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Visions of Mana Releases This Summer!

Square Enix showed a behind the scene look at the newest Mana game!





Here's the latest on Visions of Mana:


The new gameplay and behind-the-scenes footage provides fans and newcomers alike with a closer look at some of the latest gameplay features, monsters and creatures in Visions of Mana. Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada, revealed new details about Visions of Mana‘s combat, including the new addition of the aerial combat system, which will take players to new heights during battle and enable physical attacks with weapons and magic attacks mid-air. Fans can also expect to see the return of series staple, the Elementals. These assist players during battle in the form of specialized items, with each weapon producing a different effect in combat according to its respective element, allowing for a fast-paced, flexible fighting style.
Players were also introduced to a new companion they can expect to encounter in Visions of Mana called the “pikuls.” Designed by Mana Series Creator, Koichi Ishii, the adorable new companion takes inspiration from animals and mythology and will help players traverse the game’s expansive ground map as they explore the vibrant world in Visions of Mana.
Square Enix also revealed that the Visions of Mana soundtrack will feature a track list of 100 songs at launch, all of which have been composed or received contributions from musical creators who lent their talents to previous Mana titles, including Hiroki Kikuta, Tsuyoshi Sekito and Ryo Yamazaki. Visions of Mana will also feature a new adaptive music system, which will allow players to seamlessly transition from map exploration into battles and heighten their sense of urgency through the arrangement of background music which will change the moment players enter or leave combat.
Since the series’ debut in 1993 as Mystic Quest, a spin-off of the Final Fantasy series, Mana games have immersed players in bright vibrant worlds, breathtaking environments, heartwarming characters and high fantasy storylines across many genres and platforms. Based on 30 years of legacy, Mana series producer, Masaru Oyamada, and his team are incorporating everything they have learned from the last 17 Mana games to ensure that Visions of Mana is a faithful addition to the series that fans know and love, while also offerings fans and newcomers a fresh new experience with an all-new story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.


The hero using a wind elemental.
The hero using a wind elemental.


Reaction

First, l have a confession to make. I am not really into the cute, vibrant looking RPGs. I tend to gravitate towards the grittier and darker RPGs. And the colors of these RPGs are often muted with a mix of middle and dark tones.


However, I am willing to give lighthearted RPGs a go. Because I need something contrast with the middle tone and dark RPGs I tend to play. And I really liking what I am seeing from Visions of Mana.


I really want to ride those Pikuls! I am digging the fact they are based on Anubis and the aesthetics of Mana’s games. I am heavily invested in Egyptian culture besides Japanese culture. It will be fun riding and ramming enemies on Pikuls.



The hero riding a Pikul.
The hero riding a Pikul.


Speaking of enemies, I am loving what I am seeing from the battle system. The emphasis on using the Elemental spirits is exhilarating aspect for me. And the ability to melee combat and magic in the air is cool and innovative feature.


Square Enix is focusing on their games besides their flagship games. And I am loving it. I hope they keep this trend going with their double AA games. I look forward to seeing more Visions of Mana. And I hope you are too.





Sources: Xbox Developer Direct 2024, Gematsu

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