Secret of Mana HD
- February 15, 2018
There is a lot wrong with this remake and a lot of missed opportunities in terms of updating a game for the modern age, but at its core, it is still Secret of Mana and that is a game that everyone should play at least once.
"Secret of Mana HD" is a 3D remake of the popular 1993 game, now with updated graphics, controls, voiced characters, and a newly arranged musical score. This version includes new content, special DLC armor that changes character appearances, and customizable wallpapers. Experience the classic adventure of Randi, Primm, and Popoi like never before.
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Reviews
- The remake retains the charm and personality of the original game, making it enjoyable for fans.
- New interludes and character development add depth to the story and gameplay experience.
- Local co-op multiplayer is a great feature, allowing up to three players to enjoy the game together.
- The combat system feels outdated and clunky, failing to modernize the experience.
- Numerous technical issues, including glitches and performance problems, detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The remake does not address many of the original's flaws, leaving some players feeling disappointed.
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its nostalgic quality and the presence of two great soundtracks. However, some players criticize certain remixed tracks for sounding off and feel that the music upscaling has not met expectations. Overall, while the soundtrack retains its charm, it also faces scrutiny for inconsistencies and missed opportunities for improvement.
“A fresh way to have a new generation play this classic JRPG, the new modern art style, and that soundtrack is as good as ever.”
“The music has some high notes, a heavy dose of pure nostalgia, and the original experience is kept intact.”
“Impressive sprite work, the music slaps.”
“It fails to make any revolutionary changes to the gameplay, forgoing an opportunity to improve on one of the all-time classic games, and the changes it does make (particularly the music) are hard to swallow at times.”
“The AI, gameplay, and battle system are only slightly improved, with lots of old annoyances and bad elements remaining. The music upscaling is largely an insulting failure.”
“There are some weird menu choices, and you often don't have the information you need regarding items. The remixed soundtrack features too much accordion.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the remastered game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the bright and distinctive updated visuals and modern art style that enhance the classic experience. However, others criticize the dated and generic character models, technical issues, and a lack of retro charm, leading to a perception of inconsistency in quality. Overall, while the remaster aims to capture the essence of the original, opinions vary on its visual execution.
“The secret of Mana remaster was highly anticipated by a lot of fans and overall manages to capture the experience of playing the original within an all new outer shell of upscale graphics and new sound.”
“The redone graphics look good. Two great soundtracks. Fun combat system. The option to play local co-op. Incredibly charming. Engaging characters.”
“Updated graphics are bright, vivid, and distinctive; remixed tunes showcase some unique new instrumentation; characters are much more developed, and a joy to journey with; combat system is still marvelously complex.”
“The graphics manage to look dated, yet not retro enough.”
“Forgettable, lackluster 3D graphics.”
“Generic art style, poor character models, technical problems.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its quirky charm and depth added by new interludes, while others criticize it for being overshadowed by performance issues and a lack of engaging content. Many players feel that the remake fails to capture the fun of the original, resulting in a dull narrative and tedious gameplay. Overall, the story is seen as a significant letdown compared to its predecessor.
“The story is as affably zany as ever, with new interludes adding depth to your party, nicely varied locales and quests, and it lacks the fluff endemic to newer RPGs. It's still a great local co-op option.”
“Somehow, it manages to take the original and, honestly, it makes it worse… the same story and the same game are still here at its heart, but it's hidden away under so many layers of imperfections and issues that it's almost indistinguishable.”
“Dull story, tedious gameplay, cumbersome controls.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some praising its approachable nature and surprising depth, particularly in multiplayer battles, while others criticize it for lacking revolutionary changes and retaining old frustrations. Additionally, issues such as cumbersome controls and a dull story detract from the overall experience.
“Approachable gameplay with surprising depth, multiplayer battling still feels novel, new inn cutscenes and game logs help keep the action moving.”
“It fails to make any revolutionary changes to the gameplay, forgoing an opportunity to improve on one of the all-time classic games, and the changes it does make (particularly the music) are hard to swallow at times.”
“[AI, gameplay, and battle system only slightly improved; lots of old annoyances and bad elements remain. Music upscaling is largely an insulting failure, characters look bad up close, and don’t move their mouths.]”
“[Dull story, tedious gameplay, cumbersome controls.]”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for numerous glitches and buggy AI, which detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the retro combat mechanics and lackluster visual and audio upgrades contribute to a sense of instability and dissatisfaction among players.
“Visual and audio upgrades are so-so, combat is too retro for its own good, and there are lots of weird glitches.”
“It never captures the charm of the original, has buggy AI, and the new features actively make the experience worse.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, characterized by monotonous combat against uninspiring enemies and cumbersome controls. The overall experience is marred by a lackluster story and dated graphics that fail to evoke nostalgia.
“Tedious combat against tiresome monsters, backtracking and repetition, graphics manage to look dated, yet not retro enough.”
“Dull story, tedious gameplay, cumbersome controls.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for performance issues and frequent crashes, leading to a clunky and unresponsive combat experience. Additionally, the poor voice acting and lackluster story further detract from overall gameplay quality.
“The performance issues and crashes make it nearly impossible to enjoy the game.”
“Combat feels clunky and unresponsive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The terrible voice acting and uninteresting story further highlight the lack of optimization.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its lovable protagonists and the integration of elegant RPG systems, which together create a backdrop for some great, strange, and funny moments that enhance the overall experience.
“The lovable protagonists and elegant RPG systems create some great, strange, and funny moments.”
“The humor in this game is both clever and unexpected, making every encounter a delight.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations throughout the game.”
Critic Reviews
Secret of Mana Review – A Remake That Plays to its Strengths
Conventional wisdom would say the new Secret of Mana isn’t a great remake. It doubles down on the stuff that already works while leaving the original game’s most glaring flaws largely untouched. That said, I still enjoyed this new package. Secret of Mana was always about charm and personality over polish. Yes, the game remains a bit of a mess, but that special spark at its core burns brighter than ever. If you loved the original game, or are just in the mood for something light and quirky, this remake strikes true.
80%Secret Of Mana Remake
A Fall From Grace
65%Secret of Mana Review
As the era of remakes continues on and on, with the recent confirmation of the original Shenmue games finally receiving their long-awaited remaster later this year, this is not a good example to look to for what's in store. If this is indicative of what to expect, the Final Fantasy VII faithful are right to be concerned for what their upcoming drastically different remake has in store. Somehow, it manages to take the original and, honestly, it makes it worse… The same story and the same game are still here at its heart, but it's hidden away under so many layers of imperfections and issues that it's almost indistinguishable. Frankly, it's a better idea to grab a SNES mini and enjoy the original instead. Horribly disappointing.
40%
