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Square Enix has released new information, footage, and screenshots for Visions of Mana introducing the game's story, characters, elemental vessels, and pikuls. Additionally, producer Masaru Oyamada confirmed in an interview with Famitsu that the game is developed by Ouka Studios. Get the details below. ■ Story In Tianeea, the Fire Village, everyone is preparing to celebrate the coming of the Faerie and the naming of an "alm." Every four years, alms from around the world are chosen to travel to the Tree of Mana and rejuvenate the flow of mana power. A soul guard is also chosen to ensure the alms' safe pilgrimage. Val is one such guard. On the day of the Faerie's arrival, Val brings his childhood friend to the festival. As the sun falls beneath the skyline, all the spectators wait with bated breath, hoping to be chosen as an alm. The Faerie finally descends before Val's friend, appointing her the Alm of Fire. The villagers bid them both farewell, praying for their success as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. ■ Characters Val "I was helping a friend in need. That's all." Val hails from Tianeea, the Fire Village. Val is the newly appointed soul guard and protagonist of the game. He's a curious boy with a positive outlook on life. When Val's childhood friend is selected to be an alm, he sets off on a journey across the world to accompany her on the pilgrimage. Hinna "Escort away, my dear soul guard." Like Val, Hinna also hails from Tianeea, the Fire Village. Hinna is Val's childhood friend. When she receives the honor of being chosen as the Alm of Fire for this year's pilgrimage, she's ecstatic that she gets to embark on this adventure with him. Careena "I've always wanted to see what's out there in the world." Careena hails from Longren, the Vale of Wind. An unfortunate accident took one of her precious wings, but even that couldn't dampen her wish to be appointed the alm and see the world outside of Longren. She is rarely seen without her best friend, Ramcoh, a sacred beast cub. Ramcoh A baby sacred beast. After saving Careena who was injured in an accident, Ramcoh started living in Longren. Morley "Should the world's future fate be in my hands? Am I worthy of that responsibility?" Morley hails from Etaern, the Moonlit Parish. Since his childhood, Morley has been carrying the weight of the terrible disaster in his hometown on his shoulders. But after meeting Val and the others, he finds himself able to face his painful past. ■ Elemental Vessels Elemental vessels are mystical artifacts that house the power of the elements within them. Each vessel contains mana from a different element. You can wield these powers in combat and while exploring. Exploration: Elemental Triggers You can use an elemental vessel at the curiously glowing triggers scattered throughout the land and harness its individual power to generate gusts of wind, move rocks, or even slow down time to open pathways and find hidden items on the map. Once you get a new vessel, don't forget to revisit areas you've already passed through. Accessing other triggers will unlock new places for you to explore. Battles: Switching Classes Obtain the various elemental vessels to switch your characters to new classes. Different classes unlock different stats, weapon types, and unique moves or abilities based on their corresponding elemental. Some abilities can restrict an enemy's movements or cast regenerative effects to heal your allies. Change classes to see which element has the best skills for your individual fighting style! ■ Elemental Vessels: Exploration and Triggers Here are some examples of what you can do with those mysterious elemental vessels out in the huge semi-open field. Use the corresponding vessel to activate the trigger and continue your adventure. Vessel of Wind: Sylphid Boomerang Elemental vessel of Sylphid, the Elemental of Wind, can control air currents. Use it to create gusts of wind when you come across a broken path that's too large to cross. Boost your jumps with wind or summon rocky steps buoyed by the air to get back on track! Vessel of the Moon: Luna Globe Elemental vessel of Luna, the Elemental of the Moon, can manipulate the flow of time. It can slow down time to let the player circumvent obstacles like frozen rapids or revert a specific area back to the state it was in the past. Use it to clear your way and safely continue your trek! ■ Elemental Vessels: Battles and Classes Use the elemental powers in the vessels to change classes and gain new abilities. Each character has their own specific class for every elemental vessel, so try them out and see which combination of classes fits for your team of choice! Vessel of Wind: Sylphid Boomerang Sylphid's elemental vessel can control air currents. Hurl the vessel at an enemy to attack with the power of wind. It can bind and suspend the enemy in the air, while also dealing damage. When an attack hits the binding gust, it'll burst into shards of wind that scatter to hit other hostiles in the area. —Val + Sylphid Boomeang = Rune Knight —Careena + Sylphid Boomeang = Dancer —Morley + Sylphid Boomeang = Nomad Vessel of the Moon: Luna Globe Luna's elemental vessel can manipulate the flow of time. Create pockets of moon energy to decrease the enemy's movement speed if they cross into them. When you or an ally enter the affected area, it'll shorten the casting time for your magic spells. —Val + Luna Globe = Aegis —Careena + Luna Globe = Moon Charterer —Morley + Luna Globe = Nightblade ■ Trusty New Travel Companion: Pikuls Ride across the field in style on the backs of these new friends, the pikuls! Use the Beckon Bell to summon these loveable critters and quickly traverse the map. Pikuls will also trample any enemies you run across during your ride. There's no better way to journey to the far corners of the world! ■ What is the Mana series? Originally released in 1991 as Final Fantasy Adventure, a spin-off title for the Final Fantasy series, the game's positive reception established it as its own standalone action RPG franchise. The unique elements that make a true Mana game include; an emotional narrative about the power of mana, the legendary Mana Sword, a quirky cast of characters, memorable music, and a weapon-based battle system. The Mana series has released 17 titles over the last 30-plus years and sold over nine million copies / downloads worldwide. The demand for the franchise from its fans has seen several Mana games re-mastered and re-released in the west over the last console generation. ■ What is Visions of Mana? Visions of Mana is the first mainline title in the Mana series in over 15 years—a classic action RPG that returns to the series' fantasy roots. Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world, where the powers of nature blend with the elemental aspects of mana to create a rich tapestry of life. Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that's yours to discover. Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience. Use the magic of the Elementals to explore this vast world to your heart's content! Players will love the brand-new story, characters, and gameplay mechanics in Visions of Mana. Staff Product Information Visions of Mana is due out for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store this summer. Watch a new trailer and gameplay footage below. View the screenshots at the gallery.
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