Secret of Mana
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‘Final Fantasy Adventure’ was everything I hoped for 25 years later
25 years after its release, Final Fantasy Adventure (the first game in the Secret of Mana series) is still an effective RPG.
Square Enix slashes prices on its ‘Final Fantasy’ Switch games
RPG fans who are stuck at home and need some bang for their buck might want to check out Square Enix's sale on the Nintendo Switch eShop. All of the main Final Fantasy games available on the Switch are on sale for 40 to 50 percent off, and titles from Square Enix's other RPG series like Romancing Saga and Star Ocean have been discounted as well. Gamers may want to revisit Final Fantasy VII in particular -- down from $15.99 to $7.99 -- since the game's highly anticipated remake will finally be out on April 10th.
'Collection of Mana' brings classic action RPGs to Switch
Square Enix's RPG nostalgia isn't just limited to revamping Final Fantasy games. The developer is releasing Collection of Mana, a bundle of the first three games in the Mana series, on the Nintendo Switch later on June 11th (that's today, if you're reading this in time). They're straightforward ports, but might just hit the spot if you have fond memories of playing the action RPGs in your youth. This is also notable for completists -- it's the first time Trials of Mana (aka Seiken Densetsu 3) has been available in the US.
Curtain Call DLC channels Chrono Trigger, SaGa, FF14, Secret of Mana
Just last month, Square Enix released what it stated was the last planned DLC for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call. The developer's plans thankfully seem to have changed however, as a report from Dengeki Online (as translated by Siliconera) notes extra, impending DLC tracks featuring tunes from Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy 14 and the SaGa series. A bulletpoint outline is available after the break for this batch of tracks, which will arrive on Japan's 3DS eShop on December 24 for 150 yen apiece (though "Ultima" and "Hard to Miss" will be free for the first two weeks). Square Enix hasn't shared plans to bring the DLC encore stateside, but hopefully it will succumb to the gift-giving spirit and spread the love.
Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest games discounted on mobile
If you've been jonesing for some retro-styled RPG questing but stopped short of buying your favorites when you saw Square Enix's premium mobile game prices, your patience has paid off. Many games in the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest franchises are now available from iTunes and Google Play at steep discounts as part of Square Enix's Mobile Holiday Sale. Starting this week, you can pick up remade mobile ports of Final Fantasy 1 and 2 for $3.99 apiece. Final Fantasy 3 through 6 are up for grabs at $7.99 each, and Final Fantasy Tactics is currently on sale for $6.99. Dragon Quest series fans get some love with price drops for Dragon Quest 2 ($2.99) and Dragon Quest 8 ($12.99). If SNES throwbacks are your thing, you might also want to grab Chrono Trigger at $4.99 and Secret of Mana for $3.99. Sale prices are in effect through January 5. [Image: Square Enix)
Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts music from Tokyo Philharmonic
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra recorded Symphonic Fantasies Tokyo, a live album of classic video game music, during its two days of sold-out shows in 2012. The performance includes orchestral renditions of music from Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross – and the full album is now available worldwide on iTunes, courtesy of X5 Music Group. Kingdom Hearts composer Yoko Shimomura says of the new album, "Symphonic Fantasies Tokyo is a wonderful experience – I cannot imagine a higher appreciation of my work." Hear "Fantasy 1: Kingdom Hearts," the only track released in full to the wide and wild internet, below. It's a fairly spectacular feast for the ears and heart.
Secret of Mana iOS on sale, heading to Android this fall
Square Enix's classic action-RPG Secret of Mana sees a significant price drop on iOS platforms this week ahead of a newly announced Android port. Originally released for the Super NES in 1993, Secret of Mana hit iOS devices in 2010 with a redesigned interface and a touch-based control scheme. Subsequent updates have introduced gamepad support and optional 360-degree character movement, giving players finer control beyond the original game's 8-direction limit. Normally priced at $8.99, the iOS version of Secret of Mana is currently available for $3.99 through August 10. Square Enix notes that the Android version of Secret of Mana is due to launch this fall. [Image: Square Enix]
Virtual Console's classic JRPGs: What holds up?
This is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that. Last week, we dug into the PlayStation Network's library of old-school JRPGs, suffering through blocky graphics and annoying voice acting in a valiant effort to figure out what games are still worth playing in 2011. This week, we attack the Wii's Virtual Console. Granted, Nintendo hates American JRPG fans, as evidenced by the publisher's refusal to localize critically acclaimed games like Xenoblade, but its Wii Shop Channel has a surprisingly robust selection of classics, mostly thanks to the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. We had it good during the 16-bit era. Real good. Like last time, I'll be spending 30-60 minutes with each JRPG -- certainly not enough time to properly review a game, but enough to get a feel for whether it holds up today, and how it compares to my memories of it. (I've played each game to completion at various points over the past two decades. Some of them multiple times.) Let's roll.
TUAW's Daily App: Secret of Mana
Here we go. A few of the hack-and-slash RPGs we've covered in this space have been compared to Secret of Mana, but now Square Enix has gone ahead and released the actual thing on iOS. Secret of Mana borrows a little bit from Legend of Zelda in that you always see all of your enemies on screen, and hack away at them in real time rather than in a turn-based battle or a separate mode. Otherwise it's a JRPG all the way around, as you wander through towns and dungeons, level up and earn weapons of various powers, and explore a big story of an unexpected hero saving the world. This is a good one -- it's a little retro, considering it first came out back in 1993, but it's a great title. The only drawback? It's been released at US$8.99 on the iPhone, and while it's probably worth the price to some of you, most of the App Store market (especially this week, after so many big titles and so many sales already) will probably find it a little too rich for their wallet. If that's a little high, just wait -- Square Enix has done more than a few sales in its time, so we might see it a little cheaper sooner or later.
Secret of Mana on iPhone greenlit, should hit App Store tonight
We were pretty skeptical about whether the iOS version of Secret of Mana, which was announced at E3 earlier this year then never heard from again, would make its 2010 launch target. According to an update on Square Enix DLG's Facebook page, it's going to make it just under the wire -- producer Masaru Oyamada revealed that the game has been greenlit for release on the App Store, and will arrive there sometime before the end of the month. According to Touch Arcade, the game just appeared on the New Zealand App Store, which usually means it will arrive in North America by the end of the day. Keep an eye out! The Square Enix Facebook post didn't mention any new features which have been added to the classic early-90s gem, but there were a few screenshots of the game's user interface. It looks like a pretty standard action-RPG control scheme; whether it will be solid enough to let us tackle Mana's occasionally impossible bosses remains to be seen. (Here's looking at you, Spiky Tiger.)
TUAW's Daily App: Heroes Lore
Back when EA premiered its list of upcoming App Store titles, one stood out for me: Heroes Lore III is now out on the App Store for US$1.99. This one's interesting -- it's a Korean RPG that's been translated over to the iPhone. If you've ever played any of the old 16-bit Super Nintendo RPGs like Secret of Mana, you'll know how this one works. You can level up and fight enemies in real time while using various abilities and gearing your way up through a sizable story. There are five classes to play with, and two different factions to fight for, as well as the ability to battle other players along the way. Early reviews say the controls are a little wonky, so you might end up wrestling with the iPhone's touchscreen a bit. Some of the classes are a little unbalanced, too. Not all of them work as well as others, so you'll probably find a few favorites and stick with those. Still, it's very interesting to see EA bring a game like this to the App Store. If you're a fan of those old RPGs on the 16-bit systems, you'll probably enjoy this one. It's available for just a few bucks right now.
Secret of Mana coming to iPhone this year
One of the Square Enix's most beloved SNES franchises has found a new home: the iPhone. No other details were offered for Secret of Mana other than a very vague release: 2010. Hopefully, this mobile port will feature the some of the enhancements that made Final Fantasy on Apple's handheld so worthwhile.
Secret of Mana, Sonic 2 on PAL Virtual Console this week
As a Christmas treat to its impeccably-behaved PAL region fans, Nintendo of Europe unveiled this week's Euro/Aussie Virtual Console offerings early, and holy crap it's Secret of Mana. Square's classic three-player RPG has been available in Japan and North America (in Virtual Console form) since September and October respectively, and will make the trip to PAL land on Boxing Day. The toys we excitedly unwrap in front of our parents on Christmas Day morning will be swiftly cast aside! Less thrillingly, Secret of Mana will be joined by the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2; and because this is essentially VC Friday on a Tuesday, you can see footage of both beyond the break! %Gallery-39925%
Top 5: Christmastime in Gaming
Ahh, Christmastime. Every year, we look forward to cherished traditions such as fighting traffic, stressing out over finding gifts, and even the occasional Black Friday trampling. Yet one would be surprised to learn that December 25th has a history which shares very little with frivolous lawsuits and Bill O'Reilly frothing at the mouth. Indeed, aside from its litigatious and hostile depiction on the news, Christmas is largely an excuse to shower our loved ones with food, presents, and joy. It's also an easy inspiration for a stressed columnist trying to finish his Christmas shopping to create a Top 5 list. As such examples of religious-based holidays are rare in gaming, this list will not be Nintendo-specific. For those who celebrate the date, I wish you a Merry Christmas. For those who don't, I wish you well just the same. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Wii Warm Up: VC 2008
There's been a lot of Virtual Console releases this year (been keeping up?), and we were wondering which were among your favorites? We've received Secret of Mana, Super Mario RPG, and River City Ransom, to name a few. So, which sit at the top of your list for this year? Sure, we were hoping we'd have another to consider, but let's not dwell on that.
VC Monday Madness: Secret of Mana and Street Fighter II Champion Edition
What a week for the Virtual Console, eh? We've got some classic 2D rumblin' and one of the greatest games ever made. Can you guess how I feel about Secret of Mana yet? Well, if you're looking for a clue, hit up the video above, then cruise past the break for more on this week's Virtual Console releases.
Secret of Mana joins SFII:SCE on Virtual Console today
You have to feel a little bad for WiiWare. Just when it manages to mount a decent effort with the completely solid-looking World of Goo, here's what the Virtual Console answers back with:Secret of Mana (Super NES, 1-3 players, 800 Wii Points) -- Oh, you remember Secret of Mana, it's only one of the very best role-playing games ever, with two million copies shipped worldwide. It's also got one of the best pieces of box art in history, not that you'll get to enjoy that.Oh, and...Street Fighter II: Special Championship Editon (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) -- In case you have as hard a time keeping SFII games straight at we do, allow us to remind you that this is the one that blends Turbo, Hyper and Champion editions and adds the Group Battle mode. (P.S. Do yourself a favor and check out that video we linked to, it's a treat.)Wow, WiiWare, that's gotta hurt. At least Art Style: Cubello is there to soften the blow.
VC Tuesday: Mana the Hour
Two legends are out on Japan's Virtual Console today, at least according to their titles (Densetsu translates as legend): the first is definitely legendary by game standards, is one of the best SNES games, and, now that it's out in Japan, may become the target of American and European VC dreams: Seiken Densetsu 2 (Legend of the Holy Sword 2), also known as Secret of Mana, Square's beloved three-player action-RPG. The second "legend" is, uh, a Fist of the North Star brawler, the sequel to the game we know as Black Belt, and a game which similarly had its license stripped out for American release. There's also a PC Engine shmup from Namco, but you're not paying attention to this paragraph because the one above it mentions Secret of Mana. Really, anything could go here and nobody would notice. You know what I miss? Popples. Not enough toys collapse. Seiken Densetsu 2 (Secret of Mana) (Super Famicom, 1-3 players, 800 Wii Points) Hokuto no Ken: Shin Seikimatsu Kyuuseishu Densetsu (Last Battle) (Mega Drive, 1 player, 700 Wii Points) Final Blaster (PC Engine, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
Japanese VC releases next month: Square Enix shares a Secret
Nintendo has updated their Japanese VC website with next month's planned releases, including one extremely beloved game from general VC holdout Square Enix: Seiken Densetsu 2, otherwise known as Secret of Mana. Super Famicom fans will also have the opportunity to give Square Enix eight bucks for Space Invaders, which seems kind of high but also irresistably alluring. It does allow you to simulate the cellophane color bars from the arcade machine! Taito's Liquid Kids, a platformer about a hippo who freezes enemies with water bubbles, rounds out the Square Enix (and affiliates) releases.We're particularly excited to see Capcom's shooter Forgotten Worlds and the PC Engine version of Super Dodge Ball. See the full list after the break, along with some upcoming US releases via Hudson. There's a surprise!
How to justify buying expensive SNES games
Do you crave awesome, quite rare SNES games? Do you wish you could buy said games without feeling guilty about coughing up the kind of money that would go a long way on the Virtual Console? Then we have a solution, dear reader -- head over to one of the two auctions we've linked below and bid away on whichever takes your fancy. The first lot consists of Square duo Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana auction (current price: $68), while the second consists of Super Mario RPG and Super Mario All-Stars (currently at $57). Even though they lack boxes, all four are quality games, and will serve a worthy cause -- every cent spent will go to Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana-West, a non-profit provider of training, career services, and education for people with disadvantages, including homelessness, lack of education, and physical, mental and emotional disabilities.Go on, do it! It'll make you feel all fuzzy inside, and may even assuage the guilt of the thousands you wasted on Stadium Events. But probably not.Read: Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana Read: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Super Mario All-Stars [Via GamerTell]
