Visions of Mana Update: Square Enix Shares New Footage, Screenshots

Square Enix just shared new details regarding its upcoming Visions of Mana game, including story, characters, gameplay footage, and screenshots.

The game's producer, Masary Oyamada, also confirmed in an interview that the game is being developed by Ouka Studios. Visions of Mana is set in Tianeea, a Fire Village, where its people are preparing to celebrate the coming of the Faerie and the naming of what is called an "alm."

Visions of Mana Update

Square Enix showcases new screenshots, a new trailer, and gameplay footage of Visions of Mana, featuring details about the game's story and its characters.
(Photo : Square Enix, Ouka Studios / Screenshot taken from official website)

Alms are chosen every four years to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the flow of mana power. There is a so-called soul guard who will also be chosen to ensure that the alms have a safe pilgrimage. One character, Val, is among those who have been chosen to be one of these guards.

On the day of the Faerie's arrival, Val brings his childhood friend, Hinna, to the festival. All of the spectators wait with bated breath as the sun falls beneath the skyline as they are hoping to be chosen as an alm, according to Gematsu.

Then, the Faerie finally appears and descends before choosing Hinna, Val's childhood friend, to become the Alm of Fire. After the festivities, the villagers bid the two of them farewell as they pray for the duo's success in their travels to the Tree of Mana.

Val is the main protagonist of Visions of Mana and is described as a curious boy who has a positive outlook on life. Hinna, on the other hand, becomes ecstatic after she gets chosen as an alm as she can now embark on the adventure of a lifetime with her childhood friend.

Another character was introduced, Careena, who comes from Longren, the Vale of Wind. Due to an unfortunate accident, one of her wings was taken from her. But even her misfortune was not enough to stop her from hoping to be chosen as an alm by the Faerie and see the world outside of her village. She is almost always seen with Ramcoh, her best friend who is a sacred beast cub.

Innovating the Old Formula

The new title comes as the last game in the franchise's main line was released nearly two decades ago and the series' fans are still going strong. This was most recently seen with the success of the remake of Trials of Mana that was launched in 2020, said IGN.

From the first clips and images that have been shared, it is clear that Visions of Mana was transformed into a completely different experience compared to previous titles in the franchise. It has steered away from sprite-drawn, top-down 2D combat and has embraced fast-paced, colorful 3D semi-open field battles.

Many players who are used to the older games' battle system may find the new mechanics in Visions of Mana a little off. Unlike other titles, the new game does not have a combo system. But what it lacks in intensity in battles it makes up for with a variety of combat options.

Players will be able to tap or hold down buttons to trigger unique moves that have different offensive and defensive capabilities. Furthermore, each character can equip cooldown abilities that are best used to clear basic encounters quickly, according to PCGamer.