Visions of Mana - You asked, the devs answered!
The development team behind Visions of Mana answer your questions about the first new Mana title in over 15 years.Last month we launched the free demo for Visions of Mana, allowing players to get a taste of the adventure ahead of August 29th. We then sent out a call for your questions, collated some of our favourites, and sent them to the development team!
The team members who were kind enough to answer your questions are:
- Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada
- Director, Ryosuke Yoshida (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
- Director, Kenji Ozawa (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
- Sound Director, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
- Story Director, Taku Morise
- Designer Nohara Hayashi
I've read that the production of Visions of Mana was influenced by the Trials of Mana remake; could you please tell us more about what was kept from Trials of Mana and how it was adapted for this new entry? - @chillb4e on Instagram
While it is true that the success of Trials of Mana influenced the direction of this title, we did not intentionally include features in this title that were not implemented in Trials of Mana.
We aimed to improve various features such as the combat, and the terrain and vastness of field areas.
Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada
The Ring System has returned, and there are many homages to the series' history. What were the most important aspects of the old games that make them feel unique that you wanted to carry forward to Visions of Mana? - @Masamunecyrus on X
One element that I think is essential to the Mana series is "interacting with elementals". We added trigger mechanics that highlight that, and replaced the core feature of the game with new ones, such as elemental vessels, that inherit the Mana series style and leads to a new gaming experience.
Director, Ryosuke Yoshida (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
Elements such as "a world where many tribes live" and "elementals make up all of the world's nature" are essential for the Mana series, so we reinforced them to create lore and story that sets it apart from others.
In fact, the shopkeeper's (Moti) dance was also something that I was determined to include in this title! I think that little things like this are what connects new games with the memories of old games.
Director, Kenji Ozawa (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
What do you think are the biggest shifts in player expectations and design sensibility around 3D action RPGs since the launch of Dawn of Mana? - @EthanGach on X
Through evolution of hardware, the range of expression on the game side has also expanded.
While games are expected to have much more content and longer play times than a while back, I think that the care that we take in kindly leading the player through the massive amount of content is regarded as more important than just increasing the amount of content.
Director, Ryosuke Yoshida (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
Is HACCAN still doing art for this game like with the Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana remakes? - @PSTPtheDragon on X
As with Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana, HACCAN is still creating the artwork. He has produced beautiful artwork for this title that rivals that of the past titles.
Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada
How did your team decide what enemies, art style, music and characters to use from previous Mana Series games as inspiration for Visions of Mana? - @SeanRAHX on X
We solidified the overall visual imagery with the core themes of the series, such as the monsters designed by Koichi Ishii, the Tree of Mana drawn by Hiroo Isono, and the brilliant character images by HACCAN.
What I wanted to see as a personal fan of the series was also greatly reflected.
Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada
What non-Mana games served as inspiration for the developers working on Visions of Mana? Were any of the principal designers born after the Super Famicom release of Seiken Densetsu 3 (the original Trials of Mana)? - @Elainevanepps on X
We have been inspired by many action games, but I will share one quirky anecdote. There was a period during development when I lived in Guangzhou, which is a hot and humid area in the south of China. There was a jungle-like area near the office with many trees, so I walked around there during my lunch breaks to refresh, almost every day.
That experience became an inspiration for the mechanics and bosses that appear in Visions of Mana.
Director, Ryosuke Yoshida (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
In terms for creating a vast world that is important for an RPG, the Xenoblade series was one source of inspiration.
Also, the animism-like values developed through being born and raised in Japan may have been the starting point for "a lively screen where elementals shape the nature and world". I think that the idea was quickly accepted by members outside the story team too.
It's true that some young members of the development team were born the same year as the launch of Seiken Densetsu 3!
Director, Kenji Ozawa (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
What was the thought process, and what inspiration did the team take when developing the personality of the game’s characters? - @nafiha.psd on Instagram
The starting points for the character ideas were "the relationship between the characters and elementals" and "liveliness typical of Mana, where various tribes gather".
Each character was born based on these two key points, sometimes being inspired by HACCAN's illustrations, other times considering the balance of personalities within the party.
With regards to the tribes, we decided to expand on those that have appeared in previous Mana games as much as possible, rather than taking inspiration from other titles.
Director, Kenji Ozawa (NetEase Games OUKA STUDIOS)
Are there any songs that are remakes of old tunes or have musical homages (leitmotifs) to previous games in the series? – Alex Chapman on Facebook
Harvester's Wake -Echoes-: This has been rearranged to give it a parallel world-like connection with Echoes of Mana.
Elemental AerieL This is an homage to "The Oracle" from Secret of Mana and "Sacrifice Part Two" from Seiken Densetsu 3 (Trials of Mana on Super Famicom).
Cruisin' on the Waves: This is a rearranged version of the theme song of Vuscav, "Splash Hop" from Seiken Densetsu 3.
By My Lonesome: This is a rearranged version of the poet Gilbert's song from Echoes of Mana to give it an Akashic records-like connection.
Take Flight, Winged Ones: This is a rearranged version of the theme song of Flammie, "Can You Fly Sister?" from Seiken Densetsu 3.
Sound Director, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
What was the inspiration or decision behind changing which moves are tied to which element? For example, why can the Sylphid Boomerang, a wind element, allow Val to cast Flame Saber or Holy Saber or Moon Saber? – Steve McHugh on Facebook
At first, we did consider going with the same element as the elemental vessel, but that caused a dilemma where we couldn't offer strategic alternatives if the element is not effective.
Therefore, while changing classes in this title is still affected by the elemental vessel, the Class Change system is designed to shape the characteristics of the class like it did in Trials of Mana.
If Val uses the Vessel of Wind, his class becomes "Rune Knight", which gives him attacking capabilities based around various kinds of saber magic.
Mana Series Producer, Masaru Oyamada
What is your favourite part of this game as a player? What was your favourite part to work on as a developer? - @Clairemation on Threads
While there are many parts that I like in this game, my personal favourite is the final boss battle cutscene.
There was one request that I pushed for in the storyboard although we were on a tight schedule, so it means a lot to me.
Story Director, Taku Morise
Who is your favorite Mana Elemental Spirit in the Mana series? - NintenNoches con AlvaRock on Facebook
Out of Nao Ikeda’s original designs, my favourite elemental is Dryad. Out of the lesser elemental spirits that I designed, I like the mini Sylphids!
Designer Nohara Hayashi
We’d like to thank the Visions of Mana development team for taking the time to answer so many of your questions, and hope you’re looking forward to release day!
Visions of Mana launches August 29 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Windows and Steam.
If you preorder the digital Standard Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition, you can receive the following in-game item
- Brave Blade - a weapon for Val
Additionally, players who preorder a physical edition before August 29, 2024, or purchase a digital edition before 16:59 BST / 17:59 CEST / 08:59 PDT on Sept. 30, 2024 will also receive the following in-game items as early purchase bonuses:
Guardian Garment - an outfit for Val
Starter Pack - a set of items that can be used to boost the amount of experience points and lucre earned for a fixed amount of time.
The game is available to preorder now:
- Get Visions of Mana of PS5/PS4
- Get Visions of Mana on Xbox Series X|S
- Get Visions of Mana on PC via Windows
- Get Visions of Mana on PC via Steam
To stay up to date with news and information about the game, follow us on social media: