I have a soft spot for Square Enix games and today, I’m revisiting a remake of a 1992 classic, originally titled Seiken Densetsu 3 in Japan. Known in the West as Trials of Mana, this action RPG has finally arrived on Xbox consoles and Game Pass.
While its availability on Game Pass will undoubtedly boost its reach, the question remains: does this remake hold up in the modern gaming landscape, or should it have stayed in 1992?
The story is a crucial element in any RPG, and Trials of Mana delivers a compelling narrative. You begin by choosing a main character from a roster of six, along with two companions to accompany you on your journey. Interestingly, the early game unfolds differently depending on your chosen protagonist. As you encounter your companions, you can also experience their origin stories, providing context and depth to their individual motivations before their paths converge.
The main plot revolves around the Goddess of Mana, who used the Sword of Mana to vanquish eight malevolent beings known as the Benevodons. Exhausted from this battle, the Goddess transformed into the Mana Tree. Fast forward to the present day, and the Mana Tree is withering, while nefarious forces seek to unleash the Benevodons once again. The world needs a hero, and that’s where you come in.
The presentation is excellent. This is a full 3D remake of the original, with a charming, cartoon-like art style reminiscent of the Dragon Quest series. The character designs are appealing, from the Amazonian Reisz to the endearingly annoying Charlotte. The world, enemies, and even the NPCs are well-crafted, and the character animations are fluid and expressive.
One minor visual hiccup is the sudden appearance of enemies as you approach them. While you can see monsters in the distance, they only fully materialise when you get close, which can be jarring. Otherwise, the graphics are impressive, from the well-voiced cutscenes to the detailed environments.
Speaking of voices, the acting is commendable, particularly Charlotte’s portrayal of a whiny child. In fact, the sound design is strong throughout, especially the music. The soundtrack features updated versions of the original tunes, but you can also opt for the classic versions if you prefer. The battle sounds, voice acting, and ambient audio all contribute to a rich and immersive experience.
The gameplay is another highlight. Trials of Mana is an action RPG where you engage in real-time combat against monsters and bosses. The controls are intuitive: the B button performs basic attacks, Y unleashes heavy attacks, and various unlockable combos allow for devastating damage. Class-based special attacks are accessible by holding LB and pressing a face button. Dodging is also essential for survival.
In addition to physical attacks, you can utilise magic and items to heal and support your party. Defeating enemies earns you experience points (EXP), which lead to level-ups and training points. These points can be used to unlock new abilities and enhance your characters’ stats. Equipping the right abilities, weapons, and armour is crucial as the game’s difficulty increases. Regularly visiting towns to upgrade your equipment is essential for overcoming tougher challenges.
Overall, Trials of Mana is a delightful experience. The engaging story, enjoyable combat, and charming presentation make it a must-play for RPG fans, with the monster pop-in issue just a minor blemish on an otherwise polished game.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, Legend of Mana, and Trials of Mana Launch on Xbox – https://www.thexboxhub.com/final-fantasy-pixel-remasters-legend-of-mana-and-trials-of-mana-launch-on-xbox/
Buy Trials of Mana on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/trials-of-mana/9NHMR19TS1M0