Summary
Visions of Mana, the next game in the legendaryManaseries, is expected to be released later this summer. This would be the fifth main entry in the series, and the first mainlineManagame in over 15 years.Manabegan as a spinoff ofFinal Fantasy, but eventually took on a life of its own. Games in the series generally feature action combat, with a variety of characters each embodying a particular style of combat. They also employ cute, cartoonish graphics that emphasize the individuality of their characters while establishing a colorful setting.
Visions of Manawas first revealed at the series' 30th anniversary celebration livestream in 2021, albeit in a simple teaser without so much as a complete title. The latest trailer provides a look at the gameplay, a rundown of the story and characters, and last but not least, a concrete release date just a few months away. Here’s everything to know about the upcomingVisions of Mana.
Visions Of Mana: Release Date & Platforms
When Does Visions Of Mana Come Out?
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Allpre-orders ofVisions of Manawill come with a special in-game item, the Brave Blade weapon. A Digital Deluxe Edition is also available, including 24 hours of early access to the game, a Mana Superstars Costume Set, and a soundtrack bundle. The Collector’s Edition, priced at $199.99, includes a physical art book, a Ramcoh plush, the entire soundtrack, and a unique box for $199.99.
Visions Of Mana: All Playable Characters Confirmed
All Party Members In Visions Of Mana
Visions of Manaincludes five playable characters, each of whom has a unique background and default fighting style. First and foremost is Val, who appears to beVisions of Mana’s main protagonist, and certainly fits the archetype. With wavy, red hair and a giant sword, he uses aerial slashes and fire magic to defeat enemies in the trailer. He’s responsible for defending Hinna, and takes that role seriously.
Next up isCareena, who’s introduced as the Oracle of Wind. Voice lines in the trailer have her stubbornly trying to convince an unseen character that she’s actually an alm. It’s unknown whether she’ll face pretenders to the title, or whether she’ll attempt to claim Hinna’s crown. Careena is seen using wind-elemental magic to slice through enemy groups. She also appears to excel at aerial combat, using her powers to launch herself skyward and juggle enemies.
Then there’sMorley,Visions of Mana’s resident catboy. He’s a fencer who uses an elegant, noble fighting style to defend his territory from intruders. His dialogue mentions that his homeland is no longer under the protection of its Elemental, probably a guardian spirit not totally unlikeFinal Fantasy 16’s Eikons. In the trailer, he’s seen using sword thrusts and magic AoEs to overwhelm and stun enemies.
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Palamena also joins Val and Hinnaon their journey to the Tree of Mana for unknown reasons. She styles herself the Queen of the Deep, implying she might be in charge of some underwater fiefdom. In combat, she uses a mix of martial arts and maces to smack enemies down.
And finally, there’sJulei, a forest sprite who plays the lute and summons magic vinesto prod and ensnare enemies. Julei is awaiting the arrival of a fairy, whose yearly appearance is a major event for the woodland custodians. But she hasn’t shown up yet, and Julei begins to worry. Besides vines, Julei can also summon spectral daggers, or turn into a ball of flora and slam down on enemies for a wide-ranging attack.
In addition to the five main playable characters,Visions of Manawill include three support characters: Hinna, Aesh, and Ramcoh. While they can’t be controlled directly, they can join the fight by performing individual moves to deal extra damage and support the main party. Players will also be able to summon certain animal companions for out-of-combat transportation.
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Visions Of Mana: The Job System Explained
Visions Of Mana Classes & Respeccing
Visions of Manauses a variant of the Job system, which typically allows characters to change their classesinFinal Fantasyand related games. InVisions of Mana, this revolves around the eight Elementals, each of whom appears to represent a particular type of damage. Players can swap classes at will by using items called Spirit Vessels. The party unlocks more Spirit Vessels, and thus additional jobs, as they journey through the world and discover the Elementals' secrets.
Each character appears to be associated with a particular element by default: Val with fire, Careena with wind, Morley with ice, Palamena with water, and Julei with grass.
Visions Of Mana: Story Details
Hinna’s Journey To The Tree Of Mana
The story ofVisions of Manarevolves around Hinna’s pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana. Hinna is appointed as an alm, one of many individuals expected to journey to the Tree of Mana and offer up their souls. This ritual is believed to maintain elemental balance throughout the world. Her childhood friend Val accompanies her as a Soul Guard, sworn to defend her from the perils of the road and ensure she completes her task.
As they travel toward the Tree of Mana,Hinna and Val meet various like-minded individuals who come to join their party. Each of them has their own motivation for traveling to the Tree of Mana: Careena wishes to prove herself as a worthy alm, Morley seeks to escape a traumatic past, and Julei searches for the woodlands' lost fairy. Val is delighted to explore new regions, and accepts his obligation to protect Hinna, but his feelings for her may get in the way. Meanwhile, Hinna grapples with her responsibility, torn between her happy, civilian life with Val and the necessity of her sacrifice.
But their ultimate decision at the end of the journey won’t be revealed until the game is out. Thankfully, it won’t be a long wait, asVisions of Mana’s August 29 release date means it’sonly a couple of months away.
