Trials of Mana vs. Secret of Mana: Which Mana Game Reigns Supreme?
Exploring the world of Mana? Good choice! Now you face a gamer issue: “Which one to play first?” You look at Trials of Mana and Secret of Mana. Both are great action RPGs. Let’s analyze which adventure is worth your gaming hours.
Game Length: How Much Mana Time Do You Have?
Time is precious, especially for gaming. Here’s the breakdown:
- Trials of Mana: Main story? Expect about 20-24 hours. For completion, get ready for around 43 hours to find every secret.
- Secret of Mana: Slightly quicker at about 22 hours. Collectors seeking 100% will need about 35 hours. Some finish the main quest closer to 16.5 hours and ultimate completion around 31 hours.
Verdict: Trials of Mana has longer playtime for completionists. Overall, both games are close in length. Neither will consume your entire year.
Gameplay and Mechanics: From Pixels to Polygons
Let’s discuss gameplay. Both games are action RPGs, but let’s compare their mechanics:
- Trials of Mana: This is a 3D remake of the classic 1995 Super Nintendo game
Seiken Densetsu 3 . It maintains the top-down perspective but in 3D. You control a party of three in real-time combat. A unique feature is the class change system. At level 18, players can change class at any Mana Stone. Again at level 38, using an item from endgame dungeons, you upgrade at a Mana Statue. Post-game, there’s a third class change after defeating the final boss. - Secret of Mana: Released in 1993, this game was revolutionary. It allowed co-op play with two friends. Remember needing a Multitap for three-player action on SNES? The game focuses on real-time combat, weapon upgrades using orbs, and leveling weapon skills through use, which unleashes stronger attacks. The story serves gameplay. Players often enjoyed the experience without complaints. RPGFan’s review captures the magic!
Verdict: Trials of Mana modernizes mechanics with 3D graphics and a deeper class system. Secret of Mana’s legacy stems from its co-op gameplay and weapon progression. It depends on whether you like retro charm or a modern upgrade.
Story and Characters: A Tale of Mana and… More Mana
Now, let’s talk story! Are these games telling memorable tales?
- Trials of Mana: This game retells the SNES original but adds extra content. It feels fresh, even for veterans. Character origins, villain reveals, and relationships shift based on protagonist choices. Romance options exist! CBR offers a useful guide for team selection.
- Secret of Mana: The story primarily drives gameplay. It’s a classic good versus evil tale with a memorable conclusion. Spoiler alert: the sprite ascends, the girl goes home, and Randi, the hero, returns to Potos with the Mana Sword. Simple yet effective.
Verdict: Trials of Mana has a branching narrative due to character choices. Conversely, Secret of Mana maintains a straightforward classic tale. Choose Trials for depth and variation or Secret for simplicity.
Difficulty: Mana-ging the Challenge
Will these games overwhelm or provide a smooth journey?
- Trials of Mana: Brace yourself for “the wall boss” and “Bill & Ben.” They are among the toughest non-optional boss fights. Expect quite a challenge there.
- Secret of Mana: This game lacks specific rage-inducing bosses. Instead, the challenge arises from managing three characters simultaneously, especially in co-op. Figuring things out without guides added extra difficulty.
Verdict: Trials of Mana showcases distinct difficulty spikes with certain bosses. Secret of Mana’s challenge comes from resource management and classic RPG learning curves. Neither is brutally hard by today’s standards, but expect some tough moments.
Characters: Meet the Mana Crew
Time to meet our characters!
- Trials of Mana:
- Duran: Your typical hero type. A solid main character choice, especially for beginners. He gains support spells through class changes.
- Angela: A powerful mage. She deals high elemental damage but needs time to unlock her full potential. She has low defense, so support characters help. Fun fact: Angela is the oldest at 19.
- Charlotte: Cute but capable. Built well as a Sage or Warlock for offense and support. She’s one of the youngest at 15.
- Riesz: Unique to Trials and designed by Nobuteru Yūki. Recognizable for her long blonde ponytail.
- Kevin: Another 15-year-old prodigy, often paired with Charlotte.
- Secret of Mana:
- Randi: The hero and chosen one.
- Popoi: The sprite child whose gender varies based on language!
Verdict: Trials of Mana features a diverse cast thanks to the class change system. Secret of Mana keeps it simpler with its iconic trio.
Connections and Relationships: The Mana-verse
How do these titles fit into the wider Mana universe?
- Mana Series: The series started in 1991 as
Final Fantasy Adventure . Secret of Mana was initially codenamed “Chrono Trigger” during development. Trials of Mana is the fourth in the series. Square Enix emphasizes thatVisions of Mana is a new mainline entry after years. Trials borrows from Secret in gameplay. Thematically, all games share elements like the Mana Tree but narratively differ, akin to Tolkien’sLord of the Rings . - Final Fantasy: Originally a Final Fantasy side story, it quickly developed its identity. The connections were mostly discarded after the first title.
- Zelda: One reviewer noted that Secret of Mana felt larger than Zelda due to its vast content and monsters. Praise indeed!
- Chrono Trigger: The codename story links Secret’s early development to the legendary game.
Verdict: Both games are ingrained in the Mana series. They connect to major titles like Final Fantasy and Zelda. Understanding these links enhances the gaming experience of either Trials or Secret of Mana.
Remakes and Remasters: Mana Makeovers
Let’s clarify remakes versus remasters.
- Trials of Mana: This is a complete 3D remake of the SNES original. It offers new visuals, gameplay improvements, and extra content.
- Secret of Mana: There’s a “3D remastered version,” but it’s more…
- It is a remake with fresh 3D graphics. The approach is like Trials of Mana.
Verdict: Both games received 3D updates. They blur the line between “remaster” and “remake.” Trials of Mana is a clear remake. Secret of Mana’s 3D version is often called remastered. Both have visual and gameplay upgrades.
Sales and Reception: Mana-ia Thrives
Did players embrace these games?
- Trials of Mana: A solid success! Over one million copies sold worldwide by early 2021. Nintendo Life praised the original Trials of Mana as a top RPG from the 16-bit era.
- Legend of Mana: Famitsu rated it 31/40. It led sales charts on release. Later, it got a re-release in the “Ultimate Hits” series.
Verdict: Both titles achieved critical and commercial success. The Mana series shows enduring appeal in the RPG landscape. They are not just old games; they remain beloved classics.
DLC and Post-Game Content: Extra Fun?
Want bonus content?
- Trials of Mana: It features the “Rabite Adornment DLC,” often included in pre-orders. There is also a post-game chapter, Chapter 10, unlocked after the main nine chapters.
Verdict: Trials of Mana gives extra content with DLC and the post-game chapter. Secret of Mana, in its original format, was more self-contained.
Play Trials of Mana Before Visions of Mana?
With
- Not required, but it helps. Knowing the Mana series enhances your
Visions of Mana experience, though it is not a direct sequel. It’s like watching Marvel films: you can start anywhere, but backstory adds depth.
Verdict: Playing Trials of Mana or Secret of Mana gives you a strong base in the Mana universe. This knowledge makes
Final Verdict: “Better” is a matter of opinion. Trials of Mana provides a fresh 3D take with extensive character customization and a branching story. Secret of Mana remains a classic, offering co-op magic and nostalgic feelings. You can choose either one! Flip a coin if unsure and enjoy your adventure!
