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[Draugoth]

Noisypixel interviewed Masaru Oyamada, the producer of the Mana series, about the upcoming mainline entry Visions of Mana. Our exchanges highlighted the title's cast, gameplay details, and setting. One response worth noting is that in response to the expected playtime of this title, no precise time was given.

However, Oyamada did state that Visions of Mana will have the highest volume of content in the series, meaning that it will have the most to do out of any Mana game. This isn't too surprising, considering how short the Mana games tend to be and how Visions is an ambitious evolution.

You can view the quoted exchange regarding this matter below:

Orpheus Joshua: I doubt you can give a concrete answer because of all the factors surrounding it, but what would you say is the estimated playtime?
Masaru Oyamada: We are in the middle of optimizing the final game, so changes can happen depending on that, and I can't give a clear answer at the moment. However, it definitely has the highest volume of content you can enjoy within the series. Of course, the playtime will change depending on the player's pacing, too. We feel this entry will provide very high satisfaction as an RPG experience.

Source

 

[ReyBrujo]

Shouldn't be surprising considering it's the latest entry of the series in the most modern consoles with the most capacity, am I wrong?

 

[kiphalfton]

Prepare for lots of padding

 

[Bring Back Scalebound]

Unrelated, but I always adore the fact that the Mana games always have aggressively colorful cover arts.

The games themselves too, are very colorful, the characters as well.
But the covers are always a explosion of color.

Anyway, I hope it's substantial content.

 

[Hudo]

Shouldn't be surprising considering it's the latest entry of the series in the most modern consoles with the most capacity, am I wrong?

The thing is, Mana has been treated as some sort of "AA" series by Square for a long time. Visions of Mana might be the first Mana game since Dawn of Mana (which failed and was probably the reason why the enthusiasm for that IP at Square went down) that actually has some budget behind it again.

 

[cormack12]

How long are the other 'short' games in the series?

 

[Celine]

Well, the last brand new console style episodes were Dawn of Mana on PS2 and Children of Mana on NDS back in 2006 (a year later NDS also got a Mana spin-off).
Since then all we got from the series were a bunch of mobile games, a collection on Switch and the remake of Seiken Densetsu 3.

 

[KXVXII9X]

I think studios should clarify what they mean by "content." A lot of times more content means more padding and worse pacing. I would expect Visions on Mana to be bigger than its predecessors but if it is going to double down on typical open world padding, that isn't exactly a positive. Having the game being a bit less linear and have more variety of gameplay and exciting encounters would be a nice positive, but having more collectathons, crafting, and tedious busywork would be disappointing.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Do we consider Secret of Evermore part of this series? Loved that one, think I prefer it over Mana 2.

 

[Arsic]

Get ready to pet cats the whole game.

Content.

 

[Madonis]

Good news. Game looks pretty awesome so far.

 

[STARSBarry]

Really looking forward to this one.

 

[Mr Hyde]

Very excited for an ambitious Mana-game. I hope it turns out good and reviews well so Square continues to push the franchise. Otherwise I fear this can the be the final nail in the coffin.

 

[Isa]

Looking forward tot he job switching and different characters. The world looks beautiful as well. Super hyped for this one, Trials of Mana remake was awesome.

 

[adamsapple]

Release date to be announced soon. Either SGF or Xbox's showcase seem like good candidates

 

[Northeastmonk]

They're giving the Mana series a nice treatment. I wonder if they'll ever re-release Dawn of Mana.

 

[Rat Rage]

Do we consider Secret of Evermore part of this series? Loved that one, think I prefer it over Mana 2.

In a certain way I do. It's just as great as Secret of Mana, has the same Menu UI, the same great combat feel, amazing athmosphere, beautiful artstyle and graphics, great music and a cool story.

I prefer SoE's artsytle over Mana 2's.

 

[Hudo]

Xbox's showcase

Probably Xbox showcase, going by that they they had a dedicated Visions of Mana segment at their last "Xbox Direct" couple months ago.

 

[Dynasty8]

Doesn't matter. It's Square Enix. Meaning the game is going to have the standard SE difficulty. Meaning it's gonna be super forgiving and brain dead easy.

 

[Shifty1897]

But will it have the highest quality of content in the Mana series?

 

[Synless]

Despite having played almost off of these games I've never finished one and never been impressed. Maybe this time will be different.., maybe this time.

 

[cireza]

Quality over Quantity please.

 

[Griffon]

Doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

What is wrong with JRPG devs and their obsession with excessive game length?!

 

[Danjin44]

I LOOOOVE this game's visual style.

I'm there day one.

 

[Labadal]

Only the characters bother me. Especially the design of the main guy.