Visions of Mana Review: Nostalgia Meets Modern RPG Action
Visions of Mana revives a beloved series after 15 years, bringing classic RPG elements and a nostalgic feel to modern consoles. Released for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the game draws fans back to the Mana series’ familiar mix of fantasy and action. While its gameplay and visuals are captivating, Visions of Mana is a mixed experience, holding both the charm and limitations of classic JRPGs.
A Journey Begins: Storytelling in Visions of Mana
The game begins with Val and his best friend Hina attending a festival in Tiana, the village of fire. In a land where each elemental village offers a champion to serve the Mana Tree, Hina is chosen for the fire element. Val, as her protector, joins her on a mission across the land to restore balance. While this setup promises excitement, the story struggles to maintain its early momentum. The plotlines are often predictable, and many characters feel stereotypical. The option to skip cutscenes is a helpful feature, but it doesn’t solve the core issue: a story that sometimes feels uninspired.
Classic Combat and RPG Fun
The combat system in Visions of Mana feels true to its roots, delivering real-time action and simple combos. Attacks range from light to heavy strikes, and players can use elemental spells to heal allies or deal damage to enemies. Throughout the game, characters join your party, each tied to a specific elemental relic that unlocks unique abilities. For example, the Fire Relic enhances offensive power, while the Moon Relic briefly freezes enemies in place.
The class system and Element Board provide players with customization options, allowing upgrades that apply across different classes. Players earn Element Points from scattered Element Stones throughout the world, which can be used to unlock new techniques and abilities. Though combat isn’t always challenging, the variety in gameplay keeps it engaging.
Exploring a Beautiful World
Visions of Mana boasts a world that invites exploration. As players venture through connected open areas, they gather items, upgrade points, and even hunt for hidden Cactaur Pals that grant bonuses like experience boosts. Each area has distinct visuals, offering beautiful, diverse environments that invite players to explore. Running through these regions, battling monsters, and uncovering secrets is one of the game’s highlights. Low loading times also allow for seamless transitions between zones, making exploration enjoyable.
Missed Opportunities and Repetitive Quests
Despite its charm, Visions of Mana suffers from repetitive side quests. Many of these involve fetch quests or basic tasks, making them feel like filler content. While consumables and buffs are handy, the inventory eventually feels overloaded with items that rarely add value. Some mechanics feel outdated or clunky, like the time delay for summoning a mount. These small annoyances detract from the experience, making the game feel occasionally out of step with today’s RPG standards.
Final Thoughts on Visions of Mana
Visions of Mana shines in its vibrant landscapes and varied gameplay, making it a delightful experience for Mana fans and newcomers alike. The story and certain mechanics may feel outdated, but the nostalgia, combined with stunning graphics and engaging combat, brings a unique charm. Though it doesn’t escape all the trappings of classic JRPGs, Visions of Mana is a worthwhile journey for those seeking a taste of old-school RPG magic with a modern twist.
Get the game here.
