Visions of Mana
Fifth main Mana title with action combat and elemental exploration.
PlayStation Store · via Wikipedia: Visions of Mana · Fair use
Visions of Mana is a 2024 action role-playing game developed by Ouka Studios and published by Square Enix. It is the fifth main title in the Mana series, following the story of young swordsman Val as he travels with companions to renew the flow of Mana in the world. The game combines action-based battles with exploration of open areas, utilizing elemental abilities in both contexts.
- Developer
- Ouka Studios
- Publisher
- Square Enix
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
- Release year
- 2024
- Genre
- Action role-playing game
- Series
- Mana series (fifth main title)
Lore & Background
Visions of Mana takes place in the fantasy world Qi'Diel, where the Mana Tree sustains coexisting species. Every four years, a Faerie chooses an Alm from one of eight villages to undertake a pilgrimage and sacrifice to restore Mana's flow, guarded by a Soul Guard. The game follows Hinna, the Alm of Fire, and her childhood friend Val, her Soul Guard, along with companions Morley, Careena, Palamena, and Julei. The story involves antagonists called the Benevodons, eight elemental monsters from the distant past, and the legendary champion Daelophos.
Reader's Guide
Visions of Mana marks the first mainline Mana game since Dawn of Mana in 2006, ending an 18-year gap. Its development began in 2020, with series veterans including creator Koichi Ishii supervising monster designs, producer Masaru Oyamada, artist Haccan, and composers Hiroki Kikuta, Tsuyoshi Sekito, and Ryo Yamazaki. The gameplay and world design intentionally evoke earlier Mana games. Upon release, journalists praised the characters, combat system, and world design, though the story was seen as unoriginal. The game's significance lies in reviving a long-dormant mainline series, incorporating modern action RPG mechanics while honoring classic elements, and its role in continuing the Mana legacy for a new generation of players.
Did You Know?
- Development of Visions of Mana began in 2020, lasting four years.
- Series creator Koichi Ishii supervised monster designs for the game.
- The game features eight Elementals that unlock different character classes.
More in Heroes & Allies
Elsewhere in Secret of Mana
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