Basic JRPGs are kind of having a second.  has introduced new life and a brand new technology of avid gamers to some of the iconic franchises round. Extra not too long ago has given us a non secular sequel to Ogre Battle that’s so good even sequence creator Yasumi Matsuno (and director of Closing Fantasy Ways) has . And later this summer time, Sq. Enix has challenged itself with reimagining some of the beloved SNES titles of all time after greater than 15 years. However now I’ve had the possibility to play a preview of Visions of Mana, it feels just like the builders have retained the spirit of the franchise however in a recreation that feels far more at house in 2024.

One of many largest challenges for Visions is the transition from traditional 2D sprites to a a lot richer and extra expansive 3D world. And whereas there are some visible similarities to current Dragon Quest video games, I believe Sq. Enix has executed a beautiful job of sustaining the franchise’s identification. The sport’s colour palette is brilliant and energetic, recreating most of the pastel hues seen in earlier video games. Character designs skew extra in the direction of cute and lovely not like a few of its darker and edgier rivals, which supplies the title a playful vibe, similar to Secret of Mana did greater than 20 years in the past.

One other factor that has translated fairly properly is its gameplay. Again in 1993, Secret of Mana’s ring menu was lauded for making it straightforward to modify between weapons and gadgets (and even characters) with out making fight really feel stilted or clunky. And with the Mana franchise having made the soar to action-orientated gameplay (as an alternative of turn-based) manner earlier than mainline Closing Fantasy video games did, Visions’ assortment of speedy combo-based assaults, spells and sophistication strikes (that are kind of like restrict breaks) are an excellent match. You possibly can even launch enemies within the sky and rain down blows whereas they’re suspended, which is an actual deal with as I’m a sucker for any recreation with air juggles.

Every of the 4 principal characters (Val, Hinna, Careena and Morley) even have distinct courses like Rune Knight or Oracle, so all of them have a singular fashion and really feel in fight. I discovered myself gravitating in the direction of the thief/catdude Morley, whose katana felt extraordinarily quick and fluid. My solely small criticism is that with Sq. additionally bringing again the idea of three-person events, issues can get type of hectic if you’re attempting to maintain tabs on individuals performing multi-hit combos in opposition to giant teams of foes.

Crucial addition to Visions is the introduction of Elemental Vessels, which offer you new talents each out and in of fight. Once you’re merely working across the map, just like gadgets just like the hookshot in Legend of Zelda, vessels present essential traversal talents. For instance, the Sylphid Bommering means that you can create floating platforms so you may cross valleys and chasms or summon gusts of wind so you may soar to a faraway ledge. In the meantime in battle, you should utilize the boomerang to lure enemies within the air, deal harm and blow away surrounding foes that may wish to interrupt your assault. So whereas it’s not a groundbreaking function, I recognize how Visions is utilizing new mechanics so as to add an additional layer of depth to a number of aspects of the sport.

Sadly, one trait of earlier Mana video games that hasn’t carried over to Visions is using a giant roster with branching storylines. For longtime followers, this could be a little bit of a bummer, however when requested about this alteration, Visions of Mana producer Masaru Oyamada informed me (through an interpreter) that one of many staff’s targets for this installment was a extra centered story. So whereas I couldn’t glean a lot concerning the recreation’s plot throughout my one-hour demo, there’s nonetheless hope that Visions will nonetheless ship an attractive narrative.

However my largest takeaway from the preview is how Oyamada is attempting to respect the legacy of such a storied franchise whereas additionally delivering recent and thrilling experiences for brand spanking new and previous gamers alike. Oyamada mentioned “I actually thought concerning the parts that I beloved once I was a baby, so I leaned into these emotions so as to drive choice making for the newest installment on this sequence.”

On prime of that, I like how mechanics just like the Ring menu are pulling double obligation on this recreation. Oyamada informed me that not solely does this method act as a nod towards gamers acquainted with the franchise, it additionally serves as an essential accessibility device that makes it straightforward to modify gadgets and plan your assaults within the warmth of battle. In the meantime, to assist the sequence develop and evolve, Oyamada mentioned “We thought concerning the elemental facet as one thing that was type of under-utilized and under-appreciated in earlier Mana video games.”

And with Oyamada having been in command of the remasters for Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana (AKA Seiken Densetsu 3) and others in recent times, regardless that a lot of the unique growth staff for the sequence has moved on, it’s clear Sq. Enix has preserved plenty of the DNA that made earlier Mana video games so nice all these years in the past.

In some methods, I want this recreation was referred to as Spirit of Mana, as that seems like a extra applicable title for a sequence whose final entry was launched in 1995. Regardless, I can’t wait to play extra when Visions of Mana formally goes on sale someday this summer time.

One last be aware is that Visions of Mana is slated to be accessible on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection S/X and PC. At present, Sq. Enix says that whereas “We want to assist Steam Deck compatibility, we can’t affirm right now as we’re nonetheless optimizing the sport.”