For those of you who miss the golden age of classic JRPGs in the Super Famicom era, such as Tales, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Mana Series, Trials of Mana is Square Enix's answer to satisfy those nostalgic cravings. This remake of the classic game originally released in 1995 not only brings back its iconic elements, but also injects modern graphics and game mechanics tailored to the needs of today's players.

As one of the games that resurrected the series Where, remake Trials of Mana It features colorful 3D graphics that look very carefully crafted to retain the classic "feel" of the original game. In addition, modern mechanics such as upgrades quality of life in-play was also added, making it more exciting for new and old fans alike.

Classic Stories with Iconic Fantasy Themes

Trials of Mana takes players to a fantasy world where the Goddess of creation Sword of Mana fall asleep to Mana Tree after successfully sealing the power of darkness into Mana Stone. However, as the strength of the Mana Tree, countries began to fight for control Mana Stone who are left. In this conflict-ridden situation, the fairies who protected Mana Tree descended into the human world to seek help.

One of these fairies meets the main characters in the story. Their story, while clichéd by JRPG standards, still offers elements of surprise through the plot twist and a touch of comedy that keeps it fun. Players will follow their journey to prevent the rise of the dark forces and save the world.

Gameplay that Combines Strategy and Real-Time Action

As a Action JRPG, Trials of Mana offers an intuitive and engaging real-time combat system. At the start of the game, you'll choose three characters from six available options. Each character has unique classes and abilities that can affect the course of the game:

  • Duran: Warrior, excels in physical attacks.
  • Angela: Magician, magic attack specialist.
  • Charlotte: Cleric, master healer.
  • Kevin: Grappler, a melee attack expert.
  • Hawkeye: Thief, relying on speed and agility.
  • Riesz: Amazon, a warrior with balanced attack and defense capabilities.

The choice of these characters not only affects the team composition, but also the storyline that follows. Each character combination provides Point of View which is different, thus adding value replayability this game. In combat, players can utilize a combination of light and heavy attacks, as well as use dodge and jump mechanics to strategically defeat enemies.

As the game progresses, players can unlock skills new through the system skill point and upgrade a character's class to gain stronger abilities. The class upgrade path is divided into two-paths light and dark-each of which offers a unique playstyle and specialization.

Visuals and Soundtrack that Feast for the Eyes and Ears

3D visuals in the remake Trials of Mana provides an enthralling experience, especially for those who love the aesthetics of classic games. The transition from 16-bit graphics to colorful 3D design is done very well, keeping the essence of the original game while giving it a fresh and modern look. The use of a rich and harmonious color palette makes the world of Trials of Mana looks lively, although some areas feel empty due to the lack of interaction with NPCs outside the city.

The game's soundtrack is a remastered version of the original music, which combines a classic feel with modern qualities. This background music manages to create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. Players are even given the option to use voice acting Japan, which is a plus for those who prefer authentic sound quality.

Pros and Cons

As a remake of a classic game, Trials of Mana has a number of advantages that make it worth playing:

Pros:

  • Faithful to the original design and story, it provides an authentic nostalgic experience.
  • The visuals and soundtrack are stunning, creating a cozy playing atmosphere.
  • Value replayability high thanks to the variety POV story based on the chosen character.
  • Playthrough which is not too long, only about 15-25 hours, suitable for players with limited time.

Disadvantages:

  • The storyline tends to be predictable, especially for experienced JRPG players.
  • The challenges in normal mode feel light, so it is recommended to play on mode hard for those who want a more challenging experience.
  • Character selection at the start of the game can be a difficult decision if players don't understand the roles and abilities of each character.

Conclusion

Trials of Mana is a game that manages to bring back memories of the classic JRPG era with a modern touch. Although it has some flaws, the exciting gameplay, beautiful visuals, and indulgent soundtrack make it worth playing. The nostalgic value presented by this game is also an attraction in itself, especially for loyal fans of the series. Where.

With an overall score of 3.8/5, this game is recommended for play on the platform of handheld such as Nintendo Switch or PC handheld like ROG Ally. The gaming experience is perfect for downtime or when you want to enjoy a classic JRPG in a modern package. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS, and can even be played through Xbox Game Pass in December 2024.

Trials of Mana

Gameplay
Story
Feature

Summary

Trials of Mana is a game that manages to bring back memories of the classic JRPG era with a modern touch. Although it has some flaws, the exciting gameplay, beautiful visuals, and indulgent soundtrack make it worth playing.

3.8

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