Visions of Mana is taking the world by surprise as Square Enix has shared a 6+ minute gameplay in the Xbox Developer Direct 2024. Here, the developers go into more detail about what this beautiful action JRPG has to offer. They also share their process in creating every element of the game piece by piece to do justice to the original Mana titles.
Visions of Mana Surprises Everyone In The Xbox Developer Direct 2024
Visions of Mana’s latest gameplay reveal showcases a lot of what the JRPG has to offer. This is in terms of its identity, the creatures that become companions or foes, and the beautiful, rich music that accompanies great adventures. Initially conceived as FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE in 1991, the game gradually evolved into an entirely new video game line of that will eventually produce 17 Mana titles down the line!
In the latest entry into the series, Square Enix is hoping to bring new features into the mix while also retaining the unique characteristics that it’s always been known for. Who can forget the heart-rending journey in Mana? Or even the legendary Mana Sword? What about the relationships players can form and the companions they’ll meet? There are so many things to get excited for so let’s hop into it!
Semi-Open World Experience
As mentioned previously, Visions of Mana won’t be an open-world title. Instead, it’s considered a semi-open world comprised of wonderfully colorful areas to discover and explore. After 15 years, it’ll be the first mainline Mana title. Talk about worth the wait! What’s incredible is that Square Enix has about 30 years of experience in conceptualizing, developing, and working through the franchise so fans can expect nothing but the best in this upcoming JRPG.
Coursing through Tianeea, players will be able to experience lush and vibrant environments that won’t be seen anywhere else. It’s a magical place where humans, Elementals, and nature live in peace. It’s a wonderful area bustling with monsters of different kinds.
Monsters Inc.
Part of the glorious team making great strides in bringing Visions of Mana to life is none other than Koichi Ishii who is known as the father and creator of the Mana games. What’s amazing is the personal connection that he has with the creatures we will get to either bond with or fight against in the game. As he stated in the Xbox Developer Direct 2024, some of those creatures lived rent-free in his head since he was young. But now, he’s able to share them with the world.
Delightful and incredibly cute creatures such as purple, slumping mushroom, and then hyperactive yellow creature (who’s not named Pikachu) have graced everyone’s screens and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them as we play the game. Square Enix had to do a balancing act like in Pokemon such that these monsters remained cute even though they’re quite formidable in combat. Some of them can even become your trusty companions to be able to travel to faraway lands. It’s through the creation of these monsters that collaboration has become to successfully bring them to life on the screen, iterating one look after the next until they’ve come up with the perfect designs.
One prominent creature, which is very noticeable in Vision of Mana’s promotional materials is the Pikuls! you’re able to think of the Pikuls as not only reliable buddies but also amazing mounts, similar to Monster Hunter Rise’ Palamutes. This allows for faster traversal across the vast areas of Tianeea. The Pikul is based on several real-life animals and even Egyptian mythology from the Yorkshire Terrier and Pangolin to the Anubis. With how cute they are, we surely want one!
Instrumental Mana
With how essential music has been in creating memorable experiences, it’s no wonder that Square Enix has decided to heavily invest in this craft. Similar to other Mana titles, Vision of Mana will continue to boast unique styles that captivate the heart and soul of the franchise. It also features collaborations and creators who have been a part of the previous series. Players can expect a huge volume of songs, about 100, for this game alone.
One of the cooler features is the smart use of a music system that adapts to your current gameplay. For instance, swapping from an exploration-based musical theme to a combat-driven one will be done seamlessly to continue with the immersive gameplay. They’ve specifically mentioned that “the arrangements of the background music changes the moment you enter or leave combat.”
Violent Visions of Mana
This brings us to the final section, which is none other than combat. In Visions of Mana, the goal is to deliver an action-packed style that will keep players wanting more. For example, there will be aerial-based instances where you may deal physical and magical damage while remaining suspended in midair. Additionally, you’ll also gain and wield Elementals or weapons, the powers of which are dependent on their inherent elements. So, it will determine what playstyle you’ll gravitate to.
Visions of Mana will be released on PC and Xbox Series X|S this Summer 2024. Be sure to check in here constantly for more news on the game in the coming months.
In other news, check outThe Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Chapter Revealed, Coming in June 2024andSenua’s Saga: Hellblade II Launches on June 26, 2025.
