Legend of Mana (2021)
a game by | Square Enix, and M2 Co., Ltd. |
Platform: | PC (2021) |
Editor Rating: | 8/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.7/10 - 3 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Co-op Games, Multiplayer Games, JRPG Games, Magic Games, Legend Of Mana Games |
The Legend of Mana 2021 is a real game-changer for the series. When this was originally released it was the fourth game in the Mana series and it added so much to the series. It was a firm favorite on the original PlayStation and now it is being brought back to Steam as well as other modern systems too.
Restoring The Mana Tree
The story that Legend of Mana tells is one that has split the fan base for years. It was a much less structured story than the previous game, which is due to the less linear kind of nature to the gameplay. The basics of the story are that we play as an unnamed protagonist that has taken it upon himself to restore the Mana Tree and in turn the rest of the world. I am very interested to see if they add any more stuff to the story.
The game from what I remember of the original has many quests and interesting characters that you will come into contact with, but the main thread that links it all together is a bit of a mixed bag if I am being honest.
This Is What HD Is For
At the time the original Legend of Mana was released it was a real looker on the original PlayStation. To say that the new HD artwork in this game is great is a massive understatement. The graphics are just amazing and on an HD screen, I can tell you that this game looks breathtaking. It is one of those things that looks so good, I would probably have a hard time going back to the original.
I think the improved sprite work that they have done here is great in that it gets you more invested in the characters as you can see their emotion and personality more than you could on the original. The soundtrack has had a lot of work done on it and you can play the game with either the brand-new arranged soundtrack or the original if you want.
Tight Like A Tiger
Obscure Austin Powers reference aside, I can see that Square-Enix has done a lot to make this the most “playable” version of Legend of Mana that we have seen. It is the same action RPG that you played before. So, this means that the Land Make system where you decide where you go and how you do it in the story which was quite decisive is here.
They have made a few differences to the gameplay; I would say that they are more quality-of-life changes to make the overall experience this is offering better. They have made it so that you can skip enemy encounters if you like. They have also included a mini-game called Ring, Ring Land which was never included in the Western version of the game before.
I have played through the original Legend of Mana twice before and this new Steam version is something I am very excited about. I am actually surprised that this has not gotten more fanfare, to be honest with you. I know that the structure of the game was something that some fans did not like, but I would say this is the perfect time to jump back in and give it another try.
Pros:
- This game looks absolutely amazing
- I like the new rearranged soundtrack
- It makes a few quality-of-life changes to the gameplay
- A new minigame never released in the West before is included
Cons:
- It appears no changes have been made to the story
- If the structure of the game did not win you over before, I cannot see this doing it
Download Legend of Mana (2021)
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP