It seems crazy to think that it has been over 15 years since the last mainline game in the Mana series. It has been kept alive through spin-offs, remakes, and a collection, but the time feels right for something brand new. Square Enix announced Visions of Mana in late 2023, with an August release date announced last month. For those as impatient as me or those who want free in-game goodies, a demo was launched for multiple platforms today. In it, you can play through a small part of the main story, experiencing combat and exploration in the field. There is also a new trailer showcasing the environments, the combat, and the colourful cast.
Visions of Mana begins in Tianeea, also known as the Fire Village. The locals are preparing for the Faerie’s arrival to name an Alm of Fire. An alm travels to the Tree of Mana to rejuvenate its flow by offering up their soul. Many alms are chosen from around the world, and each one is accompanied by their soul guard for safety. Val, a new soul guard, brings his childhood friend Hinna to the festival. And who gets chosen as the Alm of Fire? Hinna, of course! So the pair set off for the Tree of Mana.
The demo begins partway through the first chapter. You start at Rime Falls and move through different areas, like the Fallow Steppe and Rhata Harbor. The brave among us can even battle the chapter’s final boss, the Kraken. Your party will include three playable characters: Val, Careena, and Morley. During battle, switch between any of the members to directly command them or rely on pre-set strategies for non-operated characters. You are travelling with Hinna and Ramcoh, who can back you up when it comes to tough foes.
Unfortunately, save data can not be transferred to the full game because it has been altered to create a better demo experience. The good news is that if you have save data from the Visions of Mana demo and you purchase the game, you’ll receive three free weapons for Val. The Gladius will unlock in Chapter One when Val becomes a playable character. The Falx unlocks once you can change to wind class. The Horn Lance is similar and can be used once it is possible to change to moon class.
Your save data will have to be on the same platform as the full game, so you can’t (for example) play the demo on PC then purchase the Xbox version and get the rewards.
If you want tips and tricks for the Visions of Mana demo, Square Enix has your back with this article.
Developed and published by Square Enix, Visions of Mana will be released for PC via Steam/Microsoft, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox Series on August 29. The free playable demo is available now for the same platforms.
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