Echoes of Mana is an mobile game and the latest entry in the long-running JRPG series. The game is a celebration of Mana's 30-year history, allowing fans to play alongside characters from multiple entries and featuring the iconic monsters and art style the series is known for. Echoes of Mana will release later in 2022.
Originally conceived by Koichi Ishii and then first released as a Final Fantasy spin-off, the Mana series quickly developed into its own beloved franchise. In recent years, the Mana series has seen a resurgence in the West, with multiple remasters, remakes, and ports appearing on a number of platforms. A Legend of Mana remaster came out last year, and the Trials of Mana remake was released in 2020. In addition to Echoes of Mana, an anime and new console game are also in the works.
It's an interesting time to be a Mana fan - and a great time to get into the series as well - with the increase in game releases. Game Director Masaru Oyamada and Producer Akira Haruta are both working on Echoes of Mana ahead of its launch, but took time to discuss the game with Screen Rant - and what's ahead for the series' future.
Before discussing Echoes of Mana, I'd like to get to know you two a bit better. So, what's your favorite monster or character in the Mana series and why do you love them so much?
Masaru Oyamada, Mana Series Producer: The Sumo, who is the main protagonist in Final Fantasy Adventure. It’s the first game that I ever cleared on my own. So that’s part of the reason why I have a strong attachment to the Sumo, but I’ll stop here to keep myself from going on and on about it.
Akira Haruta, Echoes of Mana Producer: The character that I like is Popoi from Secret of Mana. I like their innocence and adorable words and actions. However, Popoi disappears at the end of Secret of Mana, so that was quite heartbreaking. That scene, as well as moments throughout the game, made me think about how the world is built upon the sacrifices of others.
How does Echoes of Mana set itself apart from past games in the series?
Masaru Oyamada: The story’s developments, which transcend boundaries between titles in the series, are only possible because this is an all-star title. For example, Randi from Secret of Mana meets Duran from Trials of Mana and they go on an adventure together; you get to enjoy conversations and storylines among characters who never would have met otherwise.
Akira Haruta: Other than the story, I would say the battles! Even characters like the Crimson Wizard and the Dark Lord, who couldn’t be used in past titles because they were enemies, can now be controlled as playable characters in this title.
Echoes of Mana has original protagonists but a lot of characters from past games show up as well. How easy would the game be for series newcomers to pick up and play?
Akira Haruta: Very easy! This title features its very own, original storyline, so you can enjoy it even if you don’t know the past characters. As a smartphone game, it goes without saying that the combat portion features simple controls. You can also dodge by timing yourself with your enemies’ moves, or activate special moves from just the right place/position, so it has a strong action element as well. I think people who like action games will definitely enjoy it.
Is there a certain aspect of the development of Echoes of Mana - combat, storytelling, or music, for instance - that stands out most to you?
Akira Haruta: All of those things! The crossovers in the story, the rewards, the action-based battles, the mystical BGM expected from a Mana game, and the gentle aesthetic of the graphics. We put a lot of heart into making all of those aspects stand out.
What was the easiest part of Echoes of Mana to nail down in development, and what was the most difficult?
Akira Haruta: The concept of making an all-star Mana game was nailed down right away. However, there were many points that were hard to nail down because this is an all-star game. For example, the designs differ between titles in the series, so it was hard to decide how to make everything cohesive in this title. The battle system also varies depending on the series and the scenario was difficult as well in of figuring out how characters from past titles would interact with one another to create this all-star title.
Echoes of Mana is releasing soon, and a Mana anime and console game are in the works. Can you tell us a bit about what the future has in store for the Mana series?
Masaru Oyamada: For the anime, we are currently supervising the writing and drawing. The director and all the other staff are wonderful, so it’s turning out great! Please stay tuned for more updates about the anime! As for the newest console game, please play Echoes of Mana while you wait for that time to come!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions today. I'm really looking forward to playing the game! Before we go, is there anything you'd like to say to players - both old and new - before they play Echoes of Mana?
Masaru Oyamada: We have exciting things in store this year with Echoes of Mana and to hype up the Mana series, so I hope you’ll cheer us on.
Akira Haruta: Just a little while left until it releases! Please be sure to pre-. We’re also posting new information on social media whenever it becomes available, so please be sure to follow us. It’s turning out to be a game that I think you’ll all enjoy, so I hope you’ll look forward to the release.
Echoes of Mana will release later in 2022.