The action RPG Visions of Mana will be released for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store this summer, Square Enix announced.
The news was revealed in a behind-the-scenes video during Xbox Developer_Direct ’24, which featured Mana series producer Masaru Oyamada and series creator Koichi Ishii. Both introduced players to the newly imagined world of Mana and offered a deeper look at the game’s development process and gameplay.
New Gameplay Features:
Mana series producer Masaru Oyamada revealed details about the combat in Visions of Mana, including the new addition of the aerial combat system, which will take players to new heights during battle and allow them to perform physical and magical attacks in the air. The return of Elementals was also confirmed, which will assist players in the form of specialized items during battle, providing different effects depending on their respective element and allowing for a fast and flexible fighting style.
New Companions and Exploration:
Players have been introduced to a new companion they will find in Visions of Mana called “pikuls.” Designed by Mana series creator Koichi Ishii, this adorable new companion inspired by animals and mythology will help players navigate the game’s sprawling map as they explore the vibrant world of Visions of Mana.
Soundtrack and Adaptive Music System:
Square Enix also revealed that the Visions of Mana soundtrack will feature a 100-song playlist at launch, all composed or featuring contributions from music creators who lent their talents to previous Mana titles. Additionally, the game will feature a new adaptive music system that will allow players to seamlessly transition between map exploration and battles, intensifying their sense of urgency through the arrangement of background music that will change when entering or go out of combat
Mana Series Heritage:
Since debuting in 1993 as Mystic Quest, a spin-off of the Final Fantasy series, Mana games have immersed players in vibrant worlds and beloved characters. Building on 30 years of legacy, the development team, led by Mana series producer Masaru Oyamada, is incorporating everything learned from the last 17 Mana games to ensure that Visions of Mana is a faithful addition to the series that fans know and love, while delivering a fresh experience with an all-new story, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
Fountain: Gematsu
