Trials of Mana is a role-playing game that brings the classic console experience to mobile devices. This remake features a compelling story where players must prevent the forces of evil from freeing the Benevodons and plunging the world into chaos. With the choice of six main characters, players can shape their adventure with interwoven destinies. The game showcases impressive 3D graphics, dynamic battle mechanics, and character progression through light or dark classes. It offers multiple difficulty settings catering to both casual and hardcore gamers. Noteworthy additions include a rich soundtrack overseen by the original composer Hiroki Kikuta, full English and Japanese voiceovers, and new game plus content. Tailored for smartphones, it includes touch-operated menus, gamepad support, auto-battle features, and cloud saving. Trials of Mana combines nostalgia with modern gaming elements making it an excellent choice for both fans of the series and newcomers.
Features
Trials of Mana boasts numerous standout features that enhance the overall gaming experience. Here are five notable aspects: 1. Dynamic Battle System - Engage in action-packed combat with aerial and combo attacks while utilizing classic ring menus and shortcut commands for strategic play. 2. Character Progression - Choose between light or dark classes to power up your characters, including the newly added Class 4, allowing for diverse ability combinations and customization. 3. Multiple Difficulty Settings - Select from four difficulty levels ranging from Beginner to Hard, providing accessibility for newcomers and challenge for seasoned players. 4. Rich Storytelling - Experience an epic narrative with branching storylines based on your chosen characters, complemented by full voiceovers in both English and Japanese. 5. Smartphone Optimization - Enjoy tailored features such as touch controls, gamepad support, auto-battle options, and graphic quality settings designed specifically for mobile gameplay.
Pros & Cons
Trials of Mana offers an engaging RPG experience with its deep storyline, beautiful 3D graphics, and flexible character development system. The variety of difficulty settings ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game at their own pace. Additionally, the inclusion of both English and Japanese voiceovers adds an authentic touch for fans of the genre. However, the game's large file size may deter some potential players due to storage constraints on mobile devices. Moreover, the necessity for a Wi-Fi connection during initial data download could be inconvenient for those with limited connectivity. Despite these drawbacks, Trials of Mana successfully bridges the gap between traditional console RPGs and modern mobile gaming, offering a rich and immersive experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Narrative & lore depth
In Trials of Mana, the narrative and lore depth are integral to the player's experience, offering a richly woven tapestry of interlocking destinies and storylines. The game is set in a world shrouded by darkness where the Goddess of Mana once wielded the Sword of Mana to seal away the destructive Benevodons within the eight Mana Stones. As players embark on their journey, they will find themselves amidst a war ignited by forces of evil seeking to unleash these horrors upon the world. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of six main characters, allowing players to choose their protagonist and companions, which in turn alters the storyline and character interactions. This choice-driven storytelling ensures that each playthrough can offer a unique perspective on the overarching plot. The lore of Trials of Mana is further enriched by its connection to the Mana Series, providing longtime fans with familiar elements while being accessible to newcomers. The depth is not only in the story itself but also in how it's presented; full English and Japanese voiceovers add layers to character development and bring extra conversations that occur during the journey. Furthermore, after completing the game, new storylines for party members are unlocked, extending the narrative beyond the main quest. These features collectively ensure that the world of Trials of Mana is immersive and engaging, encouraging players to delve deeper into its history and myths, thereby enhancing both the gameplay experience and emotional investment in the unfolding saga.
Character customization & progression
Character customization and progression in Trials of Mana provide players with extensive options to tailor their adventure according to their preferred playstyle. Upon starting the game, players select three out of six main characters, each with their own background and abilities, thus immediately influencing the direction of character progression. A significant aspect of customization comes from the ability to switch between light or dark classes, which not only strengthens characters but also changes their appearance, offering visual feedback on a character's evolution. With the addition of Class 4 in this remake, players now have even more room for growth and specialization. The game boasts over 300 different kinds of abilities, ensuring diverse training paths and power-up strategies. Players can fine-tune their characters' skills to match their tactical needs or experiment with various combinations to discover synergies between party members. Difficulty settings ranging from Beginner to Hard allow further personalization of the challenge level faced throughout the game. Additionally, New Game Plus content provides opportunities for continued character advancement post-game completion, including access to harder difficulties like Expert mode. Autosave features and newly added items such as Rabite Adornment and Silktail Adornment aid in character progression by increasing EXP and lucre gains respectively up to level 17. Such comprehensive customization and progression systems empower players to craft unique narratives for their characters while mastering the strategic depth Trials of Mana has to offer.