Visions of Mana: The Final Preview

ign.com:

When I first got my hands on Visions of Mana at PAX East 2024, I was pleased by how much I enjoyed the gameplay. A refreshing take on battle and class systems and a smooth overall flow to fights were just some of the highlights I experienced in the two hours I got to play. For my final preview, it was almost the opposite experience, but in a good way. I played right from the beginning of chapter one for about three hours, and what surprised me most this time was how much I enjoyed the characters and story.

The adventure starts with Val and Hinna, a duo who grew up in the same town and have known each other for a long time. As they set off on their journey to the mana tree, a bit of time is spent on their relationship and the connection they’ve built over the years. Based on the townsfolk's comments, it is clear that the two have great chemistry together, and they know it. The duo doesn't even flinch at the idea of being a couple at one point, making me immediately ship them. What made me like them even more is how down-to-earth and relatable they feel.

Val serves as the aloof player-insert character who will ask questions that any player who is new to the series might also have. Hinna works opposite him perfectly, giving exposition in the form of conversations as the two travel toward the manna tree, explaining the setting and its background along the way. While this method of worldbuilding can feel forced, as if the characters are unnaturally dumping information on you, it works in Visions of Mana due to how they craft their character's backgrounds and personalities.

It is explained that Hinna knows all of the information because she's been preparing to be the alm of fire and traveling outside of their hometown for a while now, and the role must be knowledgeable. On the other hand, Val has been in the village honing his abilities as the best swordsman so he can serve as her soul guard on the journey. She is the brains, and he is the brawn. It might seem like a small