Legend of Mana

"An absolutely amazing game, but a step down in the multi-player department."

Let me say first off, despite only an 8 rating, this game is near perfect, and is definitly Square's best in a long time. The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, all hand painted 2d. The soundtrack is great. And gameplay is refined a lot from the previous Mana games.

So, why did I give it an 8 then? Well, unfourtunatly in each of the subsequent Mana games Square takes a step down in its multiplayer department. The first(in the U.S.) Secret of Mana(Seiken Densetsu 2) was three players and stood out because of that. Secret of Mana 2(Seiken Densetsu 3) became only two players, which was just a pointless loss.

Now, while Legend of Mana remains two players, the new NPC system is horrible. It was a good idea for any other action RPG, but for a series that built its reputation from its multiplayer genius it was one of the worst things Square could have done to the game. You aren't allowed to re-equip your NPC at all, and I must ask, why? What Square should have done is made there be two main characters, then the NPC as a third character. At the very least they could have allowed your pet be controlled by a third player.

Beyond that though, the game is great. Its Adventure/Quest/Story/Mission(whatever you choose to refer to them as) system is awesome, and is very reminiscent of a much refined Saga Frontier.

Don't buy this game thinking it will even touch the multiplayer fun of the previous Manas, but those of you who don't mind playing single player 80% of the time will absolutely love the game like I do.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99