Trials of Mana

Trials of Mana is the 3D remake of the Japanese action role-playing game Seiken Densetsu 3 from 1995, released in 2020. Six heroes are available to choose from, and you pick a main character and two companions. The party composition affects parts of the story, while the battles play out in real time.

Trials of Mana was released on April 24, 2020 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. Standalone versions for iOS and Android followed on July 15, 2021. The Xbox Series X|S version was released on Sep 26, 2024.

The 3D remake is available natively for PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android and Xbox Series X|S. On PS5, the PS4 version can be played via backward compatibility without becoming a separate PS5 version. The mobile version has been adapted for touch controls.

The heroes roam through sprawling fantasy areas, encounter monsters, find equipment and talk to inhabitants. Combat takes place directly in the game world and combines quick attacks, evasive maneuvers and special abilities. Between battles you adjust your party for stronger enemies.

The additional chapter and the fourth classes are part of the remake. A separate soundtrack is also offered on Steam. This is music and not further playable adventures or new campaigns.

For PC, Steam lists a minimum of an Intel Core i3 at 2.5 GHz or an AMD A-Series CPU, 4 GB RAM, a GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon RX 460, and 20 GB storage. Recommended are 8 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon RX 470. DirectX 11 is required for both configurations.

Duran, Angela, Kevin, Charlotte, Hawkeye and Riesz have different backgrounds and fighting styles. At the start you choose a main character and two companions. Their relationships and individual storylines mean that different party combinations open up different perspectives on the story.

The class system lets you develop each character in different directions. Light and dark paths open specialized roles for attack, healing or support. The remake adds an ability system and a fourth class per character, so a party can be tailored to specific combat situations.

In combat you control one character directly and switch between the three party members as needed. Besides normal attacks, you use magic, special techniques and evasive movements. The class setup determines which tasks individual heroes are especially good at.

The world runs on the power of the Mana Tree. When the eight Benevodons are to be freed from their seals, several kingdoms come into conflict. The chosen heroes travel through different regions and pursue their personal goals within this larger conflict.

The 3D version expands the original role-playing game with an additional episode after the main story. There, characters can unlock further classes and face a new challenge. The chapter is part of the game and does not need to be bought as a separate story expansion.

The soundtrack consists of newly arranged versions of music by Hiroki Kikuta. Players can switch between the original tracks and the arrangements. This keeps the musical atmosphere of the classic intact, even though the visuals and combat have been fundamentally reworked.

Trials of Mana is a single-player role-playing game with no local or online co-op. The PC version supports German on-screen text and English and Japanese voice audio. The mobile versions offer controls adapted for touchscreens.