As you explore the world of Qi’Diel in Visions of Mana, you’ll encounter many enemies to take down and earn EXP. If you want to? level up your party quickly, you can hunt d?own some Valorflies to get double EXP. 

Valorflies are red fairie creatures that glow, and they’re dotted around the entire map to find. Interacting with a Valorfly will double the amount of experience gained in any battle that takes plac??e within one minute of the interaction. However, interacting with a Valorfly also incre??ases the difficulty of the next battle, giving the enemies higher stats than they’d usually have. 

Once? you’ve interacted with a? Valorfly, it will disappear. However, it will return to the same position within 20 to 30 minutes, allowing you to farm EXP quickly, as long as you know where to find them. 

All Valorfly locations in Visions of Mana

T?here are a total of 60 Valorflies to find in Visions of Mana, spread across many different continents. Here’s where you can find each and every one of them. 

Valorflies on Trynia Continent

Valorflies on Manadore Continent

Valorflies on Jutu’ona Continent

Valorflies on Illsuia Isle

Valorflies on the Island of Lorimar

Valorflies on the Floating Isle of Ulul

The post Visions of Mana Valorflies locations appeared first on Destructoid.

It's hard not to feel Visions of Mana is a bit of a surprise. The Mana series has quietly stirring for some time at Square Enix's studios; the Collection of Mana, and 2020's 3D remake of Trials of Mana, all seem like trial balloons in hindsight.

Now, Visions of Mana is the first fully-fledged new entry since 2006's Dawn. The good news? It's practically overflowing with Mana charm, even when its showing some rough edges.

Visions of Mana is an action RPG that keeps to its roots in many ways. The protagonist, Val, is a bright-eyed warrior who's more th??an happy to play Soul Guard to his entrusted Alm and childhood pal Hinna. They're tasked with taking Hinna to the Mana Tree, so she and the other Alms of various elements can give their lives to keep the Mana of the land flowing.

We're off to see the Tree

Rest assured that this pilgrimage, presented straight-faced early on, begets a dark turn or two. Visions of Mana can pivot fast between tones. At one point in my journey, while I was roaming the open world, the party was reflecting on a tragic event tha?t had just transpired. Two party members discussed amongst themselves how to help someone clearly in mourning. Then, as I ran over a collectible drop of syrup that I could trade to the fantastical bears in hub towns, Val suddenly and cheerfully exclaimed, "Grrrizzleeeee!"

The tonal whiplash was so drastic, I had to pause and laugh a bit, but I don't count that as a negative. There's something inherently charming about how Visions of Mana can pivot on a dime. In one ??segment, I'm watching one of my party members cope with the crushing memories of a fatal mistake they can never take back; in another, I'm fighting little ducks with fake army helmets on called Mad Mallards. They swing giant wrecking balls around their head. They're adorable.

While the setting and dressings of the Mana series are obviously here, they feel warmly nostalgic. It's here I have to admit, this is easily the most time I've spent with a Mana game; aside from a couple hours put into the original Trials, I'm not exactly an expert on the subject. Yet even coming to it from that perspective, Visions of Mana feels comfy and nostalgic. It's funny and light-hearted, dark and serious, juggling all these tones to create a fantasy world that grows and ??deepens the further you peel back that first naïve outer layer.

Bread and butter

Adding to this notion of simple, satisfying, and surprising depth in spots is the combat. For the first few hours of Visions of Mana, fighting is going to fee??l fairly straightforward. Every action game loves its light-light-heavy combo, and though you have a few spells, they really only serve as combo-enders or casted enhancements, like lighting your weapons on fire for some elemental help.

Quickly, though, the companions start to shake things up. Careena can team up with her animal pal for some neat combos; Morley has some big Vergil energy, slic?ing and dicing foes with speed; and Palamena brings some magical prowess, alongside a flail or whatever weapon her current Vessel enables.

Vessels form the class system of Visions of Mana, letting characters aspect into certain elements. This changes their basic attacks and combos??, sometimes adding new mechanics in the process, and also lets them tap into the latent powers of that element. The Moon relates to time, and so characters usin??g the Moon Vessel can create time bubbles, slowing enemies and speeding up allies.

While its barebones elements are simple and easy to understand, there's a really satisfying rhythm to fighting once you're far enough along in Visions of Mana. The first few hours can feel repetitive, but as the game trickles out more options for build-crafting, combo-enhancing, and interesting moves to toy with, Visions can feel rew??arding to master. You're not quite stance-switching for ultra-stylish combos, but you're developing a playstyle that feels fulfilling as you rol??l over adorable monsters.

That's not to say there aren't still times where fights feel a bit drawn out, as you mash into an enemy's face and occasionally dodge. I wish some of the combo routing felt just a bit tighter. Using items mid-fight feels finnicky, as sometimes I'll have to re-input the command because it didn't register the first time. And grinding can feel tedious; even when I was fighting groups a few levels above me, an average overworld bout didn?'t feel like it gave me a ton of experience.

Boss fights are where Visions of Mana can really let loose, though, and there ar?e some great ones. A giant kraken attempting to crack your ship in half and a menacing crab named the Fullmetal Hugger are just a few highlights. Though it's still often as straightforward as targeting body parts to put the boss on their back foot, these fights can be fast, furious, and even a bit tough. I'??ve yet to wipe on a fight, but I've had some close encounters.

Party time

The stars of the show so far, i??n my eyes, have been the cast. While I don't quite have the full party yet, the Alms I've recruited thus far to fight alongside Val are all immediately charming and memorable. Careena's stand-offish attitude reflects how her upbringing raised her, a source of friction she struggles with as she seeks to leave its borders and see the world?. Palamena is concerned about her own responsibilities, but more importantly, who they fall to in her absence.

Morley is easily my favorite party member. You can usually expect a katana-wielding catboy to be a bit moody, but rather than simply being stoic or sorrowful, Morley gets to display a wide variety of emotions. I think most other stories might have just let him be the resident saddie of the group, but in Visions of Mana sees him experience and exhibit a huge range of emotions throughout my travels ?with him. Honestly, Val ends up being the most cookie-cutter of the bunch, and even he gets some real moments to shine as the gleeful cheer of the world gives way to harsh truths.

Accompanying all of this is a very bright and colorful art style and some stellar music. On the audio front, I really ha??ve no notes. I really ??enjoy the musical hits, as they convey a sense of wonder and adventure.

Graphically, Visions of Mana can both stun and stumble. Some locales, characters, and bosses look absolutely gorgeous in the PC build I've been playing. Other times, side characters don't get a flattering close-up, strange pop-ins can occur, or other visual oddities can th??row you off. I've also had more than a few problems with the camera, in and out of battle.

Looking at the spectrum of Square Enix releases over time, it's hard to find an exact spot where Visions of Mana falls. It doesn't quite feel like an ultra-high budget blockbuster, the likes of Final Fantasy XVI or Forspoken; it also doesn't feel like a smaller effort, either. It carries great legacy, ??but could ea?sily be seen as a middle tier game compared to what's gone into other titles.

Yet, it's that middle-tier vibe that makes it all the more notable to me. Visions of Mana isn't trying to force the latest PlayStation to push more pixels than it ever has. It's rekindling an old flame, resurfacing a piece of Square history that has laid quiet far longer than it sh??ould have.

Though it has a few imperfections, Visions of Mana is the exact kind of comfy, breezy, substantial RPG that wouldn't feel out of place in another era. It's a pilgrimage that moves along at a decent pace, strings together some fun fights, keeps you switching up gear and skill sets, and layers on the charming sights and sounds. It hasn't set my world on fire, but it doesn't need to. Visions of Mana already won a ?spot in my heart by just being itself.

The post Visions of Mana is a comfy new entry for a class??ic Square fra??nchise appeared first on Destructoid.

After being announced in December 2023, those who have been waiting for Visions of Mana to become a more tangible entity finally have a chance to get a han??ds on experience with the game’s demo.

The first addition to the Mana series in 15 years, Visions of Mana is set to release fully on August 29 on Xbox, PlayStation and PC (via Microsoft Store and Steam). If you’ve been waiting for the next in??stallment, you can now get a hands on experience by downloading and playing the demo. 

The demo?? takes place part way through Chapter 1, and players have the change to explore Rime Falls, Fallow Steppe and Rhata Harbo??r. In the latter, you have a chance to purchase new gear and weapons, which is good, because the demo culminates in a challenging battle with the first Chapter's boss, the Kraken.

Within the demo, you play as Val alongside three pa?rty members (Careena, Hinna, and Morley), and experience a range of classes including Wind and Moon. You'll also encounter many field enemies, and even this little cutie, who goes largely unexplai?ned.

Sadly, any save data from the demo will not be passed on to the full release, although there’s? an incentive to play and save your progress. If you do, you’ll? be rewarded with three weapons for Val once you purchase the full game and progress as far as Chapter 1 - Gladius, Lux, and Horn Lance. 

You’ll be able to equip Gladius as soon as Val becomes pla??yable in Chapter 1, while Falx and Horn Lance will become usable once it’s possible to change to the Wind or Moon classes respectively.

The Visions of Mana demo is available ?on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC now. If you're playing on PC, I strongly recommend using a controller.

The post Visions of Mana has a demo out for Playstation, Xbox, and P??C appeared first on Destructoid.

The August 2024 games lineup is surprisingly heavy with releases based on a?? galaxy far, far, away, and a colourful, expansive JRPG world to explore. Let's take a look at so??me of the bigger releases!

Black Myth: Wukong (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: Game Science
Developer: Game Science
Price: $59.99
Release Date: August 20
Trailer

Following up Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Black Myth Wukong seems to be the next epic action RPG to get excited about. Steeped in Chinese mythology, this game has us play as the Destined One trying to ??complete their journey to the West. We'll be using a staff, in addition to multiple spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to help vanquish the foes that stand in our way. If the game's visuals are anything like the gameplay trailers so far, we should be in for an eye-pleasing treat as well.

Keep in mind, however, that there has been an alleged problematic work culture within Game Science, as reported by IGN.

Concord (PS5, PC)

Publisher: PlayStation
Developer: Firewalk Studios
Price: $39.99
Release Date: August 23
Trailer

I have to admit, I wasn't sure if Concord should make the most anticipated list for the August 2024 games lineup, but it is a first-party game from one of the industry's brightest publishers, PlayStation. Trying to take a bite from the live-service audience who plays games like Overwatch and Paladins, this hero shoote??r stars vibrant personalities with wildly different playstyles.

These Freegunners charge into their foes head-on in Braun Strowman-like WWE fashion, use a vacuum as an offensive weapon, and can see through walls utilizing stealth abilities. It does feel different from its competition, but the game doesn't seem to stand out in a crowded market, especially after a poor first impression with PlayStation fans. It feels late to the party for many. At least there will be some sort of narrative ele??ment with a new cutscene released every week. Hopef?ully, it will overcome the odds and become a success when it launches on August 23.

Madden NFL 25 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: EA
Developer: Tiburon
Price: $69.99
Release Date: August 16
Trailer

America's favorite pastime is back in the gaming world with Madden NFL 25 after the successful debut of College Football 25. In this year's Madden, EA has FieldSense which has a new physics-based tackling system that "unlocks realistic collisions and new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball," according to the game's Steam page. There's also a new Ball Carrier Balance System alongside other features to make the game hopefu??lly more realistic than ever.

Those looking for new plays on the pitch will be happy with Madden NFL 25. EA says they're "from some of the game’s most inventive team playbooks." If you pre-order the NFL 25 Deluxe Edition, you can get three days of earl??y access.

Star Wars Outlaws (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Price: $69.99
Release Date: August 30
Trailer

Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft's next huge open-world game to explore, and this time we'll be taking the role of a bounty hunter Kay Vess, who is accepting high-stakes missions across the galaxy. Your decisions will make an impact as your allegiances with factions in the game determine Kay's future and reputation. In addition to shooting foes with your blaster and exploring the first open-world Star Wars game, you'll be flying into space with the Trailblazer. You'll even take part in? dogfights against the likes of the Stormtroopers?? and pirates among the stars.

Our preview said the space combat plays similarly to Star Wars Squadrons, stating that "Dodging asteroids and space debris while flying around and dealing with enemies is always a good time, and it looks like the systems for doing so are a big part of Star Wars Outlaws rather than just an added sub-feature."

Visions of Mana (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)

Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix
Price: $59.99
Release Date: August 29
Trailer

Visions of Mana seems to strike many aspects of a JRPG fans crave from the genre. It has vibrant graphics with an anime-inspired art style, a seemingly fast-paced action-RPG combat system, and large open areas to explore with different biomes to find. You can also ride on an adorable dog-like creature called a pikul. This is a big deal for many Square Enix fans as this will be the first new Mana game in 15 years.

"The open zones and linear battle sections tying together, with elemental traversal and good, solid action, layered over with great art and music, all give me the feeling of booting up an RPG classic on a Saturday morning," said our preview.

Honorable Mentions

The August 2024 games lineup is jam-packed with exciting titles, so it was difficult to choose just five games to feature in this article. For example, there's a promising indie sequel Cat Quest III on the horizon. The next World of Warcraft expansion is also heading our way.

• Tomba! Special Edition (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) â€?August 1
• Closer the Distance (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - August 2
• World of Goo 2 (PC, Switch, iOS, Linux) - August 2
• Creatures of Ava (Xbox Series X|S, PC) - August 7
• Cat Quest III (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) - August 8
• Deathbound (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - August 8
• Steamworld Heist II (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)
• Should of Giants: Ultimate (PS5, PC) - August 12
• Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse Remastered (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) - August 14
• Dustborn (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC) - August 20
• Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds (PC) - August 20
• World of Warcraft: The War Within (PC, Mac) - August 26
• Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club (Switch) - August 29
• Gori: Cuddly Carnage (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC)
• Gundam Breaker 4 (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) - August 29

The post Here are the most anticipated August 2024 games appeared first on Destructoid.

Square Enix has finally revealed the release date for its Mana follow-up, Visions of Mana. The game is arriving on console and PC on August 29, still well within the previously established summer 2024 launch window.

Square dropped the news earlier today along with? a nearly four-minute launch trailer showcasing characters, enemies, and the game's gorgeous world. There do seem to be some hints at plot turns in the trailer, so you may want to avoid it if you want to be unspoiled. Granted, what's being revealed appears to be rather light.

The series returns in August

Visions of Mana isn't a remake or remaster, but a new game in the 33-year-old series (and the first in 15 years). You play as Val, tasked with guarding his friend Hinna as they travel to the Tree of Mana. The trailer introduces two more playable characters in the form of Palamena and Julei, whom you can toss into your three-person battle group ahead of fights. Visions of Mana is an action RPG like its many predecessors, allowing?????????????????????????? you to wield weapons or elements to defeat foes.

As someone who only knows of the Mana series by reputation, I can say that Visions of Mana may make me commit. The trailer, which sweeps you across the game's many beautiful environments, glows like a warm ember. It was hard to tear my eyes away. But graphics aren't everything, of course, and thankfully it seems like the combat looks fla?shy and energetic enough to keep you from lulling into a slumber from th??e game's comfy aesthetic.

Square Enix also revealed different purchase editions for Visions of Mana. One, naturally, come??s with an early access incentive, since that seems to be en vogue these days.

Here they are, courtesy of Square Enix:

• Digital:

  • Standard Edition
  • Digital Deluxe Edition â€?Includes Mana Superstars Costume Set, Mana Series BGM Bundle and 24 hours Early Access

    • Digital Deluxe Upgrade â€?Can be purchased to upgrade previously purchased digital Standard Edition, adding Digital Deluxe Edition contents
    • Players who purchased Physical Standard Edition can obtain the same content as the “Digital Deluxe Upgradeâ€?by purchasing the “Mana Superstars Costume Setâ€?and “Mana Series BGM Bundle,â€?sold separately.

• Physical:

  • Standard Edition
  • Collector’s Edition â€?Includes Ramcoh Plush, ART of MANA SPECIAL ISSUE (Art Book), Visions of Mana Original Soundtrack Collector’s Edition Special Box

Visions of Mana is arriving on August 29, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via MS Store and Steam.

The post Visions of? Mana gets a console and PC release date ??for late August appeared first on Destructoid.

Some RPGs sell themselves on epic, sweeping tales. Others on their complex, robust battle systems, or their unique approach to actual role-playing. Visions of Mana doesn't necessarily lack in these departments, ??but its draw for me after some time spent in its world is simply cozy,?? familiar comfort.

I was surprised that was the takeaway, after spending roughly 45 minutes or so blasting through a two-part demo at PAX East 2024. To be clear, I don't hold any particular nostalgia for the Mana series, as I never played it growing up. Any personal attachment I have is mostly for the Secret of Mana box art, an all-timer if ever there was one.

Yet the second I started swinging weapons and bashing monsters in the overworld of Visions of Mana, it felt familiar, like I'd done this before. Maybe it was the influence of the Mana series surfacing. Or maybe Visions of Mana is just a cozy adventure to mosey through.

There's always a hero, there's always a tree

Val, the hero of Visions of Mana, is a guard for his elemental al??m and childhood friend Hinna. Th?e two are off on a journey, a pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana, and countless perils and obstacles likely await.

I didn't get a great sense of what the story is about in Visions of Mana, aside? from a trip to the Tree of Mana and dealing with a lot of elemental affinities along the way. I'll say that I didn't really need an infusion of story to sell ??me on this, either. Most of the setting and vibe is communicated through the world and its characters.

Visions of Mana is bright and cheerful, even in frigid areas like the snowy Mt. Gala I battled my way across. Characters like Morley and Careena, my two party members alongside Val, clearly stick out. The world incorporates much of the Mana iconography you'd expect, and that's on purpose, as Mana producer Masaru Oyamada explains to me in an??? interview after the demo.

"In terms of the world building, really, we started off with the visual of the Mana tree and kind of built things around that," said Oyamada. "Thinking again, about you know, how much of an?? expansive field we wanted to achieve with this game. We originally started by kind of assessing the technological elements, how feasible that would be, and through that, that was really how we built the game and the world within the game."

The open fields are fun to run around in, either on foot or on the back of the pikul, adorable dogs that ??act as the party's mounts. They are perfect, and I swear to protect?? them from all harm.

This also means a world full of quests to accomplish, whether on the main path or through side quests. Oyamada says there will be reason to back-track too, thanks to the traversal options that different elemental triggers in the world offer. For example, the vessel of Sylphid, the Wind elemental, can control air currents; and so when faced with a rocky outcropping without many places to p??latform across, an elemental trigger can open new paths across.

Scrappin' time

I also got a chance to dig into Visions of Mana's combat, which sees your team of three fight monsters and enemies in real-time, action-RPG combat. To put it simply, fighting feels good in Visions of Mana. Move sets are fairly simple, with two standard attacks and a small allotment of extra moves based on your class. It'll feel right at home for a??nyone who's played an action RPG in recent years.

The customization and skill application comes in when you start accounting for classes. Different elemental vessels open up new classes for each character, not only changing their arsenal of attacks, but incorporating elemental effects into their strikes. The Vessel of the Moon, for example, can create pockets of slowed time. I had Careena pick up the Luna Globe and she became a Moon Charterer, dropping tiny pockets of slowed time like Dio from JoJo's, freezing enemies for Val and Morley to beat up.

Each character feels distinct in their own way, though. Morley wields blades and knives, at times reminding me a bit of Vergil from the Devil May Cry series. Val, meanwhile, has big Protagonist energy, often taking up the vanguard and providing defensive options on the field. I didn't get a great feel for Careena, as her moves felt pretty varied?? between classes, but she definitely came off as both technical and able to really employ elemental effects. Oyamada says the team definitely wanted each character's actions to reflect their individual personality and characteristics, and that comes across.

There are plenty of options, but they rarely felt overbearing. Even the difficulty felt tuned just right; fights had some challenge, some push-back, but I still managed to cruise through without too much trouble. I did run into a pack of? ultr??a-high level foes in a lower level area, which seems like either a reason to return or a challenge waiting, for those willing to dare it.

A new Mana after all these years

It might feel a bit superficial to simply say, "Visions of Mana is a comfort food RPG," but it really is. Characters wear their emotions on their sleeve, the world is bright,?? the combat is fast and enjoyable and rarely feels arduous. The music, something the team has talked about before in a recent Xbox showcase, ties it all together to fee??l like a grand journey.

On my end, I was curious why the team finally chose to pull the rip cord on a new Mana. While the series has seen some remakes and re-releases, this is the first fully new Mana game in over 15 years. As Oyamada puts?? it, the tea?m had been working on remakes, but throughout the process he did think about what would be a good way to create a new installment.

"But at the time, you know, a lot of the original staff members who worked on the game, including [Koichi Ishii], had actually left the company," Oyamada told me. "So again, you know, I was very much focused on, what can I do? In terms of like, if I were to make a new installment, what would be a version of it that people would accept? What would be, sort of, a game that would be worthy of being called Mana?"

Trials of Mana, the 3D remake of Seiken Densetsu 3, is the "big turning point" that Oyamada identifies.?? It was ambitious and fairly well received, and it got the team thinking about what it could do for a new installment.

Series creator Ishii had his own philosophy for the Mana series where, according to Oyamada, he wanted? to give himself a "challenge," in terms of making something new and in game systems. But Oyamada approaches it from the sta?ndpoint of "someone who just loves the series."

"And so whether that be you know, the monster designs that [Ishii] originally came up with, or whether that be the visuals of the Mana tree," said Oyamada. "Or whether that be, you know, like the way the system and the lore with which like, these elemental spirits reside in this world. I've always felt that those are some of the strongest parts of the past games, and so I wanted to be able to incorporate th??em into this newest game too."

Indeed, Visions of Mana feels like a passion project from a Mana fan. It's a sentiment that comes across even to me, someone not quite so well-read in his Mana. But I also think Oyamada and the Visions of Mana team are tackling something fresh here, too. The open zones and linear battle sections tying together, with elemental traversal and good, solid action, layered over with great art and music, all gives me the feeling of booting up an RPG classic on a Saturday morning. It's even pushing the established envelope a bit on the tech side. Oyamada says that scope of work from increased platforms, and what the team wants to achieve on the technical side, are why Visions is launching where it is; notably, not on Switch.

Maybe that's what Visions of Mana ends up being: a cozy Saturday morning RPG. If it does achieve that, I think it'll be something worth keeping an eye on. Visions of Mana is currently planned for summer 2024 on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, ??and PC.

The post Visions of ?Mana preview: Creature comforts in RPG form appeared first on Destructoid.

Recently the Xbox page for Visions of Mana made news, as it cit??ed the upcoming Square Enix RPG would be included as part of Xbox Game Pass at launch. Today we learned it was just a big mistake.

Game Pass owners thought they had a gem inbound for the subscription platform. X users, like Idle Sloth ??below, celebrated the Xbox reveal of the big Day One get.

Eurogamer reached out to Microsft to get clarification?? on the listing. A Microsoft spokesperson responded to the outlet to confirm that the mention of Game Pass was indeed a mistake.

"We're aware that Xbox.com included language that indicated Visions of Mana was coming to Xbox Game Pass and can confirm this was an error," the spokesperson told Eurogamer. Microsoft concluded its statement by confirming: "We do not have plans to bring Visions of Mana to Game Pass at this time."

When Microsoft rolled out its Xbox Developer's Direct on January 23, Visions of Mana was a surprise inclusion within the showcase. The game looked great, and Series X|S owners were rightfully excited to finally get some love from ??Square Enix on their platform.

With the promotional partnership between Xbox and Square Enix during the Developer's Direct, fans who spotted the Game Pass mention on the Vision of Mana page would have little reason to doubt the game's inclusion. Now, it looks like Xbox Series X|S owners will have to purchase the awesome-looking action-RPG when it releases alongside PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC versi?ons later this ?summer.

The post Xbox says Visions of Mana isn’t coming to Game Pass appeared first on Destructoid.

Today's Xbox Developer Direct had a surprise guest appearance from a third party. Square Enix cut into the stream to show off more of its upcoming Visions of Mana, and confirm a Summer 2024 release window.

The unannounced guest made its appearance directly after Obsidian and Ninja Theory's presentations, to share new details about the next entry in the Mana series. This w?ill actually be the first entry in the series to hit Xbox consoles, so today's ?appearance on the stream was a bit of a surprise, to say the least.

Much of Visions of Mana looks like Square Enix building on the foundations of its Trials of Mana remake. Fully 3D action-RPG combat, with a bright, colorful look is fitting for the Mana series, after all. But the sh??ow-stealer for me was the pikul, a dog-like companion the player can ride around on.

The pikul apparently sta?rted out as something of a mix, incorporating both Yorkshire terrier and a pangolin. I love the pikul, and will protect the pikul, and prevent any harm from befalling the pikul.

New visions

Square also talked a bit about its musical score, which will ?have 100 songs total, and adapt as the player enters combat. It's a reall?y cool effect to hear in practice, and I'm really intrigued to hear it play out in the overworld once the RPG is out.

It's really cool to see the Mana series get this kind of push. A decade ago, the idea of a new Mana game getting shown alongside the likes of an Indiana Jones title and Avowed would've been wild. It really does seem like Xbox is courting a wider range of third-party developers. And man, Visions of Mana is looking solid.

We'll see if the series still has that action-RPG magic when Visions of Mana arrives in Summer 2024.

The post Visions of Mana locks in for this? summer, and has a giant adorable dog appeared first on Destructoid.