Recently, we had the opportunity to play Visions of Mana, a JRPG that stands out from the first moment for its impressive visuals, with an anime style that amazes at every moment. This visual aspect is perfectly complemented by its solid strategy system and robust gameplay that will keep fans of this genre expectant to know the events that will reveal the plot as we advance in the story.
Let’s remember that Visions of Mana is the most recent installment of one of the most iconic franchises Square Enix has to offer, and is available on PlayStation, Xbox and PC. While we’ve had updated versions of previous games, this is the first completely new installment of the franchise in over 10 years.
What is Visions of Mana about?
The story of the Visions of Mana game takes place in Tianea, the village of fire, where the inhabitants prepare for the arrival of the fairy and the naming of the new votive offering. Every four years, the votive offerings of all the elements of mana must make a pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana to revitalize their flow.
In this context, Val, a young swordsman chosen as a guardian of the souls, has the task of escorting the votive offerings of the various mana elements (fire, wind, moon, water, earth, wood, light and darkness) to bless the land and prevent prophesied disasters. Together with Hina, her childhood friend and fire votive offering, Val embarks on an adventure through a vast world, where they will meet new allies in their mission, although the road will be full of challenges.
A captivating story from start to finish
Being a video game focused on the narrative, we cannot go deeper into many of the events to avoid ruining the experience of those who are interested in playing it. However, we can assure that all those who are looking for an experience that evokes the classic JRPGs will definitely find this title a worthwhile proposal. In addition, for anime fans, this is a game that they should definitely take into account, since we are facing a plot that is on par with what we have seen in movies from the emblematic animation studio Ghibli.
The plot is so well constructed that, at all times, we are presented with events that trigger a wide range of emotions. From light and comical scenes, typical of the anime and JRPG style, to moments of great tension and tragedy that keep us on the edge of our seats. The narrative manages to balance humor and drama, creating an immersive experience that connects the player emotionally with the characters and their stories, making every twist and revelation have a profound impact.
In total, you will need more than 30 hours to complete the main plot, but the play time expands considerably if you want to discover all the secrets Tianea has to offer. In our Visions of Mana game, although we did not complete the game 100%, we played approximately 42 hours. Therefore, we are faced with an ideal proposal for lovers of exploring video game worlds and completing them in their entirety.
However, it is important to note that, to complete only the main story, it is not necessary to perform any secondary mission. This is an element that will be appreciated by those who prefer to focus on the main plot of the game without getting sidetracked in optional missions and we also have the New Game Plus option.
Visions of Mana has polished and easy-to-understand gameplay
The combat system in Visions of Mana is one of its greatest strengths, thanks to its versatile class mechanics, which makes it possible to completely modify each character’s fighting style through the Elemental Vessels. These vessels allow the Mana Spirits to grant unique powers to the protagonists, transforming them into tanks, swift swordsmen or mages, depending on which one is equipped. Each Vessel grants special abilities that become crucial in combat, and the most interesting thing is that their effect varies depending on the hero using them, adding an extra layer of strategy. Class changes can be made at any time from the menu, giving the player great freedom to experiment and adapt to the elemental weaknesses of enemies, which is essential for defeating certain bosses.
In addition to classes, Visions of Mana features a customization system through seeds, which grant passive bonuses or unique abilities. These seeds, obtained through missions and battles, allow you to create synergies and maximize your team’s potential, turning each combat into a strategic challenge. The Elemental Plot, an upgrade system, unlocks moves and abilities that remain active regardless of class, although the most powerful abilities are tied to the specific roles of each Vessel.
Class switching is accompanied by impressive animation, with characters getting new outfits and weaponry, which adds a very anime and entertaining aesthetic element to the process. This, added to the demanding combat and the constant need to adjust strategy to defeat bosses, makes the gameplay system agile and captivating.
Should I play Visions of Mana?
If you are a fan of games with impressive visuals, Visions of Mana is a real gem. Its anime-inspired art style not only captures your attention, but creates a world full of vibrant colors and details that enrich every corner of the game. From lush jungles to icy tundras, each setting is meticulously designed to immerse you in a fantasy world full of life. The visual effects during battles, especially the skill animations and class changes, are spectacular and add a dynamic touch to each confrontation.
The character design is equally remarkable. Each protagonist has a unique style that reflects their role and personality within the story, with detailed costumes that evolve as you progress through the game. The transformation sequences, in which characters acquire new outfits and weapons as they change classes, are a nod to classic anime transformations, and offer a visual spectacle that adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
In addition, the orchestrated soundtrack accompanies each scene with precision, accentuating both tense and calm moments, creating an enveloping atmosphere that fully immerses you in the adventure.
Overall, the visuals and character design, coupled with strategic and challenging gameplay, make Visions of Mana a must-have game for fans of the genre and for those looking for an aesthetically and emotionally immersive experience.