Square Enix is releasing a new Mana game for modern platforms

The trailer introduces us to Val, a young protagonist embarking on a pilgrimage to one of the series' few mainstays Tree of Mana, accompanied by a friend and a fairy, hinting at the multi-party member combat system that the series is known for.

Square Enix's decision to develop a new Mana game reflects a commitment to revitalizing the series while honoring its action-RPG roots. The semi-open world design promises a seamless exploration experience, with the trailer featuring a range of environments and iconic Mana series monsters, such as Rabites, Mushbooms, and the Mantis Ant. The game's artistic vision is complemented by the return of series veterans, including Hiroki Kikuta, the composer of the original Secret of Mana, lending a sense of nostalgia and continuity to this new chapter.

Unbeknownst to many, the Mana series used to be right up there alongside Final Fantasy as the genre stalwarts, putting itself on the radar starting in 1991 with Final Fantasy Adventure, otherwise known as Seiken Densetsu, before exploding into the mainstream market with Secret of Mana on the SNES a few years later. Similar to Final Fantasy, the series has several constants, including a focus on either the Mana Tree or the Mana Sword if not both.

With Visions of Mana, players can expect to delve deeper into these themes, as the game explores the narrative of Val's quest in relation to the Mana Tree.

In Visions of Mana, players will navigate through diverse landscapes, engage in real-time combat, and make a series of strategic decisions to adapt to their surroundings. The game's development team includes notable figures like Masaru Oyamada (Producer), HACCAN (Character Designer), Airi Yoshioka (Monster Designer), and further sound contributions from Tsuyoshi Sekito and Ryo Yamazaki. This ensemble of talent suggests that Visions of Mana will not only pay homage to its predecessors but also bring a fresh perspective to the series.

As 2024 approaches, fans await further updates and insights into this new chapter of the Mana saga, hopeful Visions of Mana will rekindle the magic that has long defined this iconic series.