The Legend of Mana
Released: 2000
Story:
The player gets to choose either a male or female main character that plays a role in the game. The character has no history background or indept character storyline however their story is determined by you the player instead.
In the beginning the main hero starts off in a world where nothing but your home exists. By doing quests you can gain artifacts which are used to produce and make other areas of the land such as towns or even dungeons. Also resulting on where you place it on the map will change certain effects.
The story is a link of quests that ultimately leads to the mana tree. The tree that is the center of all living creatures.
Gameplay: RPG
Play as either a female or male hero. You get to name and choose various weapons that you want to specialize in. As you progress through a variety of quests you venture deeper towards the final boss near the mana tree. Also there are quite a number of quests. You don't have to complete them all. The game is RPG in a 2D way. Also 2nd player compadible.
Battle System:
When you crash into enemies you engage into battle. If a 2nd character is not present then the 2nd character that's with you (if one is there) is controlled by an AI and do what they please. You control your character and can use items, magic, or a variety of moves/arts. The battle is 2D where you see a side of the character and move around freely in a space provided.
Characters:
The main character: Choose from female/male hero. Nothing special.
Other characters are present as you move forward in the game play and they have their own mini story lines. However the main charcter doens't really interact except help them in small ways. These 2nd characters help you out as you progress by assisting you in battle. There's quite a number but not too many.
Music:
It's OK. Not bad and matches the game well though but not a good random CD to listen to really. Although I would say the main song which is sung in the beginning of the game accompanied by a nice (normal not too special) video.
Rate: 8/10
The game was fun back then. I don't think I'd play it now but it was a great 2 player game! The game did lack a story to be honest which was the only critisim it really received. Other wise it made a huge sale everywhere and was high praised while receiving a number of awards. I would say its worth the buy. But be ready to be entertained with other things other than a storyline. (Mainly game play and mini stories from the quest) Nothing super complex though.
Download/Preview:
Here is the beginning song for the Legend of Mana that was played as the start movie. It's actually sung by a woman and not instrumental.
Begining song for Mana
