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Visions of Mana, the latest installment in the Mana series, marks a true return to form after nearly two decades. It’s not a remake or a spin-off, but a completely new entry, carrying the weighty responsibility of revitalizing a beloved franchise. Does it succeed? This review explores the highs and lows of this ambitious title.

A JRPG Combat System with Deep Customization

Though initially a Final Fantasy spin-off, the Mana series distinguished itself with real-time combat, a departure from traditional turn-based systems. Visions of Mana continues this tradition, allowing free movement, swordplay, magic, and dodging in dynamic battles. While not as polished as the combat in NieR: Automata, with its fluid and stylish action, the gameplay retains a classic feel, enhanced by moves like Double Jump and Air Dash.

Visions of Mana Combat

Visions of Mana’s combat shines brightest in its unparalleled customization. Elemental Vessels scattered across the world of Qi’Diel grant characters access to different elements and classes. Any of the five playable characters can equip these Vessels, transforming their abilities and playstyle. For instance, Val, initially a swordsman, can become a Rune Knight with wind-based magic or a heavily armored Aegis with the moon Vessel.

Visions of Mana Class Change

Each character has unique classes associated with each element, totaling 45 distinct playstyles, each with unique skill trees. This customization isn’t just for variety; it’s crucial for success. While button-mashing might suffice on lower difficulties, tougher bosses demand strategic class selection and exploitation of elemental weaknesses.

Visions of Mana Skills

Furthermore, learned spells can be carried across classes, encouraging experimentation and creativity. This depth of customization harkens back to classic JRPGs, where careful preparation of items, classes, and skills was essential for challenging encounters. Modern JRPGs often prioritize real-time action over pre-battle strategy, but Visions of Mana recaptures that sense of thoughtful preparation. The unique boss mechanics further amplify the engaging combat experience.

Visions of Mana Boss Battle

Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly at 60 FPS on both PC and Steam Deck. However, the AI can be frustrating, with companions occasionally making poor decisions in crucial moments.

Visions of Mana Exploration

A Visual Feast

Visions of Mana is visually stunning. The vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and detailed character designs create a captivating world. Exploring the vast fields and towering mountains evokes a sense of wonder and scale. The beautifully rendered bosses and expressive anime-style characters further enhance the visual experience. This visual polish is especially welcome considering the amount of backtracking and exploration required for side quests and item collection.

Visions of Mana Scenery

However, the character animations, both in and out of combat, feel somewhat stiff and could benefit from further refinement. Some environments also suffer from repetitive design, hinting at potential shortcuts in development.

A Story That Falls Flat

In the world of Qi’Diel, the Mana Tree maintains balance. Every four years, maidens are chosen as Alms and escorted by Soul Guardians to the Mana Tree for a ritual sacrifice, lest the world face destruction. The story follows Val, a Soul Guardian, and his childhood friend Hinna, as they await the selection process. Hinna is chosen, and they embark on a journey of self-sacrifice.

Visions of Mana Story

The initial premise echoes familiar narratives like Final Fantasy X and Tales of Symphonia, but the story quickly unravels into a disjointed and underwhelming experience. The characters’ acceptance of the sacrificial ritual feels contrived, and the explanation offered later in the game lacks weight. The all-Alm party lacks meaningful character development, resulting in shallow relationships and inconsistent behavior. A major plot twist mid-game fails to impact the characters in any significant way, further highlighting the narrative’s shortcomings.

Visions of Mana Hinna

Visions of Mana Party

The ending, which won’t be spoiled here, feels rushed and unsatisfying, leaving a sense of wasted time after 35 hours of gameplay. While flawed narratives can be forgiven, the combination of shallow characters, inconsistent plot points, and a weak ending significantly detracts from the overall experience.

Visions of Mana Dialogue

An Empty World

Despite its visual beauty, the world of Qi’Diel feels empty and repetitive. The lack of enemy variety and the limited range of item drops discourage exploration. Side quests are equally uninspired and repetitive. While visually appealing, the world lacks meaningful content and engaging discoveries that previous Mana titles offered.

Visions of Mana Event

Visions of Mana Ending

Conclusion

Visions of Mana offers a visually stunning world and a deeply customizable combat system. However, the underwhelming story, shallow characters, and repetitive world design ultimately hold it back from reaching its full potential. While it captures some of the magic of classic JRPGs, it fails to deliver a truly compelling experience.