Visions of Mana Needs to Be Another Persona 5, Dragon Quest 11 Moment

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Visions of Mana Needs to Be Another Persona 5, Dragon Quest 11 Moment

Highlights

  • Square Enix’s 2024 lineup has something for every fan, from Final Fantasy to Dragon Quest and SaGa.
  • Visions of Mana aims to revitalize the Mana series with expanded gameplay and polished visuals.
  • Square Enix must ramp up marketing efforts for Visions of Mana to ensure its success in the RPG market.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of RPG adventures under my belt, I must admit that Square Enix’s 2024 lineup has me more excited than a kid on Christmas morning! The promise of new entries for Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, SaGa, and even the long-lost Mana series is like finding that elusive Golden Snitch in my Hogwarts letter.

2024 offerings from Square Enix might appear modest at first glance, but they pack a punch for enthusiasts across various franchises. For instance, _Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth_ and the expansion _Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail_ have already delighted _Final Fantasy_ supporters, while the _Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake_ promises to resonate with players of the _Dragon Quest_ series.

Set for release at the end of August, “Visions of Mana” distinguishes itself among other Square Enix RPGs due to its series’ contemporary significance. The “Mana” series is a seasoned player in the RPG world, with roots tracing back to “Final Fantasy Adventure,” also known as “Seiken Densetsu,” which debuted on the Game Boy in 1991. Despite being potentially the first long-running action-RPG franchise from Square Enix, its reputation doesn’t carry the same weight as “Final Fantasy” or “Kingdom Hearts.” This can be attributed to the fact that the last major console release under the mainline series was “Dawn of Mana,” which came out in 2006. Consequently, “Visions of Mana” has a task ahead if it aims to uphold the honor of its “Mana” legacy.

Square Enix Needs To Redouble Visions of Mana’s Marketing Efforts

In contrast to previous installments, Visions of Mana enjoys a more advantageous position due to being a fresh addition to the Mana series, rather than a remake like Trials of Mana or a remaster such as Legend of Mana. At first glance, it’s clear that this new game boasts a larger budget, offering enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and a more extensive world compared to its predecessors. If launch goes smoothly, Visions of Mana could very well claim the title of the most accessible game in the Mana series – a feat that would be commendable for this latest entry. Nevertheless, Square Enix shouldn’t take that success for granted.

Visions of Mana Needs Attention, And Quickly

Over the course of the last year, marketing efforts for “Visions of Mana” have been consistent, though they’ve occasionally clashed with gaming industry events. In the run-up to its release, it would be prudent for Square Enix to emphasize “Visions of Mana” at and around Gamescom to generate maximum public interest. With several “Mana” titles unveiled in recent years and “Trials of Mana” finally reaching Western markets, there’s a strong possibility that “Visions of Mana” could become the breakout “Mana” game, particularly if it emulates the success of its predecessors.

Visions of Mana Has A Path Toward Western Success Charted For It

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at timeless franchises such as Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, which continue to flourish on the foundations laid by games of yesteryears. Meanwhile, Square Enix’s other RPG series like Octopath Traveler are steadily gaining traction. However, there’s one RPG franchise that has been around for eons yet gained global recognition only recently, and that’s none other than Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest Eleven made its debut in Japan in 2017 and rolled out globally the following year, significantly broadening Dragon Quest’s fanbase beyond its traditional Japanese audience. It’s not the sole instance of a recent resurgence, either.

New Games From Old RPG Franchises Have Room To Grow

In the last decade, popular role-playing game franchises such as Monster Hunter and Persona have gained widespread acclaim, largely due to their latest releases being their biggest sellers so far. Games like Monster Hunter World and Persona 5 were effectively marketed globally while preserving their unique appeal, a strategy that Dragon Quest 11 also employed successfully, and Visions of Mana could emulate. If Square Enix invests in intensive marketing for Visions of Mana in the remaining time, its polished mechanics, accessibility, and broad action-RPG allure should help establish the Mana series more prominently in the gaming world.

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2024-08-02 15:05