Featured as part of the recent Xbox Developer Direct livestream, Square Enix has shared new details pertaining to Visions of Mana, the first mainline entry to the Mana RPG series in more than 15 years. The presentation, led by Mana Series Producer Masaru Oyamada and Series Creator Koichi Ishii, offered fans a glimpse into the newly envisioned world of Mana. This introduction showcased the development journey and the gameplay experiences awaiting players in the middle of 2024. Set for release in Winter 2024 for ANZ regions (Summer 2024 for our friends in the Northern Hemisphere), Visions of Mana will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and the Windows PC via Steam.
The unveiling included an in-depth look at the game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and the array of monsters and creatures populating the world of Visions of Mana. Oyamada highlighted the game’s combat enhancements, notably the introduction of an aerial combat system. This new feature elevates the battle experience, allowing players to execute both physical and magic attacks mid-air. The game sees the return of the Elemental system, a hallmark of the Mana series. These Elementals, manifesting as specialized items, offer a diverse range of effects based on their elemental alignment, promoting a versatile and fast-paced combat style.
Visions of Mana will also introduce players to a novel companion known as “pikuls”. Conceived by Koichi Ishii, these companions draw inspiration from various animals and mythologies, aiding players in navigating the game’s extensive landscapes.
The soundtrack of Visions of Mana, comprising 100 tracks, is set to be another draw card of the game, featuring compositions from esteemed artists such as Hiroki Kikuta, Tsuyoshi Sekito, and Ryo Yamazaki, who have previously contributed to the Mana series. The inclusion of an adaptive music system, which dynamically alters the musical backdrop in response to gameplay actions, promises to immerse players fully in the world of Mana, seamlessly blending exploration and combat through musical cues.
Visions of Mana will be launching in Summer 2024 (Winter 2024 in ANZ) for PS5®, PS4® consoles, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Steam
