The Gaming Experience
Shaun InguanzoSecret of Mana/Seiken Densetsu 2 (Review)
November 23rd 2006 22:39
Players: 1-3
Genre: RPG
Platform: SNES
Year: 1993 (USA), 1995 (PAL)
This is definitely a hallmark game. Although Final Fantasy VII was the game that opened the RPG market for PAL gamers, Secret of Mana remains special through its unique battle system. Where tens of games were released after FF7 copying the turn-based system, at times I'm surprised that no one has decided to copy Secret of Mana's system.
What is so unique about it? The major component that hasn't been seen elsewhere would be its co-op experience. Console RPGs are, more often than not, single player. There's been some features in newer turn-based RPGs that allow a second player to control the second character -- but only in battle, not on field. SoM remains as the only remarkable RPG that allows 2 or 3 players to play together in an Action-RPG setting.
The less unique aspects of the battle system also work to the game's favour. Weapons and magic have their own experience and levels, granting benefits such as stronger standard attacks/magic and stronger charged weapon attacks. SoM also addresses a pet hate of mine that's present in a lot of action-based games: The Invisible Field.
The Invisible Field (or Force Field) is what I and a few friends used to address the invisible layer that was present in games such as Zelda. It's where an enemy may be idling and not attacking, but for some strange reason, if you so much as touch any part of them, you will be injured. This doesn't happen in SoM. If you bump into an enemy, as long as their attacks aren't connecting with your character's body, no damage will be dealt. You can even push them around for a while with no repercussions.
There are only a couple of factors that I found limiting about the battle system. Firstly, the ability to only hold 4 of each healing item. It wasn't too bad in the day, but after being spoiled by newer RPGs which tend to allow an almost limitless supply (note: Final Fantasy), 4's barely anything. I do, however, appreciate the challenge it provides during the early stages of the game. The other factor would be linked with the multi-player side. There isn't much that can be done about it without allowing time to continue while in menus, but it does get frustrating waiting for another player to navigate through the menu while in battle.
In terms of speed, the game runs smoothly. There's no slowdown where there shouldn't be, and there's no point in the game where I felt like I was waiting around for basic actions to execute.
In terms of graphics, they're of high standard for the SNES: Smooth, crisp and vibrant.
In terms of sound, the soundtrack is quite enjoyable. While playing, the music doesn't stand out as great, but neither is it annoying or absent. When listening to the soundtrack on its own, you appreciate much more than you do in-game.
Secret of Mana is an easy game overall and offers plenty of replay value. When I first obtained a second hand copy around 1996, I played it numerous times with different friends. Recently I have begun replaying the game with a new friend and it offers the same enjoyment as it did then. It's by far the most enjoyable Mana/Seiken Densetsu game that I've had the pleasure to play.
10/10
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