Visions of Mana looked like a colorful, action-focused return to the series in Engadget’s one-hour pre-release demo—but the preview is an early hands-on impression, not a verdict on the released game. Its clearest new idea was the Elemental Vessels system, which gives elemental powers roles in both combat and exploration.
What the preview says about Visions of Mana
In a March 28, 2024 hands-on preview, Engadget’s Sam Rutherford saw Visions of Mana as a contemporary 3D adventure that retains the series’ bright, playful identity. The move from classic 2D sprites to a larger 3D world is a substantial visual shift, while the pastel palette and cute character designs struck him as links to earlier Mana games. Those are impressions from a one-hour demo, not a review of the finished game. Read the Engadget preview.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Visions of Mana - Amazon Exclusive Edition (XSX) | $24.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Visions of Mana | $34.76 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Visions of Mana | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Rutherford also noticed familiar series touchstones such as the ring menu and action combat. The result, in his account, was less a retreat into the past than a reimagining: recognizable color and character design around a more expansive 3D setting.
How combat and Elemental Vessels work
Fast, class-based action
The demo’s combat combined quick combos, spells, class strikes and aerial juggling. Val, Hinna, Careena and Morley had distinct classes and fighting styles, and Rutherford especially enjoyed Morley’s fast, fluid katana attacks. There was a caveat: with three party members striking groups of enemies at once, fights could become hectic.
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- Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world, where the powers of nature blend with the elemental aspects of mana to create a rich tapestry of life.
- Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that’s yours to discover.
- Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience.
- Use the magic of the Elementals to explore this vast world to your heart's content!
- The Visions of Mana Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a bonus sticker set (inside the case).
One elemental tool for fighting and traversal
Elemental Vessels were the preview’s standout new system. Their powers can affect both combat and movement through the world. Rutherford’s example was the Sylphid Boomerang: outside combat, it can create floating platforms or wind for traversal; in a fight, it can trap and damage enemies while pushing back nearby foes. That dual purpose makes elemental abilities more than combat moves—they can also function as tools for getting through the environment.
Producer Masaru Oyamada described the design thinking behind the system in the preview: “We thought about the elemental aspect as something that was kind of under-utilized and under-appreciated in previous Mana games.” He also said he leaned on the elements he loved as a child when making decisions for the new installment. Both remarks were quoted by Rutherford in Engadget’s March 28, 2024 preview.
What the demo revealed about the story
Engadget’s demo established little about the plot. Rutherford noted that earlier entries had larger casts and branching storylines, while Oyamada said the team wanted a more focused story. That gives context for the direction, but the short demo did not offer enough for the preview to judge the final story’s depth or quality.
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world
- Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that’s yours to discover
- Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience.
Square Enix’s official premise identifies Val as a new soul guard and Hinna, his childhood friend, as the chosen Alm of Fire. Val accompanies her on a pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana. According to the publisher, alms are chosen from around the world every four years to rejuvenate mana by offering their souls. The official character list also includes Careena, Morley, Palamena and Julei. Square Enix’s official game page.
Platforms, release date and official features
Visions of Mana was released on August 29, 2024. Square Enix lists it for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Steam; its launch announcement said the game was available. Square Enix’s release-date announcement and launch announcement.
Square Enix describes the game as having semi-open field exploration, near-seamless transitions, fast-paced multidimensional action and elemental powers used to explore. Its North American store listing also advertises 100 background music tracks and says field music is interactive. That is the publisher’s feature count, not an independently measured statistic. North American store listing.
Rank #3
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world
- Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that’s yours to discover
- Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience.
Physical editions and choosing a platform
Square Enix’s North American store documentation lists a physical standard edition and a collector’s set with the game, a Ramcoh plush, an art book and a collector’s soundtrack box. The listing says PS4 physical standard and collector editions are not available in North America. It does not establish whether the collector’s set is currently in stock, so check the live listing for region, platform and availability before buying.
For a platform decision, compare the options the publisher lists—PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC or Steam—and whether you want a physical or digital copy. For a physical purchase, regional edition availability matters; the collector’s set is relevant if its included goods appeal to you. The preview’s pre-release Steam Deck note does not establish current compatibility, and the cited sources do not support claims about present prices, stock or comparative performance.
Quick Recap
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