Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch: The ultimate guide

Trials of Mana released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and PC on April 24, 2020. For those unfamiliar with this game, it's an HD remake of Square Enix's Seiken Densetsu 3. Originally the game came out on the Super Famicom way back in 1995, and is the third installment of the Mana series. However, it never made it's way outside of Japan until the Collection of Mana compilation released on Nintendo Switch. Now the original game has been remade into a gorgeous 3D experience for Nintendo Switch. If you love JRPGs, action adventure games, and bright fantasy worlds, you should definitely check Trials of Mana out.

Here's everything you need to know about Trials of Mana.

What is Trials of Mana?

Trials of Mana is the HD remake of Seiken Densetsu 3, the third game in the Secret of Mana series. The thing is, while the previous two Seiken Densetsu games before this were released state-side, Seiken Densetsu 3 never released outside of Japan until the Collection of Mana released on Nintendo Switch in 2019. Before then, it was only found on the Super Famicom. However, seeing this game remade for a modern playing experience makes us extra excited to check it out!

This HD remake gets rid of the old pixel art style and goes for full 3D visuals. It used to be a top-down styled JRPG, but Trials of Mana is a modernized RPG with fast-paced action.

What's the story?

There are six different characters and each one has their own unique storyline, which reveals their origins and where they come from. Thing is, when the game starts you'll have to choose three of these characters to form your party. The rest will still appear in the game, but they won't be on your team. This makes for a lot of replay value considering that the combination of characters you choose affects how the story plays out.

In addition to each character's backstory, there is an overarching plot: The world was shrouded in a darkness, and the Goddess of Mana drew the Sword of Mana to smite the eight monsters of destruction, also known as Benevodons. These creatures got sealed away in the Mana Stones, which then brought the realm back from destruction. However, the Goddess grew weak, so she changed into a tree and went to sleep.

Eventually, new forces of evil want the power of the Benevodons to gain control of the world. War springs up and the kingdoms became unstable. There is longer any peace, and mana began to disappear, causing the Mana Tree to wither away. It's up to you and your party to defeat the darkness and save the world.

What characters can I choose from?

There are six characters, but you only get to choose three of them. The characters you choose will determine how the story plays out, which villain you face, and your team's fighting style. If you want some tips on which characters you should choose, check out our guide. Here are each of the characters:

• Duran: Swordsman from the Kingdom of Valsena
• Angela: Princess of Altena, Kingdom of Magicians
• Hawkeye: Noble thief of the Nevarlan Thief Guild
• Riesz: Captain of Laurent's Amazon Guard
• Kevin: Son of the King of the Ferolian Beastmen
• Charlotte: Half-elf maiden of Holy City Wendel

What's the gameplay like?

With your chosen three characters, you'll be able to cover different strategies and tactics based on each ones's abilities and fighting style, giving you a bit of freedom and customization on how you want to play. While you only control one character, the other two will be controlled through AI.

There's a goregous fantasy world to discover and strange beasts to fight. You can move around freely and attack or dodge whenever you choose. Trials of Mana also features a new leveling and skill system that is different from the original.

When will Trials of Mana be available?

Trials of Mana released on April 24, 2020 and costs $50.