Summary
2024’s place as “the year of the JRPG” continues with the upcoming release of Square Enix’sVisions of Mana. The first new entry in theManaseries since 2020’s remake ofSeiken Densetsu 3(Trials of Mana),Visions of Manais set to be a bold new chapter in the franchise, exhibiting many of the elements that have become staples of theManaseries over the years. The recently released demo forVisions of Manahas already been generating plenty of positive buzz with fans by providing a sizable chunk of gameplay, and its satisfying real-time combat helps to illustrate why the in-developmentDragon Quest 12should stick to its turn-based traditions.
Originally revealed as being in development in 2021 as part ofDragon Quest’s 35th anniversary,Dragon Quest 12remains a mysteryat this point. Despite assurance from Square Enix that the title is still in development, little is known about its setting, characters, or mechanics. However, as part of that initial announcement, series creator Yuji Horii made comments about changes being made to the franchise’s traditional turn-based combat, leading many to speculate how minor or major those changes might be. TheManaseries has always had real-time combat andFinal Fantasy’s switch to a real-time model has been met with mixed reception, making a strong case forDragon Quest 12to play to its strengths as JRPG “comfort food.”
Dragon Quest 12 Doesn’t Need to Sacrifice its Series Identity to Reach a Larger Audience
If there’s one thing that theVisions of Manademo makes loud and clear, it’s thatthe latest game in theManaserieshas a chance to do the same forMana/Seiken DensetsuthatPersona 5andDragon Quest 11did for their respective series. TheManagames have always had a dedicated following in the West (even though it pales to their success and adoption in Japan), andVisions of Manais shaping up to be a game that plays to the traditional strengths of the series while introducing what makes it great to a whole new audience.Dragon Quest 12has every reason to continue in its predecessors' footsteps to pick up whereDragon Quest 11left off.
Part of that continued success arguably rests onDragon Quest 12’s ability to stay true to what made the series so legendary in the first place, and it has great examples to follow in bothDragon Quest 11andVisions of Mana. Further, onceVisions of Manareleases, Square Enix’s next major title is set to be theDragon Quest 3 HD-2Dremake, potentially boosting the profile for aDragon Quest 12release datetrailer and more information about the game. Regardless of howDragon Quest 12further refines the series' traditional JRPG gameplay, it stands to appease more fans by honoring the past.
Modern RPGs Show There’s Still Plenty of Room for Innovation in Turn-Based Combat
Though theDragon Questseries has always been turn-based (and even pioneered the formula that would influence countless other JRPGs), there’s nothing to suggest thatDragon Quest 12sticking to turn-based combat would feel too safe or familiar. If anything, modern JRPG combat design consistently proves that there’s still plenty of room for innovation in turn-based, menu command battling. Square Enix’sBravely DefaultandOctopath Travelerseriesoffer unique takes on a risk/reward mechanic centering around player actions, and the modernPersonagames feature some of the most celebrated turn-based combat in years. It’s an old model, but it’s not running out of steam yet.
And that’s to say nothing ofDragon Quest 11’s turn-based combat that successfully sticks to the fundamentals but executes them to near perfection.Visions of Mana’s combatis accessible and entertaining, and it also falls in line with the rest of the games in theManaseries while adding in subtle refinements to a classic formula.Dragon Quest 12doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel, and it could end up being yet another familiar and dependable staple of JRPG comfort food that the series has grown to be over the last 38 years by followingVisions' lead.
Visions of Mana
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
