The stunning visuals and captivating character designs in Visions of Mana immediately immersed me in a fantasy world, where I found myself traversing the grassy plains of Fallow Steppe on the back of a magnificent black wolf. The lush landscapes, vibrant colors, and charming creatures all contributed to an enchanting gaming experience.
My hands-on demo of the upcoming RPG at PAX East showcased its beauty and action-packed gameplay. Despite not having played previous Mana games, I was thoroughly impressed by the open-world environment and dynamic combat system. It’s clear that the Mana series is making a strong comeback with this release.
Producer Masaru Oyamada highlighted the unique essence of the series, emphasizing its nature-themed, high-fantasy aesthetic and its connection to the Mana tree. In Visions of Mana, we follow protagonist Val and his friend Hinna on a journey to replenish the Tree of Mana’s power during a festival. As the adventure unfolds, they encounter new allies like Morley and Careena, who add depth to the storyline.
During the demo, I had the opportunity to control Val, Morley, and Careena, each offering a unique combat style and set of skills. The introduction of Elemental Vessels added another layer of customization and strategy to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.
Elemental Vessels not only alter a character’s abilities but also impact exploration in the game. For example, the Sylph Boomerang allows players to create wind currents for aerial traversal, while the Luna Globe manipulates time, similar to a device in Legend of Zelda. This mechanic adds depth to both combat and exploration, promising an engaging gameplay experience.
Exploring the detailed environments, such as the plains of Fallow Steppe and the snowy Mt. Gala, was made even more exciting with the inclusion of Pikuls. These majestic wolves provide a unique mode of transportation in the game, allowing players to navigate the world efficiently and engage with enemies in thrilling battles.
Visions of Mana impressed me with its combat mechanics, progression system, and immersive world, setting the stage for a remarkable return of the Mana series.
Visions of Mana is set to release this summer for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
