When it comes to RPGs, especially the ones from Japan, we’re all pretty familiar with certain tropes and traditions. Whether it’s Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, or Pokémon, these series have their own recurring themes that fans have come to expect. What makes some of these games stand out is how they play with these expectations, either by embracing them or turning them on their head. Visions of Mana finds a sweet spot between honoring its roots and adapting to the changes in the genre over time.

Visions of Mana takes the classic themes that the franchise is known for—like the iconic Mana Tree and the legendary sword—and spins them into a fresh, self-contained story. This time, you’re introduced to a whole new set of characters on a brand-new adventure. In this world, different communities are built around the unique elements of nature, all of which are sustained by the mythical Mana Tree. The tree’s health depends on a pilgrimage that happens every four years, with each elemental community sending an “Alm” to participate, guided by a Soul Guard. Val, our protagonist, finds himself on this pilgrimage, but things quickly escalate into something far bigger as secrets about their world start coming to light.

Now, I don’t want to spoil too much of the story because it’s definitely something you should experience for yourself. What I can say is that Visions of Mana does a great job of weaving in the lore from previous games while also digging into some deeper themes. Sure, it eventually circles back to the usual swords-and-sorcery fare, but not before exploring ideas like personal freedom versus rigid belief systems. It’s a thought-provoking journey that feels relevant to the adventure at hand.

The main storyline will probably take you around 30 to 35 hours if you’re just focusing on saving the world and hitting those big story beats. But if you’re the type who likes to explore every nook and cranny, you’re looking at closer to 60 hours. Even with some heavier moments in the narrative, the game maintains that signature Mana charm, making the world feel inviting and warm—a place you’ll want to spend time in, rather than rush through.

That said, be prepared for a fair amount of “fetch” quests. It seems like every NPC you meet has been waiting for someone to come along and handle their most mundane tasks, even when you’ve got way bigger things on your plate. Still, some side quests are genuinely enjoyable, like a series where you hunt for spots that match certain paintings. These quests encourage you to really explore the environment and uncover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. However, the game’s commitment to certain genre conventions does have its downsides—like making you manually travel between continents despite having a fast travel system. It can be a bit of a drag.

When it comes to progression, Visions of Mana introduces some interesting mechanics centered around the world’s eight elements. As you travel across different lands, you’ll collect legendary “Elemental Vessels” that not only help you get around—think wind-powered platforms or bridges of light—but also open up a whole new layer of gameplay with the game’s unique class system. Each character can equip any of these vessels, essentially giving them access to eight different classes, each with its own abilities, buffs, gear, and look.

Early on, the combat might seem a bit repetitive, but as you unlock more classes and abilities, things start to get really interesting. The key isn’t just in how you fight, but in how you set up your party. This might sound obvious for an RPG, but it’s especially true here. Without the right combination of characters, elemental vessels, and gear, even a lower-level enemy can give you trouble. On the flip side, with the right setup, you can breeze through tougher fights. And for those who love a challenge, the game encourages you to constantly switch up your classes and experiment with different builds—turning tough battles into puzzles where you need to figure out the best strategy to win.

Visions of Mana is also a visual treat. The game’s art style is stunning, relying more on thoughtful design and a clear artistic vision than on flashy technology. Every area you visit is vibrant and full of life, often looking like a beautifully crafted piece of concept art. The character designs, especially the different outfits for each class, are a joy to discover. However, on the PS5, you might notice some performance dips, especially if you’re playing in “Quality” mode. The frame rate can drop in busy scenes, so you might want to switch to “Performance” mode if that bothers you.

While the visuals are mostly top-notch, the sound design doesn’t quite hit the same high notes. The music has its moments, with some memorable themes that enhance the experience, but there are also plenty of tracks that are just okay. The voice acting is solid for the most part, but there’s a noticeable lack of lip-syncing with the English audio, which can be a bit distracting.

One of the game’s biggest annoyances, though, is the repetition of certain voice lines during exploration and combat. For example, Val has only two lines when picking up a bit of Grizzly syrup, and you’ll hear them every single time—which, trust me, happens a lot. After 50 hours, you might start hearing those lines in your sleep. It’s a common issue in RPGs, but it feels especially grating here.

Despite these minor hiccups, Visions of Mana is a standout in the genre. It successfully blends the beloved elements of the Mana series with modern gameplay mechanics, offering a deep and satisfying experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this game is well worth your time.