Now the remake has characters in a fully 3D world with a brand new combat system that’s more action-based than the original. In the original title combat was all done in a overhead setting. The differences in story are what make it so enjoyable to replay, as every character approaches situations in a different way to make things interesting. All along, each character deals with their own issues from their home town following them along the way whether it’s trying to avenge a death or simply trying to find a loved one. The cast of characters chosen must help find the elemental spirits and stop dark monsters from taking over if they want to see the world return to peace once more. Faeries leave the tree in order to seek out someone to help, and after running into a hero along the way, are chosen to help save the world. The broad story is that the Tree of Mana is dying due to the rise of dark forces and a hero is needed to take the Sword of Mana to help restore it. Although the majority of adventure will be the same across characters, it’s the differences that make each one stand out. Only three characters can be selected in each playthrough and they determine certain paths the story will take along the way. The tale varies ever so slightly based on who is chosen to play as. The story of Trials of Mana doesn’t follow just one character, but six.

So how does this remake hold up 27 years after the original?

From the looks of things it had completely re-imagined the combat and gameplay style so people could experience the wonders of Mana in a whole new way. The remake looked to be completely redone from top to bottom and that ended up being the case. It was during this same time that a remake was also announced. Last year Trials of Mana made its way into western audience homes for the first time ever in the Mana Collection.

Trials of mana review