![]() What’s even more exasperating is using your special techniques, since not only must you line them up, but they take a few seconds before they trigger. There is no auto–target, so even if you’re off by a micron, you will miss completely. Here’s the downside: attacks must be lined up precisely with the enemy on the field to hit them. These basic battle elements are rather simplistic, but it’s still a fun, fast system that works. Beyond that, special techniques can be unlocked these are skills that can only be used if you fill a meter by performing normal attacks against enemies. You start out with various action abilities, such as lunge, push, jump, defend, and as you create different combinations of these tactics in battle, you’re awarded with new abilities. In the Mana tradition, battles are all action–oriented. There’s still plenty that the game does right, but the flaws are obvious when compared to modern games. It was so inventive and richly–developed for its time, but now much of that has faded. Gameplay is probably the hardest area to put a score on. My main gripe is that I wanted to feel something when the game ended, not left completely indifferent. ![]() As a player, it’s impossible not to feel connected to the world you are shaping, and so more development in the story arc – especially in the end – would have made the whole journey feel more grand. If the main story arc was fleshed out more, it could have enhanced the end product. There’s a level of disappointment when you finish the game to say the ending is anti–climatic is an understatement. Where the story most misses a beat, however, is how these short stories play into the larger narrative. In addition, the dialogue doesn’t ever disappoint because it’s full of variety, life, wit, endearment, and fun. It’s even more of a strength that plenty of the philosophical questions are relevant to our world today. But where LoM really shines is in its ability to balance out its humor and serious ponderings. ![]() Much like the differences in type of quest, the writing quality varies. Quests also take on different forms: some end on cliffhangers and are connected, while others are standalone. Others simply offer bonuses that are key for customization. Some of the quests are highly influential in your progression, where artifacts are obtained for map placement. It provides you with a glimpse into various smaller quests that have a place in the grander scheme of restoring the Mana Tree. LoM is set up like a book of themed short stories. Yes, there are Rabites, Chobin Hoods, and, of course everybody’s favorite money–hungry merchant, Niccolo. Once you get started, you’re set on a journey that features many staple characters from various Mana games. See, in LoM, you are literally rebuilding the world by finding ancient artifacts and deciding their best placement in the world. That’s where your character comes in and where the game will bombard you with various decisions. For now, various lands remain locked away in ancient artifacts. Since then, the Mana Tree’s essence stays hidden without enough power to return to its former glory. There’s a brief historical overview that recounts the war between various different races who fought over the leftover mana power after the Mana Tree burned down centuries ago. Find me, and walk beside me.” From there, you are on a quest to restore the Tree to its original form to tell a new legend for the world of Fa’Diel. LoM begins with the Mana tree urging you to, “Remember me! Need me! I can provide you with everything! I am love. Unfortunately, age has a way of creeping in and spoiling the party – and in this case – at times it erased some of the magic I had originally experienced. This is a shame, because, for its time, LoM was an innovative game with ideas that were wise beyond its years. However, as much as there is to praise about the title, I encountered a conundrum while playing LoM: what was once solid gameplay isn’t all that fun now. In fact, it’s the first PSN title I’ve played where I’ve been able to sink more than a couple hours without being turned off by its archaic setup. What did I find with what I consider to be the last “good” Mana title? I found that LoM is still a charismatic game it’s almost like a magnet that instantly pulls you in. There’s always a danger in going back to some of your favorite titles games age, and it’s not always graceful. Needless to say, when I saw Legend of Mana (LoM) available on the PSN, it immediately found its way into my download queue. It’s easy to get lost in Mana’s powerful worlds. There’s that ephemeral something about the world and the journey – the game is full of depth, charm, and memorable scenes. The Mana games are infused with a special kind of a magic that’s difficult to truly articulate.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |