Review – Visions of Mana: A nostalgic remake that lacks daring

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Yo RPG fans! Square Enix has decided to dust off a classic of the genre with Visions of Mana, the remake of Seiken Densetsu 3. So we’re back in our adventurer’s boots to explore this enchanted world. So, does this remake live up to the legend? Verdict: it’s nice, but nothing more.

A successful graphic facelift, but…

Let’s face it, the game is cute as a button. Gone are the pixelated sprites, replaced by 3D chibi! The characters are adorable, the environments colorful and detailed. The atmosphere of the original game is restored, with a touch of modernity that pleases the eye.

Classic gameplay, perhaps too much so?

In terms of gameplay, this is old-school RPG. We explore dungeons, fight monsters in real time, and upgrade our characters. The class system is as cool as ever, with six different characters each with their own style of play. Warrior, mage, thief… there’s plenty to do!

On the other hand, you have to admit that it’s a little repetitive. Battles follow one another without too many surprises, and the dungeons lack a little variety. A pity, since the original game was known for its inventive level design.

A nice story, but nothing more

The story is classic: six heroes must save the world from destruction. It’s not original, but it does the job. On the other hand, the dialogues are sometimes a little namby-pamby, and we found it hard to get attached to the characters.

The soundtrack: flawless!

There’s nothing to say about it. The music is magnificent! The cult themes from the original game have been brilliantly re-orchestrated. Special mention goes to the battle music, which makes you want to fight like a lion (or a dragon, as the case may be).

In short, a remake that plays it safe

Visions of Mana is a nice remake, but it lacks a little ambition. If you’re a hardcore fan of Seiken Densetsu 3, you’ll probably have a good time. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a revolutionary RPG experience, you’ll have to pass.