The Secret of Mana is one of my all-time favorite games. Square’s blend of traditional RPG elements with real-time action was remarkable, and the story of unlikely allies forging bonds and taking on an empire is equal parts epic, heartfelt, and hilarious. Despite its long dormancy, the Mana series makes a grand return this year with Visions of Mana.
During PAX East 2024, I had the opportunity to chat with Mana series producer Masaru Oyamada about the upcoming RPG and more. Our conversation delved into the legacy of Mana, modern gaming advancements, and how Visions of Mana aims to unite both to deliver a fresh and ambitious title that aims to recapture the essence of the series.
What are your goals in reviving the Mana series?
After a 15-year hiatus since the last mainline game, we aspire to create a game that both long-time fans and newcomers can cherish. We want players to immediately grasp the essence and charm of the series upon playing Visions of Mana.
How do you define a ‘Mana’ game?
Capturing the essence of the Mana Tree and showcasing expansive graphics were crucial in defining the Mana series identity. We took inspiration from the iconic cover artwork of Secret of Mana, illustrated by Hiroo Isono, and leveraged technological advancements to realize this vision.
The world design, elemental spirits integration, and character designs by Haccan were pivotal in maintaining the series’ core identity in Visions of Mana.
What updates were necessary for the series?
Adapting to modern action RPG trends while preserving the series’ essence was paramount. We aimed to create seamless gameplay incorporating dynamic action and RPG elements, like ring commands and command inputs, to stay true to the Mana heritage.
Will humor remain a key element in the series?
This game within the Mana series has the most expansive and largest world ever presented.
The storyline of Visions of Mana will explore themes of companionship, bidding farewells, and dealing with heavy fates while maintaining vibrant character dynamics. The game promises a blend of adventure, humor, and heart, typical of the series.
How do you handle player curiosity in a vast world?
By showcasing unique regions, abundant nature, elemental spirits, and familiar monsters, we aim to evoke player curiosity and engagement in exploring the vast world of Visions of Mana.
Can you provide insights on weapon upgrades?
Weapon upgrades in Visions of Mana involve acquiring better versions of weapons as you progress, offering customization options to enhance your character stats. Further details on gameplay features will be unveiled soon
Visions of Mana is set to launch in summer 2024 across PlayStation 4, PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series consoles.
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