Trials of Mana is an action-packed video game released in 2020. Xeen developed the game, and Square Enix published it for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Trials of Mana is the third re-creation of the Mana series that was first published in 1995. Trials of Mana is a role-playing game where about six players have to undertake their respective quests. Their quests would eventually lead them to find and retrieve the Mana sword while facing deadly threats and fighting enemies. The 2020 remake started in 2017, and the idea was to localize the original game, building a Western culture around its development. As a result, there are slight changes to Trials of Mana 2020.

The original game was a multiplayer role-playing action game. However, Trials of Mana was developed as a single-player game with 3D experience. The developers also tweaked some other aspects with added content, but Trials of Mana is still faithful to the original game. Trials of Mana includes Hiroki Kikuta and his team compiled a soundtrack. Trials of Mana was translated into eight languages to localize it, and it was announced at E3 in 2019. Although there are reservations against Trials of Mana’s English dub and outdated elements, generally, the reviews are positive over its improved combat settings and soundtrack. 

Gameplay Packed With Action

In the action-based Trials of Mana, the player makes a selection of three out of six protagonists and undertakes their roles. Each of the three protagonists has their own narrative but is eventually drawn to the same quest to find the Mana Tree while combating the Benevodons. Although the narratives and gameplay options are the same as the original game, Trials of Mana is redesigned for 3D. The player will have the chance to select any playable character he meets during exploration and can either view the character’s prologue or starts from the storyline. The chosen character then navigates between towns and country settings, fighting enemies in non-stop combats.

The player can find various items like treasure chests, in-game currency, healing items, money, and other items that affect the player or enemy’s performance. Trials of Mana offers the player special skills for combats, including character-specific skills and combined skills for combined attacks. The player gains experience points during combats which can raise his magic, health, and training points. New skills are unlocked as experience points increase. Trials of Mana has other additions, including “Planter Level” and post-game storyline, all of which improve the Trials of Mana’s player experience.

A Classic Fantasy Of Different Lives And Experience

Anyone who has read a classic fantasy adventure book or played a classic RPG would understand the beauty of Trials of Mana. The story of Trials of Mana is very traditional, making the experiences and twists familiar. I find it exciting to be able to select my hero character and his companions from the six available heroes. What is more interesting is that each character has their origin and story that affect the plot development. 

It’s clear a lot of time was put into making their stories original and deeply emotional, with some having more gloomy experiences. I recommend that you play the game multiple times with different characters to get the whole idea and understand of the story. You can also play it once and be done with it without testing other characters. It doesn’t affect the plot’s main events, but you will enjoy playing the lives of different protagonists who live their lives differently. You will find it thrilling to see that one quest eventually connects them. 

Non-stop Adventure Awaits

Trials of Mana is a linear action game. No distractions in the form of side quests or stories that are away from the original story plot. This makes the focus on the story strong as you won’t have to switch to tasks that do not add to the game story. I enjoy moving my player to one location to complete the required tasks before moving to the next location. The adventure will give you a sense of life as your experience is narrated with completed tasks and combats with your enemies. Your player can talk to some NPCs in towns to unlock boosts, bonuses, and extra skills, which improve Trials of Mana’s adventurous experience.

3D Visual Experience 

Unlike Seiken Densetsu 3, the original game, the Trials of Mana is a complete 3D remake built to offer advanced visual images and appearance while playing. While Trials of Mana still retains the original game’s nature, it provides a modern 3D graphical view for a better experience. You will definitely love the photorealistic renderings, high-end animations, and interactive presentations. 

Expanded Soundtracks

Like other remakes that give the player the chance to choose between the original game’s soundtrack and the remake, Trials of Mana also falls into the same group. You will see a total of sixty music tracks in the new arrangements of the soundtrack of Trials of Mana. Kikuta Hiroki and his team compiled the soundtrack. Interestingly, the new arrangements do not depart from the original soundtrack, as you will still find familiar music sounds. The quality of the sound combos is excellent, and you will enjoy switching between the original and the new arrangements feely. I always find the combination of music tracks that fit the character’s atmosphere whenever I play. 

The Path Of The Destroyer 

While each character has different stories and tasks at various locations, the action is the same. The combat system of Trials of Mana will give you thrills of being the center of blood and death. For every location where your task is set, you will face enemies you have to defeat before seeking the next task. Survival is non-negotiable, and your party is always there to help you during hard times. I enjoy reducing work stress with this game.