Visions of Mana

Visions of Mana features an impactful story, well-written characters, fun combat, and a gorgeous world to get lost in with very few problems.

Visions of Mana is a bold new step for the series and manages to almost totally stick the landing in the process. The DNA of the series is still here for legacy fans to enjoy, and yet it stands as a remarkably approachable and digestible RPG that can be enjoyed by those looking to dip their toes into this genre. A visually stunning, heartfelt and lovingly crafted world awaits those who jump into this new entry and I'm surprised by just how much it resonated with me in the long-term, despite some pacing issues and some small cut corners.

Visions of Mana brings the Mana formula to the modern day, providing a beautiful game that is a blast to play. Some slight problems keep it from being a truly amazing game, though.

Visions of Mana is a gorgeous looking action RPG with a highly customizable and enjoyable combat system and an unfortunately simple storyline bolstered by a stellar cast of characters.

To say that the wait for a new mainline entry in the Mana series was worth it is an understatement. Visions of Mana takes the best of the series and translates it to modern-day without losing any of its charm or fun. The gameplay is simple yet enjoyable, with anyone being able to pick up and play and utilize the great Elemental Vessel/Class system for new opportunities. The classic elements of the Mana series, from its exploratory areas, lively music and breathtaking scenery live on in Visions of Mana. A few shortcomings with the narrative and graphics do hamper the experience, but it doesn’t ...

This comfort food RPG stays fresh from start to finish.

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“Visions of Mana isn't the most sophisticated RPG, but it's good comfort food for genre fans.”

There's a great game hidden somewhere in Visions of Mana. It's a blast to play so long as you focus on the gameplay, and its more cartoonish aesthetic helps it stand out from the pack of more realistically rendered JRPG fare. It's just a shame the story is handled as poorly as it is, and that so much of the game is dedicated to its narrative by virtue of it being a story-driven JRPG.

The first original Mana series game in over a decade and a half is a pleasant romp through a visually stellar fantasy world. Fun combat quirks such as class switching and malleable builds offer plenty of customization, too, that’s all really quite easy to understand. Unfortunately, some stiffer elements of movement and a story that doesn’t quite realize its full potential have Visions of Mana falling short.

A weak story and frustrating pacing combine into a disappointing entry in a venerated series.

With all of its ups and downs, Visions of Mana is a very competent title in delivering exactly what it promises. A light, predictable but enjoyable story with compelling combat mechanics is way better than being too ambitious for its own good. The pilgrimage for the Mana Tree may not be the most magnificent journey out there, but it’s still worth taking.