Adventures of Mana

Adventures of Mana is an action role-playing game from 2016, co-developed by MCF and Square Enix and published by Square Enix. It serves as a 3D remake of *Final Fantasy Adventure*, the 1991 Game Boy title that launched the Mana series. The game launched worldwide on Android and iOS on February 4, 2016; a PlayStation Vita version followed on the same day in Japan, and arrived in North America, South America, and Europe in June 2016.

Players control a young hero who, alongside a heroine, works to prevent the Dark Lord of Glaive from destroying the Tree of Mana. The gameplay is presented from a top-down perspective and centers on combat with monsters and other foes. The world is split into several areas, and players must navigate dungeons to progress. A gauge on screen fills over time and resets when the player attacks or is hit; waiting for it to fill allows a stronger attack. Various non-player characters join the hero, each offering unique skills that aid in battle.

The project originated with producer Masaru Oyamada, who wanted all Mana games to be playable on modern platforms for the series’ 25th anniversary in 2016. Initially, Square Enix debated whether the remake should be 2D or 3D; 3D was chosen because it was considered easier to control on smartphones and could serve as a foundation for future Mana remakes. The game received positive reviews, with critics particularly praising its visuals and music.

**Gameplay**

Adventures of Mana is an action role-playing game where the player guides a young hero, joined by a heroine, to stop the Dark Lord of Glaive from destroying the Tree of Mana. It is a 3D remake of the 2D Game Boy game *Final Fantasy Adventure*, retaining the same content. On smartphones, the player controls the hero using a customizable virtual joystick and button layout.

The game uses a top-down perspective and focuses on sword combat. The player moves the hero through a world divided into areas; enemies appear when the player enters a new area. Dungeons are scattered throughout the world, typically consisting of several rooms spread across three to four floors. To navigate them, players must break walls, unlock doors, press buttons, and break pots.

Beyond regular enemies, the player faces bosses and mini-bosses. Defeating enemies grants experience points, which raise the hero’s level.