Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance
- Developers: Brownie Brown, Square Enix
- Publishers: Nintendo, Square Enix
Sword of Mana (2003): A Timeless Action RPG Masterpiece
Released in 2003 for the GameCube, Sword of Mana is an action RPG that combines classic gameplay with stunning visuals and a captivating story. Developed by Square Enix, the game is a remake of the 1993 Super Nintendo game Seiken Densetsu 2, and it faithfully recreates the original’s beloved gameplay while adding new features and enhancements.
Gameplay
Sword of Mana is an action RPG that follows the story of two heroes as they fight to protect the Mana Tree from the forces of darkness. Players can choose to play as either a male gladiator or a female magician, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and action-packed, with players using a variety of sword attacks, magic spells, and special abilities to defeat their enemies. Sword of Mana also features a unique “Ring Command” system, which allows players to quickly select from a variety of commands during battle.
Story
The story of Sword of Mana is set in the Granz Realm, a world where the Mana Tree is the source of all life. However, the Dark Lord of Granz is searching for the secrets of the Mana Tree so that he can control its power.
A young gladiator named Nash and a young magician named Popoi must come together to defeat the Dark Lord and protect the Mana Tree. As they travel through the Granz Realm, they will meet a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile, and learn more about the secrets of the Mana Tree.
Characters
- Nash: A young gladiator who is on a quest to avenge the deaths of his parents. Nash is a skilled swordsman and a powerful warrior.
- Popoi: A young magician who is one of the last survivors of the Mana Clan. Popoi is a skilled magic user and a powerful healer.
- Watts: A thief who joins Nash and Popoi on their quest. Watts is a skilled archer and a master of disguise.
- Riesz: A princess who joins Nash and Popoi on their quest. Riesz is a skilled swordswoman and a powerful leader.
- Duran: A knight who joins Nash and Popoi on their quest. Duran is a skilled swordsman and a powerful warrior.
Graphics
Sword of Mana features beautiful and detailed 3D graphics that bring the Granz Realm to life. The game’s characters, enemies, and environments are all rendered in stunning detail, and the game’s use of color and lighting is simply breathtaking.
Music
Sword of Mana’s soundtrack is composed by Hiroki Kikuta, who also composed the soundtrack for the original Seiken Densetsu 2. The soundtrack is a beautiful and memorable blend of orchestral and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the game’s sense of adventure and wonder.
Legacy
Sword of Mana is considered to be one of the best action RPGs ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating story have made it a fan favorite for over two decades. Sword of Mana has also been praised for its beautiful soundtrack and its memorable characters.
Conclusion
Sword of Mana is a timeless action RPG masterpiece that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, captivating story, and beautiful soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for an action RPG that will challenge you, entertain you, and stay with you long after you finish playing it, then Sword of Mana is the game for you.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
