Square Enix
The vivacious preferences and quality design inVisions of Manainstantly alert me that I ’d be genu - deep into phantasy , ride on the back of a elephantine pitch-dark skirt chaser into the grassy plains of Fallow Steppe . A lush landscape welcomed me as I chatted with my teammate on top of my climb and tussled with small timber lusus naturae .
I had this experience atthis yr ’s PAX East , where I went work force - on with a demo of the upcoming RPG . I never played previous Mana games , but I have enough experience with RPGs and real - clock time combat to name it one of the most gorgeous , activity - packed games I play at the show . The shiny open - globe and pat combat I receive point to a strong return for the Mana serial descend later this summertime .
Square Enix
Producer Masaru Oyamada once spoke toXboxabout the distinct tone of the serial , mainly its nature - themed , eminent - phantasy aesthetic and connectedness to the titulary Mana Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . InVisions of Mana , protagonist Val and his childhood friend Hinna attend a festival that determines the next “ alm , ” someone who travel to the Tree of Mana to replenish its power . When Hinna is chosen as the Alm of Fire , Val becomes her “ Soul Guard ” to accompany her on the trip . They meet new ally along the way , including the aloof , cat-o'-nine-tails - like fencer Morley and the boisterous , one - winged flying lizard miss , Careena .
In the demonstration , I had access to three playable lineament that I could seamlessly switch between calculate on the match-up : Val , Morley , and Careena . Val is the typical long sword user with controlled , heavy - hitting swing . His special attack hones in on an foe and uppercuts them into the breeze . Morley swiftly slashes through enemies with his two daggers . Meanwhile , Careena has a slower - step , soldierlike nontextual matter - inspire fighting style . Each fictitious character has their own distinct acquisition and variation depending on the Elemental Vessel they have equip .
Elemental Vessels are special items that can change a fictional character ’s visual aspect and power . One of Careena ’s forms equips her with a fan with a wider grasp of effect , perfect for slashing at enemy . Elemental Vessels can also affect what ’s possible to do with exploration . The Sylph Boomerang , a wind - based Vessel , turn on the wielder to make currents that express them gamey above any double start can . Meanwhile , the Luna Globe can affect the current of time , standardized to a certainLegend of Zelda : tear of the Kingdomgadget . It excites me as a mechanic who nurtures both armed combat and exploration , though it ’s arduous to say how it ’ll evolve as the write up continues .
I had the chance to preview only a few options , admit the plain of Fallow Steppe and the snowy , mountainous Mt. Gala . However , when it comes to traverse the detailed setting , Pikuls stole the show . Just a ring of a bell will call these outsize wildcat to your side so that you’re able to ride them across the unresolved world . you may ram through enemies , jump over shelf , and interact with objects while turn on them , so there is n’t much of an excuse not to use them . If you ’d rather run through the area to properly fend off enemies , you may easy expel yourself from the beast ’s back and sprint instead .
Even without seeing much of the story , Visions of Manaleft enough of a positive belief with its combat , progression , and world that it seems like the everlasting counter for the long - dormant series .
visual modality of Manais currently scheduled to set up this summer for PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series X / S , and personal computer .
