Mana's evolution towards western/SaGa-like JRPGs peaked with Legend of Mana, a massive overhaul whose world map and main questline are entirely shaped by the player. Not surprisingly, the contrast between this and its previous output lies in the structure: If Trials of Mana built its narrative around distinct, polyphonic journeys, this work dispensed with the narrative altogether - sporting non-linear progression and optional, vaguely related arcs with lots of charming characters and events to encounter. Along the way, its high-fantasy setting, silly humor, simplistic dialogue and colorful hand-drawn aesthetic gives the adventure a delightful, storybook-like quality, which makes up for the lack of a cohesive plot.
Obscure as they may be, new systems like crafting, farming, and even monster raising complement its less urgent and more relaxed design. Ditto for its real-time battle system, which mirrors that approach with tweaks to pacing (long recovery, variable party size), customization (fully configurable movesets) and especially to flexibility (combos, chain-cancelling). Super moves and a huge influx of new skills contribute to their least challenging but also their most diverse and enjoyable combat yet. More than a cheerful romp, this is an unlikely reinvention that ranks among its series' best.
Obscure as they may be, new systems like crafting, farming, and even monster raising complement its less urgent and more relaxed design. Ditto for its real-time battle system, which mirrors that approach with tweaks to pacing (long recovery, variable party size), customization (fully configurable movesets) and especially to flexibility (combos, chain-cancelling). Super moves and a huge influx of new skills contribute to their least challenging but also their most diverse and enjoyable combat yet. More than a cheerful romp, this is an unlikely reinvention that ranks among its series' best.