Secret of Mana

In the vast pantheon of classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games, Secret of Mana stands tall as one of the most celebrated action RPGs ever created. Released by SquareSoft (now Square Enix) in 1993, this game broke new ground with its innovative combat, cooperative multiplayer, and unforgettable soundtrack. It remains a cornerstone of the genre, frequently topping "best games of all time" lists.

For newcomers and longtime fans, revisiting this classic raises the question: Does Secret of Mana still hold up in the modern era of gaming? With the benefit of hindsight and years of advancements in gaming, let’s explore what makes Secret of Mana a timeless masterpiece—and where it shows its age.

To fully appreciate Secret of Mana, it’s important to understand its development history. The game was originally envisioned as a flagship title for Nintendo's planned SNES-CD add-on. However, when Sony and Nintendo's partnership fell through, leading to the creation of the PlayStation, SquareSoft had to pivot and rework Secret of Mana to fit the constraints of a standard SNES cartridge.

This dramatic shift forced the development team to cut a significant amount of planned content, including dialogue, areas, and narrative depth. Despite these limitations, Secret of Mana emerged as a landmark title, showcasing SquareSoft’s ingenuity and ability to innovate within tight constraints.

The compromises made during development are still evident today, particularly in the sparse storytelling and occasionally abrupt transitions between plot points. Yet, the game’s charm and ambition remain undeniable.

Secret of Mana dazzles with its vibrant, colourful pixel art—a hallmark of the 16-bit era. Each environment is meticulously crafted, from the lush greenery of the Potos Forest to the shimmering sands of the Kakkara Desert. The attention to detail extends to the game’s diverse locations, which range from serene meadows and bustling towns to foreboding dungeons and ancient ruins.

The use of Mode 7 graphics for the game’s world map—a technique that creates a pseudo-3D effect—was cutting-edge at the time. While the map’s simplicity might seem quaint by today’s standards, it was a marvel of technical wizardry in 1993, lending a sense of scale and immersion to the world.

Character sprites are another highlight. Each of the three protagonists exudes personality through their animations. The hero’s determined stride, the girl’s fiery gestures, and the sprite’s playful demeanour make them instantly endearing. Enemies are equally memorable, from the iconic Rabites to the fearsome Mana Beast.

However, the game isn’t without its visual flaws. Some dungeon designs feel repetitive, and the occasional graphical glitch—such as flickering sprites—breaks immersion. These are minor quibbles, though, in an otherwise stunning presentation.

Compared to its contemporaries like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Secret of Mana holds its own with a more whimsical and colourful aesthetic. While Zelda leans into a structured and methodical visual style, Secret of Mana thrives on variety and charm, showcasing a world teeming with life and magic.

At its core, Secret of Mana tells a classic fantasy story. The narrative begins with a young boy who inadvertently pulls a sacred sword from its resting place, unleashing monsters upon the land. This act sets him on a journey to restore the sword’s power and save the world from the corrupt Empire and a looming apocalyptic threat.

The story’s simplicity is part of its charm. It taps into timeless themes of friendship, duty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Along the way, the boy is joined by two companions: a girl seeking her lost love and a sprite trying to recover its memories. Their individual motivations add depth to the overarching quest.

However, the narrative isn’t without its shortcomings. Due to the aforementioned cuts during development, the story often feels rushed, with key events and character arcs left underdeveloped. For instance, the villainous Empire’s motivations are only lightly touched upon, and the Mana Beast’s role in the world is never fully explained.

Compared to the intricate storytelling of later SquareSoft titles like Final Fantasy VI, Secret of Mana feels more like a fable—a straightforward tale with room for player interpretation. While some players may find the simplicity refreshing, others might yearn for greater narrative complexity.

The gameplay of Secret of Mana truly shines. Unlike traditional turn-based RPGs, Secret of Mana features real-time combat. Players can move freely around the battlefield, attacking enemies and casting spells without the constraints of a battle screen. This dynamic combat system was revolutionary in 1993, bridging the gap between RPGs and action-adventure games.

A key mechanic is the stamina meter, which charges after each attack. Striking enemies when the meter is full deals maximum damage, encouraging players to time their attacks rather than button-mashing. This system adds a layer of strategy to the fast-paced combat.

The game also introduces the innovative Ring Menu system, which allows players to easily access items, spells, and equipment. This menu system, combined with the ability to switch between characters on the fly, gives the game a fluidity rarely seen in RPGs of the era.

One of Secret of Mana’s most celebrated features is its cooperative multiplayer. Up to three players can control the game’s protagonists, making it a truly social experience. Few RPGs offer this level of cooperative gameplay, even today, and it remains a standout feature that enhances the game’s replayability.

The AI for companion characters is a notable weakness. When playing solo, the AI often struggles to navigate obstacles or keep up during battles, leading to frustration. Additionally, the game’s hit detection can feel inconsistent, with attacks sometimes missing for no apparent reason.

When compared to modern action RPGs, Secret of Mana’s combat may feel simplistic, but its foundational mechanics are found in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and the Tales series. Its emphasis on timing and strategic resource management set the stage for future innovations in the genre.

No review of Secret of Mana would be complete without highlighting Hiroki Kikuta's extraordinary soundtrack. The music is an emotional journey in itself, perfectly complementing the game’s themes and environments.

The opening track, "Fear of the Heavens," is an iconic piece that immediately sets the tone, blending melancholy and hope. Each area has its own unique theme, from the serene "Into the Thick of It" to the ominous "Ceremony." Kikuta’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions with the SNES’s limited sound channels is nothing short of remarkable.

The music of Secret of Mana has inspired countless remixes, orchestrations, and live performances over the years. Fans continue to celebrate the soundtrack decades after the game’s release, a testament to its enduring appeal.

With its multiple weapons, spells, and secrets, Secret of Mana offers plenty of reasons to return to its world. Cooperative multiplayer is a unique feature that encourages players to experience the game in new ways. Even after completing the story, the challenge of mastering each weapon and uncovering hidden treasures keeps the game engaging.

The legacy of Secret of Mana is undeniable. Its combat and cooperative gameplay innovations have influenced countless games, from Diablo to modern ARPGs like Genshin Impact. The game’s spiritual successors, including the Trials of Mana remake, continue to build on its foundation.

Secret of Mana is a treasure of the past—a game that, despite its flaws, continues to enchant players with its charm, innovation, and heart. While the AI and story depth leave room for improvement, the game’s stunning visuals, groundbreaking gameplay, and unforgettable soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of RPGs and retro gaming.

Whether experiencing it for the first time or revisiting a childhood favourite, Secret of Mana is a timeless adventure worth every moment.