- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: Aug 29, 2024
- Also On: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
- Critic score
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Sep 3, 2024Visions 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.
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Aug 28, 2024If Visions of Mana spent as much time and energy as it did in its battles into its narrative, we would have gotten a very different game. Instead, the game seems off-balance but definitely has the potential to be a fun experience if you solely focus on the battles and not on its plot. Don’t get me wrong—there are moments in the game where the story introduces some action elements that make you feel like you are getting somewhere, but these moments are overshadowed by the rest of the story’s rather bland narrative.
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Aug 27, 2024Visions of Mana is a charming action-RPG that celebrates the spirit of its 2D predecessors thanks to its liberating exploration and wonderful visuals, but it lacks some gameplay polish.
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Aug 27, 2024Visions of Mana brings the world and creatures of the Mana games to life in ways much better and more beautiful than ever before. The world is more accessible and freely explorable, there is more to discover, the five playable characters can be upgraded and customised through many advanced classes. A weak PC port and some storytelling and gameplay lengths make the game less enjoyable than it could be.
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Aug 27, 2024Visions of Mana isn't perfect, nor will it revolutionize the JRPG genre with its approach to combat or storytelling. But for the right player, these issues won't matter, because Visions of Mana has an undeniable charm and allure to it. Its breathtaking visuals, satisfying combat, and likable characters combine for a comforting, stock-standard JRPG, and if you're in the market for that, then Visions of Mana is an easy buy.
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Aug 27, 2024Visions of Mana is a rollercoaster of emotions. The team under Square Enix has made a beautiful game with a solid mechanical foundation. But the balance of the game has been somewhat out of whack. What’s here is not bad, just unpolished and a bit lacking. Visions of Mana is worth your time if the issues mentioned with combat and story won’t be an issue for you. Maybe try it on a harder setting. At the very least, I recommend trying the free demo on every platform as that will give you a feel for how the game controls and feels. Visions of Mana is solid but doesn’t quite reach the heights it aimed for.
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Aug 29, 2024Visions of Mana is an incredibly hand-holdy, laid-back adventure game where you can't go two minutes without watching a short film.
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Aug 27, 2024Visions of Mana would be forgettable if it weren't janky in ways few modern AAA games are, making for an action RPG with little desire to be unique. But its series of bewildering design choices and faulty execution does technically make it stand out.