journey through its richly colorful universe, thanks in particular to a fine soundtrack and its diverse environments. And if you're still in doubt after reading this review, don't hesitate to try out the demo, which is free and will enable you to form your own opinion.

Visions of Mana has higher highs but also lower lows than Trials of Mana, but it is a game I’m glad I got to experience by the end. If you enjoyed Trials of Mana and games like Tales of Arise specifically on the gameplay side, Visions of Mana is worth your time. I just wish the movement and PC port were better. In its current state, it is excellent to have a modern Mana game and Visions of Mana delivered on that front. Just don’t expect it to reach the highs of Secret of Mana. While it is rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve, I recommend playing it on PS5 rather than Steam Deck with how bare-bones the PC port is in its current state.