General Gaming Visions of Mana | Coming August 29th, 2024 [Opencritic Reviews Posted] - update (08/29): Ouka Studios effectively closed

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[crispy4000]

Hell yes.  Looks way better than the last 3D game they made.

[Paperclyp]

Game looked amazing 

[Ghost_MH]

Yeah, I can get behind this.

[crispy4000]

I just want to run around in this game's world.  They captured the spirit of the series perfectly in the environments at least.

[eventide11]

Yep. That's definitely a JRPG

[XxEvil AshxX]

I think this is the first Mana game actually coming to Xbox. 

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[stepee]

They just nailed the look so completely exactly how I would want a new 3D Mana game to look in 2024. I just want to eat the graphics.

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[Greatoneshere]

The real question is will we ever get Collection of Mana on PC and will they ever do a Dawn of Mana remaster or remake? It's the final one that needs to be done in the mainline series. They even did a great remaster of Legend of Mana.

[Brian]

 

[Xbob42]

Hey it looks like you can do a lot more than basic attacks in this! Very nice! Looking forward to it.

 

Trials of Mana, on the other hand... It had a bunch of active ability slots, but hours into the game I had like 2, and they were like weird conditional use things, I think? I just remember the vast majority of the game being this basic ass combo shit. Did that ever change? I really wanted to play more but the repetitive simplistic combat bummed me the hell out, and no one ever talks about that game.

[BloodyHell]

1 hour ago, Xbob42 said:

Hey it looks like you can do a lot more than basic attacks in this! Very nice! Looking forward to it.

 

Trials of Mana, on the other hand... It had a bunch of active ability slots, but hours into the game I had like 2, and they were like weird conditional use things, I think? I just remember the vast majority of the game being this basic ass combo shit. Did that ever change? I really wanted to play more but the repetitive simplistic combat bummed me the hell out, and no one ever talks about that game.

I couldn’t get into it. I loved Secret of Mana during the SNES era, but it was my only entry into the series before the Trials release. I actually close to platinum’d the Secret re-release, but never got more than a few hours into Trials.

[GameDadGrant]

They made an Xbox version of the game, but not one for Switch?!

 

Go home, Square-Enix. You're drunk.

[legend]

Sounds like the combat will be similar to Rebirth combat, which is a good thing.

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[XxEvil AshxX]

sonuvabitch.

[stepee]

Day1

[skillzdadirecta]

How is this not out for Switch?

[stepee]

It looks like it would be a pain in the ass to port to switch, they would have to do a lot of work to tone down all the detail and everything here. I also wouldn’t be surprised if originally they would have had a Switch 2 port this year if it wasn’t delayed and that it hits that next year.

[crispy4000]

Demo is out right now!

[stepee]

2 hours ago, crispy4000 said:

Demo is out right now!

 

And hotel wifi is letting me download it!

[stepee]

Is this a carry on to the main game sorta demo?

[stepee]

Looks gorgeous on the oled deck damn. I hope you can get a full length shirt for the main character tho.

[XxEvil AshxX]

Oh damn I didn't know this was getting a demo. 

 

I'm still trying to do a Seiken Densetsu series playthrough, but getting through Final Fantasy Adventure on the Gameboy (which was the first Seiken Densetsu game) has been quite the challenge. It's not really a difficult game, but the inventory system is pretty cumbersome and there is one dungeon in particular that is getting on my fuckin nerves cuz I keep running around in circles.

 

I know there is a remake on GBA. It was going to be the next game on the list. I wanted to experience the original first.

[TheLeon]

I can’t handle that one party member sounds like she’s from Alabama. 

[Keyser_Soze]

2 minutes ago, TheLeon said:

I can’t handle that one party member sounds like she’s from Alabama. 

 

Good ol anime trope to indicate someone is from a different region of japan or has a different dialect.

 

Xenoblade does this by having them all from different parts of Europe which is easier to stomach I guess. Can't stand it for American accents though. Sounds like another win for subtitles!

[EternallDarkness]

such a bummer no switch version 

[XxEvil AshxX]

I get a lot of hitching on the Steam version. Anyone else, or do I just need to tweak something?

[crispy4000]

41 minutes ago, XxEvil AshxX said:

I get a lot of hitching on the Steam version. Anyone else, or do I just need to tweak something?

 

Supposedly it’s the same stutter struggle issue we’ve seen too many times on PC.

 

I haven’t played the demo yet, but will be doing so on PS5.

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[Keyser_Soze]

 

[XxEvil AshxX]

I was supposed to have played through the other Mana games before this. Can I do it in a week? I think probably no.

[Keyser_Soze]

Game Information

Game Title: Visions of Mana

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Aug 29, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Aug 29, 2024)
• PC (Aug 29, 2024)
• PlayStation 4 (Aug 29, 2024)
  

Trailer:

    Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 77 average - 65% recommended

Critic Reviews

 

Spoiler

CGMagazine - Justin Wood - 7 / 10

Visions of Mana marks a solid return to the series, featuring an emotionally engaging storyline and striking visuals. However, the side quests and voice acting may turn some players off.

Checkpoint Gaming - Pedro Cooray - 8.5 / 10

I hope Visions of Mana signals a new, brighter direction for the series. This is more than a classic series receiving a jaw-dropping glow-up. This is a game that gives you a classic JRPG experience while being a modern blockbuster through and through. It's one of the best-looking games this generation and gives you dozens of unlockable options to customise your party your way. The story is deep and dark (for a PG title) and explores familiar themes in a new and engaging way. Visions of Mana confidently asserts its own spot among other long-running modern JRPGs, and I can't help but agree. It's proof that despite its age, this series still has a lot of potential left.

ComingSoon.net - Tyler Treese - 8.5 / 10

It's not hard to imagine that its story about tradition and sacrifice came from the development team grappling with the pressure of making another Mana game after many years without a new entry, but the end result is a proper continuation of its legacy.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - Recommended

Visions of Mana is the first new Mana game in nearly two decades, bringing the series into a new generation. While some overgrown roots need a trim in the future—the various improvements to the combat, the level design, and the world are better than ever.

Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 3 / 5

Visions of Mana plays and looks wonderfully – except for it's stiff character animations. The story is exciting, the battle system offers plenty of variety and the world invites you to explore. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get there. The story and gameplay suffer from inconsistent pacing. By the time I'm let off the leash, more than half the story is over.

For fans of the “Mana” series and Japanese role-playing games in general, “Visions of Mana” is a must-play despite its weaknesses. I still enjoyed my 25 hours or so in the world around the Mana tree. I'm used to Japanese role-playing games always taking a little longer. If you can live with that, I can recommend the game to you.

Evilgamerz - Dutch - 8.5 / 10

This may sound a bit strange, but Visions of Mana is a game that you shouldn't expect too much from. The game doesn't do anything new at all. Just like your favorite meal or that one music album that you can't get enough of, this can be an advantage. Visions of Mana takes that old familiar and gives it just enough modern polish to not make it feel too dated. Just like Dragon Quest XI. If this is the future of the series, then I'm at least hopeful for the next installment, because one thing is for sure, it was simply a joy to explore the world in this game.

GAMES.CH - Sven Raabe - German - 77%

Visions of Mana scores above all with its charming look and loveable characters. The new elemental powers are also quite impressive. Although various facets prevent the action RPG from unleashing its full potential, the return of the legendary game series is a success overall.

Game Rant - Nick Rodriguez - 3.5 / 5

The Mana series is back with Visions of Mana, a steady, fun, and slightly by-the-numbers entry in the style of the Trials of Mana remake.

GamePro - Cassie Mammone - German - 73 / 100

Unfortunately, the beautiful graphics and the successful gameplay of Visions of Mana don't completely distract from the boring story.

GamingTrend - Katelyn Lawlor - 65 / 100

Visions 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.

God is a Geek - Chris Hyde - 8 / 10

Visions of Mana is an enjoyable adventure that doesn't push the boundaries but serves as a solid series entry for fans and newcomers alike.

Hobby Consolas - Alberto Lloret - Spanish - 87 / 100

Visions of Mana is not only one of the most beautiful action RPGs, it is also a very fun one, with a great combat system and a lot of content, although sometimes it seems that Square Enix has wanted to play it safe without betting on new ideas and concepts, although the move has worked out well.

IGN - Nicholas Ransbottom - 8 / 10

Exciting combat, a deeply rewarding class system, and likable characters make Visions of Mana a great comeback for this classic RPG series.

IGN Italy - Alessandra Borgonovo - Italian - 8 / 10

A commendable comeback for the series, capable of offering a beautiful, bittersweet story and captivating gameplay in its liveliness.

INVEN - Dongyong Seo - Korean - 7.3 / 10

While Visions of Mana presents a fantastical world brought to life with vibrant colors, the story's lack of depth makes it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the game, and the slow combat tempo and repetitive sequences until the mid-game are drawbacks. Despite these issues, the game is held together by its charming characters that keep you engaged until the end.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 80 / 100

Visions of Mana's earnestness and positives outweigh its negatives by a sizeable amount. At the very least, old-school 90s RPG fans should be glad that Square Enix did not forget about this classic series, now with a few more bells and whistles to make it quite a ride.

One More Game - Ricki Buzon - 7 / 10

Visions of Mana is a welcome entry in the long-running and beloved series, providing an entertaining and fun time for newcomers and fans alike. Surprisingly, one of its strongest points is its compelling story, and while it was simply a journey to the Mana Tree on the surface, the rest of the adventure is one to look out for.

Previous-gen console players beware because the playthrough is not as smooth. The number of bugs we experienced on a PS4 was not enjoyable, and while the PS5 version was a lot smoother, caution is advised.

PSX Brasil - Thiago de Alencar Moura - Portuguese - 85 / 100

Visions of Mana is an excellent JRPG and the purest definition of a comfortable game. With functional and very fun gameplay, a simple story, but with a reflection to deliver and very well executed, make it, quite easily, one of the best (if not the best) games in the series so far.

Press Start - Kieron Verbrugge - 7.5 / 10

Visions of Mana feels like the RPG equivalent of being young and visiting a park in the summer. It's picturesque, warm and full of hope, inviting you to set out and explore and maybe come home with a couple scratches or bruises but always rewarding the effort with a new adventure or discovery. There's a fantastic balance of old and new ideas here, enough to satisfy patient series fans and newcomers alike, a hugely-enjoyable main story, stunning environments and satisfying combat going a long way to make up for some annoying technical and mechanical foibles.

Push Square - Robert Ramsey - 7 / 10

As a nostalgia-driven retread of the classic Mana adventure, Visions of Mana is rock solid - but it struggles to be anything more than a reminder of how magical those old RPGs could be. If you can look beyond the game's monotonous storytelling and tragically bland characters, the essence of an old-school excursion is here, in the exploration of wonderful environments and in battles against burly boss monsters.

RPG Fan - Izzy Parsons - 87%

A wonderful return to form for the Mana series. Visions of Mana will have longtime fans grinning from ear-to-ear.

Spaziogames - Marcello Paolillo - Italian - 6.9 / 10

Visions of Mana aims to bring players back to a classic RPG experience reminiscent of the 1990s. Accepting these conditions, you'll still find a pleasant, colorful action RPG that can entertain you for a good number of hours-nothing more, nothing less.

TechRaptor - Brittany Alva - 9 / 10

Visions of Mana features an impactful story, well-written characters, fun combat, and a gorgeous world to get lost in with very few problems.

The Outerhaven Productions - Matthew Paul - 4 / 5

Visions is an excellent addition to Square Enix's Mana series and fans of the series will be excited with changes presented with the title. That said, the gameplay plays it safe at times, and can be a bit stale at times. Still, if you like the series, you'll enjoy Visions of Mana.

Wccftech - Kai Tatsumoto - 7.5 / 10

Visions of Mana is a fun JRPG for the first thirty hours but the continuous backtracking and overall padding left me feeling like my time wasn't being respected by the time Val's journey came to a close

oprainfall - Steve Baltimore - 4 / 5

Despite my few nitpicks I had a great time with Visions of Mana. The story is fantastic and watching these characters grow as the adventure went on was pure joy. The world felt full and there were lots of hidden things to find while exploring each map. The combat is fun and having all the different classes for each character gave it lots of variety. While it took me around 30 hours to complete the main quest I left a lot undone with this one. There were plenty of upgrades, monsters and even a post story that I still need to get to. I feel this one is well worth the $59.99 price tag to fans of the series and newcomers alike.