The Secret of Mana, also known as Seiken Densetsu 2, is considered one of the best JRPGs ever created, and with the remaster’s release quickly approaching, we got the opportunity to sit down with series producer, Masaru Oyamada, and take the game for a short test drive.
What Is Secret of Mana?
Secret of Mana originally released in 1993 for the SNES and tells the story of Randi, Primm, and Popoi’s journey as they battle a treacherous empire. The tale is one of charm and touching moments that are cherished in the hearts of its fans. They travel searching for the eight mana spirits who hold the power that comprises Mana in this action-packed JRPG. It was also one of the first games for its time to add local co-op to a long-form JRPG, finally allowing siblings and friends everywhere to experience the game together.
It’s nearly impossible to please all fans when remastering a game and it comes with various advantages and difficulties. Developers get to remake a game that was treasured by fans while introducing it to a new generation of gamers. This also comes with the added benefit of making the game without the limitations of previous technology.
Remasters aren’t a simple copy and paste with new graphics. Developers walk the line of making sure that improvements don’t change the core experience for their original fan base. Remasters can even be polarizing for some fans. Many feel a portion of the original charm is lost when seeing their favorite games remastered.
The Man Behind the Magic
FANDOM got a chance to sit down with the producer of the upcoming Secret of Mana remaster, Masaru Oyamada. We spoke about the differences between the original and the remaster and what it means to him and the team.
FANDOM: What changes do you think will stand out the most?
Masaru Oyamada: With regards to the overall story and universe, we did our best to be true to the classic version of the game. However, we did try to improve on the overall tempo of the game. You will really feel that through this particular remake. We also added interlude episodes that give insight into the dialogues that the characters may have had in between events.
FANDOM: How did the original Secret of Mana launch on the SNES classic affect the upcoming remaster’s release?
Oyamada: With regards to working on a remake, many fans would like to relive the experiences they had back then. So their intentions and desires are to replay the classic version once again. I don’t intend to deny those desires and obviously, if we can accommodate those desires, we’d like to. In that sense, I think the SNES classic version of the game fulfills that aspect and those demands.
That said if we can bring the experience to new generations… that’s something we always seek out to do. With both versions available in existence we feel that it compliments both and benefits both titles.
FANDOM: What do you hope newcomers to the game will get out of the remaster?
Oyamada: We feel like these are all aspects that a new generation of gamers can enjoy as well. We’re hoping to bring this popular title to a newer generation of players to experience in the same fashion that the older generation did.
Whats Next for Oyamada?
FANDOM: Are there any other games you’d like to remaster?
Oyamada: Currently, I have more interest in creating a new entry for the Mana series instead of remastering other games.
FANDOM: Are there any characters or franchises you’d like to build a game around?
Oyamada: It would be great if we could bring the Rabite character to different worlds and build it’s popularity to the level where it can have this presence to carry over… if anything was possible there is a desire to make it more iconic not only in games but in anime as well.
During our chat, Oyamada also expressed interested in working on a title with Kirby. A team comprised of Rabite and Kirby might just be the cutest combo ever regardless of what genre of game it ended up falling into.
It’s Mana Time
During our demo, we got to visit the Moon Palace, as well as practice our combat skills in the areas leading up to it. Right off the bat in combat, we noticed just how optimized the game has become. The attack bar that fills between attacks to determine strength is much more intuitive than the original and the charge mechanic for attacks is easy to track for dealing maximum damage. Up to two items can be programmed for quick use to keep the action moving while in combat removing the need to pause to heal or recover status effects.
Everything overall just felt more modernized and in a good way and some purists may have issues with the changes. However, these updates are what the game needed to compete with the basic standards of this generation of games.
“We’re hoping to bring this popular title to a newer generation of players to experience in the same fashion that the older generation did,” explained Oyamada.
The menus have a fresh coat of paint to give a more modern and intuitive experience. There are still no item descriptions like the original, so newcomers may be uneasy about buying and using items without knowing their effects.
The voice acting came across very naturally and is a welcome addition. Fans will enjoy the fact that both Japanese and English voice and subtitle options will be available. Fans will have the option of using the original soundtrack or the newly arranged remastered soundtrack. From my sampling, it manages to capture the essence of the original while establishing a new sound of its own.
Closing Thoughts
I, for one, enjoyed my demo session with Secret of Mana. From what I’ve seen, I think that the team has done a great job balancing the essence of old and new. And only time will tell if they have captured lightning in a bottle once again. Creating a faithful remaster of Secret of Mana for fans and newcomers is no small undertaking, but if anyone has a chance it’s this team.
Secret of Mana will release on PS4, PS Vita, and PC via Steam February 15th, 2018.
