The Game Awards 2023 brought an exciting surprise for the fans of Square Enix’s popular Mana series. Nearly 20 years later, fans got a peek at the upcoming much-anticipated entry in the series called Visions of Mana, also known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan. The Mana series has been keeping fans entertained for a long time now, as the first game was released in 1991.
Similar to its predecessors, Visions of Mana is another action role-playing game that features a vibrant and expansive adventure. The game is the fifth installment in the Mana series, with the latest one being Dawn of Mana, which launched in 2006. If you want to study before diving into Visions of Mana, here’s everything you need to know about it, including its release date.
Visions Of Mana Release Date
| RRP | $79.99 |
| Price at EF | $63.19 |
Only a little more waiting left before players can explore a world full of elemental spirits and adventure. The eagerly-awaited game is set to launch on August 29, 2024, with its bold graphics and unique gameplay that will surely amaze many of the game’s followers. So far, it’s confirmed that Visions of Mana release date PS5 will be the same as the worldwide launch date.
Visions Of Mana Platforms
Both console players and PC players can rest easy since Square Enix has officially announced in their press release that Visions of Mana will launch on PC, Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Unfortunately, there’s no news about the release of the RPG game on Nintendo Switch and Xbox One, but there’s always a possibility of that happening later.
The Visions of Mana Game Pass mystery remains intact because the developers haven’t spoken up about the game coming to Xbox’s popular service on Day One. However, the game is still a whole month away from release, which means there’s still plenty of time for the news to come out (if it happens). It would be a major plus point for Xbox users to get the game so soon.
Visions Of Mana Trailers
Square Enix has launched a couple of trailers for Visions of Mana to make it easier for players who are desperately waiting for the game. The first announcement trailer came out when the game was announced at The Game Awards 2023. In the trailer, we got a peek at the vibrant world that’s filled with mysterious creatures and stunning graphics. Watch the trailer below:
Following the announcement trailer, the developers launched another trailer on January 19 during the Xbox Developer Direct. The trailer offered a highly extensive look at the world, and characters featured in Visions of Mana. The trailer also provides a brief history of the franchise and what’s expected from it in the future under creator Koichi Ishii’s direction. Here’s the trailer:
When the franchise fans couldn’t wait any longer to get another peek at the beautiful world of Visions of Mana, Square Enix launched another trailer in March. The March Trailer features thrilling elemental combat, powerful abilities, and fast-paced multi-dimensional battles. It also showed the Elementals’ powers, which could eliminate foes in one go. Here’s the trailer:
The latest Visions of Mana trailer provided a deeper look into the game, features, and gameplay mechanics. It also introduced us to all of the characters that’ll be featured in the game, as well as the Benevodeon monsters that’ll be wreaking havoc on the world. The graphics, battles, characters, and every aspect of the game look truly entrancing. Watch the trailer for yourself:
Visions Of Mana Lore
In Tianeea, famously known as the Fire Village, the citizens are making preparations for the arrival of the Faerie and the choosing of an “alm.” Once every four years, alms are chosen from all over the world to go on a perilous journey to the Tree of Mana. The goal is to restore the flow of mana power by sacrificing their souls. However, the alms are even escorted by particular members.
A soul guard is a person who helps the chosen alm complete their journey. He makes sure that it’s a safe one free from any threats or dangers. On the day the Faeirie is supposed to arrive, Val (a newly-made soul guard) takes his childhood friend Hinna to the festival. The people wait eagerly and anxiously while the sun sets over the skyline, hoping to be picked as an alm.
At last, the Faerie descends before Hinna, choosing her as the Alm of Fire. Following this, the villagers say their goodbyes to the two friends while wishing them well and praying for their success. Val and Hinna make their way to the Tree of Mana, but will they be able to get there in one piece? Can they overcome their foes?
Visions Of Mana Gameplay
While playing Visions of Mana, players will explore many enchanting locations with smooth transitions on a semi-open field. With the help of the magic of the Elementals, you can explore the massive world without getting tired. The game’s vibrant world contains many adorable yet fierce creatures that’ll allow you to enjoy three-dimensional battles with powerful abilities.
As you journey to the Tree of Mana, you’ll meet many friends who will help you see the truth behind the world. You’ll also go up against many enemies that range from popular staples like Rabites to new monsters that’ll prove to be a real challenge. You’ll have to observe your enemies’ moves and have lots of strategic depth to emerge victorious in these exciting battles.
As mentioned above, the combat in Visions of Mana is fast-paced and thrilling since you’ll be going up against enemies in real time. With the help of your combos and skills, you’ll be able to defeat them in no time. You’ll be relying on basic attacks at the beginning of the game, but before you know it, you’ll be equipping and using the different types of extra skills.
Skills
Some of these skills include elemental abilities and Moves that help carry out powerful maneuvers that come at a price, which is losing your MP. Moreover, for the fans of the Mana system, there’s some exciting news. The Ring Menu has returned to Visions of Mana. So the moves only assigned to the Ring Menu can be used by players while they’re in combat.
This means that players will have to think twice before using a move and consider how to distribute them across their team. Worry not; you will have some time to strategize and catch your breath in the middle of a battle as the fight pauses when you’re selecting an action from the Ring Menu. However, if you want to stay in the groove, there are shortcuts for instant access.
Players also have the option to swap between three active heroes by simply pressing a button. On top of this, you can also set behaviors per your requirements so that the characters perform how you want them to when you’re not taking charge. The game also features a customization option for your characters, so you can change their Moves and class using Elemental Vessels.
Elemental vessels are mystical artifacts that contain the power of the elements inside them. Every vessel consists of mana from a different element, and the heroes featured in Visions of Mana can borrow these powers while they’re in the middle of a battle and while exploring the vast world. Try to get as many Elemental Vessels as you can while playing the game!
Visions Of Mana Characters
In addition to Val and Hinna, other characters are featured in Visions of Mana. As you progress through the game, you’ll gain an impressive group of allies. They can control in battle and while exploring the world. Let’s dive deeper and learn more about this daring group of people.
Val
Val, the main protagonist of Visions of Mana, is a young boy who possesses an optimistic and upbeat personality. He is newly chosen as the soul guard to the alms and gets to accompany his childhood friend Hinna as she prepares for her journey to the Tree of Mana. Val is an expert at wielding his sword and is excellent at both offensive and defensive melee skills.
Careena
Originating from Longren, the Vale of Wind, Careena will never appear without her best friend, a sacred beast cub called Ramcoh. It was her life-long wish to be chosen as an alm and explore the world outside of her little house. She had an accident during training that cost her one of her wings, and even this mishap wasn’t enough to diminish her spirits and her ambitions. Careena helps her friends with powerful buffs and attacks enemies with area-of-effect attacks.
Morley
Morley comes from Etaern, the Moonlit Parish, and specializes in fast and close-range attacks. He helps his rapier-sharp reflexes deal massive damage quickly. Since childhood, he solely carried the weight of an awful disaster that took place in his hometown. However, after meeting Val and the rest, he finally finds the ability to face his unfortunate past and overcome it.
Palamena
The young Palamena became the Queen of Illystana, Capital of the Deep, after the death of her father. Since then, she has been finding some way to withstand Illystana’s societal expectations and unstable politics. Also, taking care of her younger brother, Iain. Palamena is an expert at magic attacks and can easily cast extremely powerful magic attacks from range.
Julei
Julei is a sproutling and the current custodian of Verdeus Boroughwho’s. He is capable of supporting his allies with his terrific healing and regenerative abilities. He spends hours of his days doing the same chores until he comes across Val and the others. They bring some surprising and welcome changes to his life. If you’re someone who likes to fix people, then Julei is for you!
Hinna
When Hinna gets chosen as the Alm of Fire for the year’s pilgrimage. She’s nothing but excited at the thought of traveling with her closest childhood friend, Val. Unfortunately, she isn’t directly playable, but she does support Val and the others in combat from the sidelines. In addition to her, other support characters are also featured in the game, as seen in the latest trailer.
Visions Of Mana Pre-Order
Visions of Mana Steam pre-order is currently available for players, offering two options. The first option costs $49.99. And only contains the game you’ll get to play as soon as the game comes out on August 29. However, choosing the second option costs $66.99. You can also play Visions of Mana an entire day before the game comes out worldwide. The choice is yours!
On the other hand, PlayStation users can pre-order the game from here, whereas Xbox users can pre-order from here. Both pre-orders consist of a Standard Edition (which contains only the game) and a Digital Deluxe Edition (contains the game, Mana Superstars Costume Set, Mana Series BGM Bundle, Brave Blade, Guardian Garment, and Starter Pack.) Unfortunately, there isn’t a Visions of Mana demo, and if there was, it would’ve launched with one of these editions.
There is also a Visions of Mana Collector’s Edition that consists of the Visions of Mana physical standard edition game, Collector’s Edition Goods Box (Visions of Mana Plush – Ramcoh, Visions of Mana Art of Mana Special Issue Art Book, Visions of Mana Original Soundtrack Collector’s Edition Special Box. This deal sounds too good to be true, so take full advantage of it!
Visions Of Mana Multiplayer
Unfortunately, Visions of Mana will only be single-player. But producer Masaru Oyamada told PC Gamer that he “wants to consider being able to implement features like that in the future.” Despite the history of the Mana series, there won’t be a Visions of Mana co-op feature, but one can hope for the developers to introduce it into the game sometime after its launch.
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