Announced at today’s Nintendo Direct, the 1999 action RPGLegend of Manawill be coming to the Switch in June. Though the beloved 90s title will be remastered to fit modern standards, Square Enix is keeping the same charming pixel graphics that players fell in love with over two decades ago.
Legend of Manais the fourth installment in the high-fantasyManaseries. The series first began as another side story to theFinal Fantasyfranchise, though those inspired elements were later dropped with the second game,Secret of Mana. Later on, an attempt was made by Square Enix to revive theManaseries with theWorld of Manasubseries, however, those games wererated far lower than the originalManagames, and the series temporarily ended withHeroes of Mana,which sits at a score of 66 on Metacritic.
RELATED:Bravely Default 2 Gets Final Trailer
Further down the line, however, Square Enix began remaking theManaseries for more modern consoles, not unlike thePokemonremastered games, starting withAdventures of Mana, a 3D remake of the originalManatitle known asFinal Fantasy Adventure. Most recently, the 1995 installmentTrials of Manareleased a 3D remake last year. Additionally, fans can play the original threeManagames from the 90s inCollection of Mana, a bundle for the Nintendo Switch.
Now, it looks like Square might be skipping overDawn of Manaand will be releasing the next game,Legend of Mana, for the Switch this summer. Originally,Legend of Manawas considered a spin-off to theManaseries and as such, implemented its own distinct style of gameplay that garnered mixed reviews.
Legend of Manais set in the fictional world of Fa’Diel after the Mana Tree almost completely burned down. Players will assume the role of a hero, either amale or female silent protagonist, who must restore the world and mana to their former glory. Players will shape the protagonist’s backstory and personality.
Additionally, the acclaimed music composed by Yoko Shimomura, best known for her work in theKingdom HeartsandSuper Smash Bros.series, has been rearranged with musical enhancements. It’s unclear if Shimomura has a hand in the remaster ofLegend of Mana, but because she’s still actively working on modern Square titles such as the recentKingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory,it’s highly likely. Either way, players can choose to listen to either the new or original arrangements at any time during gameplay.
Similar to previousManaremakes, some gameplay and story aspects ofLegend of Manamay also be improved upon from the original. Though it’s currently unclear if this is Square’s intention, critics were disappointed with the lack of a clear storyline after the ‘99 release.
Legend of Manawill release for the Nintendo Switch on July 27, 2025.
MORE:The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Confirmed for Switch, Motion Controls Optional
