Legend of Mana

Legend of Mana
Developer	Square
Publisher	JP: Square (PS1) NA: Square EA (PS1) WW: Square Enix
Platforms	PlayStation, iOS, Android, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
Release date	PlayStation: July 15, 1999 June 6, 2000 Windows, Switch, PS4: Worldwide: June 24, 2021 iOS, Android: Worldwide: December 7, 2021
Genre	Action role-playing
Rating(s)	ESRB: - Teen
Mode(s)	Single player, multiplayer
Media	CD-ROM, Digital download
Input	Controller

Legend of Mana is a 1999 action role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Sony PlayStation. It is the first spinoff game in the Mana series, and the fourth game overall following 1995's Trials of Mana.

Legend of Mana is notable as the first game in the series to adopt a "choose your own adventure" model, combining numerous elements of strategy-simulation titles with the series' time-honored action RPG mechanics, placing the player in control of a hero who builds their own world while resolving the various issues that they and the other citizens of this world encounter. The very composition of the world determines the balance of mana as well as the events of the story, since the player can also choose which quests to undertake in any order they wish. However, the player's choices may also have rewards and consequences that extend far beyond the current quest in play. The quests themselves are presented as chapters in the stories of individuals or entire communities of people that the Hero will meet in their overall quest to revive the Tree of Mana that was lost in ages past.

Story

Opening cutscene

Nine centuries ago, the Mana Tree burned to ashes. The power of Mana lived on inside Mana stones, enchanted instruments, and artifacts. Sages fought with each other for control of these last remnants of Mana. Then, after hundreds of years of war, as the power of Mana began to wane, those who sought it grew scarce, and the world returned to peace. After that, mankind grew afraid to desire. Their hearts filled with empty emotions, and grew estranged from my hands. They turned their eyes away from my infinite power, and were troubled by their petty disputes. Remember me! Need me! I can provide you with everything! I am love. Find me, and walk beside me.

Legend of Mana is set in the fictional world of Fa'Diel. The Mana Tree, the giver of mana and life for the world, burned down nine centuries prior to the events of the game. A war erupted between faeries, human, and others seeking the scarce power of mana that was left. When the war concluded, the drained Mana Tree slept and the many lands of the world were stored in ancient artifacts. A hero, controlled by the player, is self-charged with restoring the world, and its mana, to its former self. The Lands of Fa'Diel are populated with a large number of different creatures, including humans, faeries, demons, the jewel-hearted Jumi race, plant-like Sproutlings and Flowerlings, miner bears called Dudbears, and shadowy beings of the Underworld known as Shadoles. Fa'Diel is also the home of a host of anthropomorphic animals and objects, as well as monsters from other Mana titles such as Rabites, Chobin Hoods, and Goblins.

The player can choose to be either a male or female silent protagonist. The gender has no actual bearing on gameplay, other than humorous comments made by NPCs regarding the fashion sense of the character. It is not really explained who either protagonist actually is or what their past was like before their Home became an Artifact, as their history and personality is meant to be determined by the player. A myriad of characters meet the hero or heroine during the course of the game's numerous quests; these characters join the player on more than one occasion and drive the game's split storyline, which is divided into three main plot branches. Each branch holds a series of related side-quests, which compose a part of Legend of Mana's story. Upon completion of any of these branches, the player is given the choice of finishing the game, even if quests from other branches have not yet been started or completed. There are 67 quests in total (excluding the final quest).

Main Story

Jumi Arc

The Jumi Arc centers on the eponymous race of bejeweled people being increasingly under the threat of extinction after escaping their home town. The famed jewel hunter roams Fa’Diel stealing their core for undisclosed reasons, adding further aggravation to their existence. Meaniwhile, the Lapis Knight Elazul tries his best to fulfill his duty to protect his absent-minded guardian Pearl who has a propensity to get lost. As the story unfolds, Pearl is revealed to play a much larger role in this than previously believed as the jewel hunter’s motives are unveiled. Florina, the lost Clarius of the Jumi, is the key to unravel the mystery surrounding the fate of the jewel people.

Faerie Arc

This arc tells the story of three childhood friends whose bonds began to break after the demon Irwin caused Matilda to fall in love with him after she resented her role as the future helm of Gato Grottoes. This forbidden passion led her to age rapidly after Irwin absorbed her elemental powers several years ago. Escad, one of Matilda’s close friends, seeks to enact vengeance on the demon’s curse and prevent her beloved from being taken into the land of Faeries where Irwin claims she could live for eternity. At the same time, Daena tries a more diplomatic approach to find a cure for the friend she considers like a sister. The fate of friends and foes alike lies in the hands of the protagonist.

Dragoon Arc

The hero has been summoned to the Underworld by Larc, beast-warrior and dragoon of Drakonis who wishes to usurp the power of the Mana Stones from his mortal enemies and restore himself to his former glory. Teaming with Larc, the hero ventures into each of the three lairs of the dragon guardians to defeat them and harness their power. Larc’s little sister Sierra tries to reason with her brother by warning him of the consequences of resurrecting the Archdemon of hell, but his older brethren doesn’t seem to care of her concerns. The two of then constantly gets in each other’s way putting the morality of Larc’s actions at stake.

Tree of Mana Arc

Sproutlings are small humanoid leaf people who are said to hold the key to resurrecting the fabled Tree of Mana. Aided by Pokiehl the Poet of Truth, the hero might be able to harness the power of the Mana Sword and gain access to the Sanctuary of Mana.

Side Stories

Bud & Lisa’s Arc

The twin budding mages are causing a raucous in the western side of Domina by raising a magical pumpkin army to do their bidding. They are initially apprehensive when the protagonist shows up to confront them, but are quickly eager to find shelter at the hero’s home. Their curious and carefree disposition leads them to various and wacky adventures.

Niccolo’s Arc

This savvy cat merchant has a knack for swindling people and getting into seedy situations. His arrogant and excessive quirks can easily put him into hot water, but he usually manages to get the upper hand with one or two tricks. He loves to ask the protagonist to help him out whenever he feels the need.

Capella & Diddle’s Arc

This performing duo hangs out in Domina as their main base. While Capella displays a playful, optimistic attitude, Diddle harbors a much more somber outlook on life. He ends up wandering away from his partner whenever he feels moody, to the point of putting himself in danger.

Sirens & Gilbert’s Arc

Gilbert is a love-struck centaur always on the lookout for potential love interests. Despite easily falling for the first attractive female in sight, he quickly changes his mind once the relationship sours. One particular suitor he encounters will catch his attention so much so he will risk his life for her attention.

Pirate Penguins’ Arc

This story follows the miscellaneous adventures of Cap’n Tusk and his penguin crew to find hidden treasures buried in land and on sea. His squadron’s helplessness often leads them in perilous situations that the hero must solve in order to save them.

Home Expansion Arc

There a plenty of toolsheds, barns, and other various amenities scattered around the hero’s estate. Short quests are necessary to unlock them, but they can truly help the protagonist in their quest in rebuilding the world.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Legend of Mana.

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  Bud

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  Hero

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  Heroine

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  Lisa

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  Niccolo

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  Rabite

	Randi --"Whoa! What's a Rabite doing in a place like this?"
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