Mana is possibly the most endearing franchise to persist within action role-playing games. It began in the early 1990s as a spin-off of Final Fantasy. Since then, the Mana series delivered fantasy escapades, lighthearted storytelling, and vibrant graphics.
With the release of Visions of Mana on PlayStation 5 (and other systems) on 29 August 2024, Mana made a comeback to consoles after a two-decade absence. With this launch, the Mana franchise got a fresh, next-gen reboot.
The game is an excellent choice for families wishing to play together in vivid, whimsical worlds on the latest Sony consoles. Square Enix has framed this instalment as an action RPG for the whole family. It bears a T (Teen) ESRB Rating for ‘fantasy violence’ and ‘mild suggestive themes’. It also does away with the more grimy features that define most modern RPGs.
A breezy, upbeat story
With a gap of more than 15 years since the last game release, Visions of Mana shifts the storyline to the player’s perspective. The story arc spins around the tried and tested concept of elemental spirits and magical forces, where a protagonist is destined to save the world. While this is a common storyline, it is executed with warmth and sincerity.
The story is set in a bright, fantasy world, where a gigantic Mana Tree controls the flow of life energy on the planet. The plot centres on Val and his childhood friend, Hinna.
The narrative follows Val, who is tasked with guiding Hinna, a new “Alm”.
(Alms are those touched by the Faerie to help the world’s mana.)
Val had recently become a Soul Guard. The mission is to escort his friend on a pilgrimage that renews mana every four years.
The story focuses on friendship and bravery, making it appropriate for younger audiences.
Gameplay built for all ages
Battles avoid graphic violence. Enemy creatures dissolve into sparkles on defeat, and there is no blood. Difficulty is fully adjustable at any moment. This allows players to tailor settings for younger siblings or RPG veterans sharing the same profile.
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Features |
Family Friendly Angle |
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Semi-open field maps |
Maintains guided exploration without letting younger players get lost in sprawling open worlds |
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Real-time 3-person combat with quick swap party control |
Fast, but legible action; characters can be switched manually or assigned AI commands. |
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Ring Menu homage from Secret of Mana |
The radial shortcut wheel can pause combat. This allows children to choose spells and items with zero pressure. |
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45-class job system (nine per character) unlocked via elemental spirits |
Optional for newcomers who wish to auto-equip. Thorough veteran fan customisation remains available. |
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DualSense support – adaptive triggers and haptic feedback |
Increases tactile immersion without increasing challenge. |
PS5 performance, visuals, and sound
Square Enix’s pre-launch media tour showed off performance mode for Visions of Mana on PS5. It runs on Unreal Engine and targets a staggering 60 frames per second at 4K resolution, with slice times averaging under 5 seconds.
Geometrical stylisation, vivid colour palettes, and minimal texture gore maintain the aesthetic balance. Hiroki Kikuta’s chiming orchestral work themed on Secret of Mana’s iconic motifs is a treat for both new and old players.
Content and value
Lengths: Preview builds have been recorded to have 35-hour main quests with 60 hours in grindable side quests. This strikes a balance for both value-hungry players and players with day jobs.
Demo: A free demo is available for download on the store. It allows users to test controls and performance without spending anything.
Price: $59.99/€69.99 standard pricing. No annoying microtransactions except for optional cosmetic items that DLC announced so far.
Post-launch and multiplayer prospects
Post-launch, Square Enix promises free updates that improve the quality of life features. It incorporates new challenge arenas at intervals. However, there does not seem to be any competitive PvP. This maintains the emphasis on cooperative play.
While local couch co-op is not available, pass-the-pad play works well. This is because players can switch out their active fighters in real-time combat. Children can safely compete over time in weapon-attack dungeons through online scoreboards.
Verdict: easy recommendation for family RPG nights
Enjoy effortless family game nights with this RPG pick.
Visions of Mana incorporates modern conveniences into the charm of the classic series. Rated TEEN, this game features vibrant art and adjustable difficulty. It’s ideal for families introducing younger kids to Japanese action-RPGs. No age restrictions are needed.
For players wishing to relive the 16-bit Mana games, the ring menu will be familiar. Newer players can still access the stand-alone narrative.
Visions of Mana delivers on the promise of wholesome fantasy for the family on PS5. If looking for an RPG filled with action, storytelling, and visuals, this title checks all the boxes.