![]() ![]() Switching classes opens up cooler magic, additional spell slots, and ups character stats significantly. While the game uses the word "switch," it's really more of an upgrade. ![]() Trials of Mana also carries along a neat feature that allows players to "switch" classes. There are handy tutorials that explain everything and make it all clear as day, even to those not fluent in JRPG. For example, I liked trying to buff Angela's magic to the point that I could wipe out piles of enemies in a single blast and tweaking Hawkeye's melee strikes so that he could inflict poison on foes.Ĭlass Strikes are special attacks that can occasionally be executed and will either wipe out minor foes or help immensely against bosses. The individual character builds offer enough variety that trying them out is one of its bigger joys. There are multiple elements with a rock-paper-scissors formula that determines strengths and weaknesses, but more often than not, you'll be hitting minor enemies repeatedly until they fall down. Each character can attack with weak and strong attacks or combine them into multi-hit combos, while also digging into their Magic Points to cast powerful spells. Parties of three will enter battle as soon as they're spotted by enemies, engaging in a combat circle. Trials of Mana sticks to its action RPG roots and fits in beautifully as a modern entry into that genre. However, those are ultimately minor quibbles, because the story itself is a strong one and it's supplemented with some outstanding gameplay elements. Between the verbose cutscenes and some unwelcome repetition near the end, it's not unreasonable to wish that the game would just cut to the chase. The final stretch of the game goes on far too long. At that point, there's a sense that the end is near, but it actually is not. Depending on the player's primary character, their villain will take center stage while the other two top baddies quietly exit, stage left. Watching three different evil factions vie for the end goal is a cool idea, but sadly something that doesn't last very long. The story isn't without weaknesses, though, outside of the main characters' more annoying traits. ![]() That's an immensely fascinating idea for JRPGs, one that more effectively ties in the world's characters than one of Square's other recent JRPG efforts, Octopath Traveler. While everybody is seeking out the Mana Stones, the reasons behind doing so and the overarching narrative will vary. In many instances, one player's story will not be the same as their friend's. The beginning and end of the journey will differ depending on the characters chosen, though elements of other characters' stories will be sprinkled in over the course of the central narrative. In fact, it's the Trials of Mana story itself that stands as this game's greatest triumph, mainly because it offers up the possibility of multiple playthroughs. The characters and their interactions can get grating at times, which is a shame because their individual stories certainly aren't bad. Hawkeye is a cliched thief with a heart of gold. The main characters can be a bit much for casual players and JRPG fans alike, many of them containing an annoying quirk or two. The gist is that the forces behind the magical essence of Mana are dying, especially as villains seek out the power of the Mana Stones, eight giant monoliths each representing a different element. That's because the game follows multiple protagonists and depending on who the player's primary selected hero is, the story will unfold differently. The story for Trials of Mana is far-reaching and not one that can be explained in simple terms. And while it may explore an old story, there's plenty that's new to discover for series fans and newcomers alike. However, after almost 30 years, Square Enix is finally bringing Trials of Mana to western audiences with a new modernized remake. There once was a sequel released for the game called Trials of Mana, but many in North America may be unfamiliar with it, considering it was originally released only in Japan. There's also a big following for Secret of Mana, the 1993 Super NES classic. Square Enix is widely recognized for Final Fantasy, but it's far from the only RPG series that the publisher has put together.
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