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When it comes to RPGs, many of them run up some long runtimes. However, whileVisions of Manadoes require a good amount of hours, it’s not as time-consuming as one may think.
Review: Visions of Mana
After eighteen years, the Mana series' new entry, Visions of Mana, proves that the franchise hasn’t gone anywhere.
How Long is Visions of Mana?
An average playthrough of Visions of Mana will take about35–40 hours. In my playthrough, which went through all the story and some side quests and grinding,it lasted around 37 hours.If you just go for the story, the case could be made for it lasting25-30 hours, though not quicker than that.For those looking to 100% the gameor explore the world to its fullest like many RPG players (like myself), the length wouldbe around 50–55 hours. There’s a good amount to do within Visions of Mana, from side-quests to treasure hunting, as well as optional time trials and exploring different areas. While they aren’t all required in order to complete the game, they do add to the RPG experience and can grant you some pretty nice rewards like new weapons, spells, and gear.
Is Visions of Mana Longer than Other Mana Titles?
Yes,Visions of Mana looks to be the longest title in the Mana series, comparing the series’ average totals onHowLongToBeat.com. However, it is a close call, with Legend of Mana having an average completion length of 50.5 hours. The second and third-longest games in the series, according to completion lengths are 2020’s remake of Trials of Mana with 43.5 hours and the original 1996 version of Trials of Mana (which was exclusive to Japan until 2019’sCollection of Mana) with 38.5 hours.
This extends to the story (along with the occasional grinding or backtracking), withSecret of Mana(1993)’s narrative averaging about 28 hours, with Trials of Mana (2020) following behind with 27 hours. The average narrative length of the Mana series looks to be around 23 to 24 hours, with outliers being 2016’sAdventures of Manawith 11.5 hours andFinal Fantasy Adventurewith 10.5 hours. Still, it does seem in line with the other Mana series titles, so fans will feel right at home with how long their adventure will be.
Should You Play the Mana Series Before Visions of Mana?
With Visions of Mana on the horizon, do you need to play the previous Mana games beforehand? Let’s answer that question!
What RPGs have Similar Lengths to Visions of Mana?
Some RPGs with similar lengths to Visions of Mana include 2017’sNieR: Automata(37½ hours), 2023’sSea of Stars(35 hours), and 2007’sKingdom Hearts II Final Mix(40 hours).It’s important to note that Visions of Mana is actually on par with many RPGs of its kind (action RPG) in length. Still, some, like 2020’sPersona 5 Royal, 2011’sThe Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, 2023’sBaldur’s Gate III, and 2015’sThe Witcher III: Wild Hunt, go into 100+ hours, so compared to those, it’s a bit bite-sized.
Many compare Visions of Mana’s gameplay to that of 2002’sKingdom Hearts, 2020’sTales of Arise, and 2020’sFinal Fantasy VII Remake. Those games have playthrough totals (story + extra) of 41½ hours, 56½ hours, and 41½ hours, respectively. So, outside of Tales of Arise, the length should feel comfortable to those who played Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Visions of Mana
Visions of Mana is a brand new title in this series revolving around the sacred sword and mana. The protagonist Val and his childhood friend Hinna, the newly appointed Alm of Fire, set off on a journey to the Mana Tree.This game’s iconic vibrant and vast semi-open field contains adorable yet ferocious monsters, allowing you to enjoy swift three-dimensional battles using the power of the Elementals. Through adventures with friends met along the way, they start to see the truth about the world.Must we accept our fates?A new “Mana” tale begins here as a classic fantasy series returns to its roots.Bold graphics full of characteristic “Mana” flair. The characters journey across a vibrant world alive with spirits.Exploring the world: Explore the vast, semi-open world that stretches as far as the eye can see. Traverse the environment quickly and safely with new companions, the “Pikuls".Harness the power of the Elementals: In this game, you will fight enemies using weapons that house the power of the Elementals. Change between different classes and characters to suit your playstyle and enjoy combat that has evolved both three-dimensionally and strategically.
