Visions of Mana Review: When the cycle repeats, learn to break it

Visions of Mana is a long-awaited new entry in the beloved Mana series, drawing players into a vibrant world filled with elemental spirits, iconic characters, and a plot that challenges both the heart and mind. As with other games in this series, Visions of Mana balances the joy of world exploration with the weight of destiny, offering an experience that resonates with both newcomers and veteran fans alike.

Story

The game follows Val, a kind-hearted swordsman, and his childhood friend Hinna, the newly appointed Alm of Fire, as they set out on a journey to the sacred Mana Tree. They are later joined by Alms from other places: Careena of the Vale of Wind, Morley of the Moonlit Parish, Queen Palamena of the Capital of the Deep, and Julei of Verdeus Borough.

The story has all the classic elements you'd expect from the series, but there's a deeper, more emotional layer that pulls you in. As you uncover the truth about the Alms and their heavy responsibilities, you can’t help but feel for these characters, who are shouldering the fate of the world at such a young age.

The game does a fantastic job of keeping you invested in the story. The deeper you go, the more you realize just how high the stakes are, and some of the plot twists are truly unexpected. One story beat in particular left me reeling and questioning everything I thought I knew about the characters. It's moments like these that make Visions of Mana stand out, turning what could have been a straightforward adventure into something much more gripping and memorable.

Score: 5/5

Visual Design

Visually, Visions of Mana is absolutely gorgeous. The vibrant world is alive with color and detail, capturing that signature Mana flair that fans will instantly recognize. Each area you explore is beautifully crafted, making your adventure as visually engaging as it is narrative-rich.

The character designs are just as impressive, bursting with personality and fitting perfectly into the lively environments. I especially enjoyed the costume changes that occurred when you switched a character's class. No matter which Elemental Vessel you equipped or which character you chose to equip it to, the new outfits still felt like they fit that character's personality.

But, not everything is perfect. The combat animations, while pretty, can feel a bit slow, which takes away from the otherwise dynamic feel of the game. The ultimate move cutscenes also look cool the first few times, but they get repetitive fast; thankfully, you can skip them.

Score: 4/5

Controls and Accessibility

When it comes to controls, Visions of Mana is solid, but not without its quirks. The game’s combat system, while strategic and full of potential, feels a bit slow and clunky at times. I found myself wishing for a more fluid experience, like automatically rushing towards the next enemy after finishing one off to keep the pace up. The game is still fun to play, but these little hiccups can be a bit frustrating, especially during longer sessions.

The UI could use some work too — important info, like the indicator for your ultimate move, is easy to miss amid everything else on the screen and I honestly kept forgetting it was a thing I could use. I also continuously ran out of mana because I wasn't used to having my health and mana indicators down in the corner and the extra mana-based skills are really helpful to have - as such, I overused them a lot early on.

The accessibility side of things, unfortunately, leaves something to be desired. The tiny font and difficult-to-read subtitles make it hard to follow the story unless you’re glued to the screen. It’s a shame, because the story is one of the game’s strongest points, and everyone should be able to enjoy it without straining their eyes.

Score: 3/5

Gameplay

Gameplay in Visions of Mana is where the game really shines, especially if you love tweaking your character builds. The freedom to mix and match skills, weapons, and elemental powers lets you tailor the gameplay to your style. You’ve got five characters to play around with, and while Hinna isn’t customizable (for reasons that become clear later), the others offer plenty of flexibility. Finding the right combination of abilities and classes can be incredibly satisfying, especially as you face tougher challenges.

That said, the game’s complexity can be a double-edged sword. There’s so much to manage that it can feel a bit overwhelming, particularly when you’re trying to figure out which skills and Vessels work best together. The learning curve is steep, but once you get the hang of it, the customization depth adds a lot to the game’s replayability.

On the narrative side, the story is extremely immersive, with skippable scenes for those who want to speed through. Personally, I’d recommend taking your time with the cutscenes, as they’re packed with important details and emotional depth. The prologue, in particular, is a nice touch that helps set the stage for the main story, giving you a better understanding of the characters and their motivations right from the start.

I know that combat games aren't inherently "cozy," but I'd absolutely go as far as to include Visions of Mana in a list of the best cozy games coming to PC in 2024.

Score: 4/5

Verdict

Visions of Mana is a heartfelt return to a classic series, combining nostalgia with fresh ideas to create an experience that feels familiar and new. The story is its strongest asset, pulling you into a world full of magic, sacrifice, and unexpected twists. While the game isn’t without its flaws — especially in terms of accessibility and combat pacing — there’s enough here to keep new and old fans entertained.

If you’re willing to overlook some slow combat and a bit of UI clutter, you’ll find a lot to love in Visions of Mana. It’s a game that invites you to explore, experiment, and immerse yourself in its vibrant world. Whether you’re here for the story, the customization, or just the joy of returning to the Mana series, Visions of Mana delivers a memorable adventure.

Overall Score: 4/5

Visions of Mana can be found on Steam, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox Series X|S from August 29, 2024.

Want to read more game reviews at Pro Game Guides? I'd suggest checking out our Sand Land Review or our Eiyuden Chronicle Hundred Heroes Review for games that have a similar feel.