Collection of Mana

The Collection of Mana is a treasure trove of retro delights for fans of classic action RPGs. If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about pixelated adventures, charming townsfolk, and the occasional overly-complicated item management system (*ahem* Secret of Mana, I’m looking at you), then this collection is your ticket to pixelated paradise. So grab your 3DS, and let’s dive into this enchanting world! This compilation bundles three beloved titles: Adventures of Mana, Secret of Mana, and Trials of Mana. Each game feels like a different chapter of the same whimsical storybook, bursting with adventure, camaraderie, and a sprinkle of chaos.

Collection of Mana

Adventures of Mana

Adventures of Mana, originally released as Final Fantasy Adventure, is a captivating action RPG that sets the stage for the Mana series. Players assume the role of a young hero tasked with rescuing a maiden from the clutches of the sinister Dark Lord. As they traverse forests, dungeons, and mountains, they discover the mystical powers of the Mana Sword, undertaking quests that intertwine personal sacrifice with the fate of the world.

The game features a top-down perspective with simple yet engaging mechanics. While the story is relatively straightforward, it effectively builds emotion through character interactions, particularly the bond between the protagonist and the captured maiden. Combat involves real-time action, and the RPG elements allow for weapon upgrades and magical abilities. The dungeon design can feel repetitive at times, and inventory management may frustrate players, but the charm and the sense of adventure make it a delightful experience for both newcomers and long-time fans.

If the Game Boy graphics don’t captivate you, you can immerse yourself in the stunning remake, Sword of Mana, for a fresh experience! Also, I’ve implemented the DX patch, which includes exciting features like vibrant full colorization and a revamped world map, no longer just an empty expanse with a handful of house icons! Plus, it fixes several original game bugs: your defense won’t drop after casting Heal, and you can now use a moogle item to restore a moogle’s status. Drawing inspiration from xenophile’s remarkable hack, the character selection menus now showcase the main characters’ sprites!

Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana is a beloved action RPG known for its real-time combat and cooperative multiplayer gameplay. Players can choose to control one of three heroes: Randi, Primm, or Popoi, as they embark on a quest to restore balance to the world by reviving the mystical Mana Tree. Along the way, they face off against powerful enemies, solve puzzles, and unlock the secrets of the Mana Fortress.

The graphics and music are standout features, immersing players in a vibrant, magical world. The innovative ring menu system for selecting spells and items offers tactical gameplay, though it can lead to some disagreements in multiplayer settings. The ability to play cooperatively enhances the experience, making it perfect for friends. Character development and emotional storytelling elevate the game beyond typical RPG fare, although the AI companion occasionally suffers from pathfinding issues. Overall, Secret of Mana remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its engaging gameplay and memorable moments.

A romhack, Secret of Mana Plus takes the classic game to new heights by enriching three of its palaces: the Wind Palace and Moon Palace transform into formidable dungeons brimming with monsters. The stories of the Gold Tower and Gold Isle are expanded with extra maps. These new areas introduce: additional monsters and bosses, featuring unique stats, spells, and colors; captivating cutscenes that weave these maps into the main narrative and introduce fresh plot twists; and hidden bonus maps scattered throughout the game, filled with treasure chests. While the core gameplay remains intact, this hack also incorporates several enhancements: the maximum consumable count is boosted from 4 to 7 (thanks to Moppleton), allies can now venture beyond the screen's edges (also Moppleton), and elemental melee damage and enemy species damage mechanics are introduced (by our man Moppleton), along with a spell grinding speed-up hack that doubles the pace (by Kethinov).

But is this game multiplayer only?

Rest assured, even as a solo player, you’ll find the Secret of Mana experience enjoyable!

Trials of Mana

Trials of Mana is the third installment in the collection, featuring a rich narrative and a unique character selection system. Players choose from six heroes, each with their own backstory and motivations, to form a party of three. The game centers around the quest to restore the power of Mana and combat the forces threatening the world.

With its fluid combat system and class-changing mechanics, Trials of Mana offers depth and customization, allowing players to craft their ideal party and strategy. Each character’s story intertwines, providing emotional stakes and a sense of connection. The soundtrack enhances the experience, adding to the game’s feel. While some may find the early game pacing slow, the payoff in character growth and narrative depth makes it a rewarding adventure.

I've included the ultimate Trials of Mana ROMhack here, it will provide a significantly modernized improvement over the vanilla version. Here’s a glimpse of the standout enhancements included:

• Better Monsters and Maps
• Better Starting Stats
• Black Rabite
• Class Balance Bundle + No Skill Counter by Hmsong
• Item Shop & Changes
• Less Grinding
• Useful Energy Ball
• More Evade Changes
• Hues of Mana
• MSU1 Patch (not compatible with 3DS systems yet)

Download

Tap the download button below to retrieve the .RAR file. Once the download concludes, extract the contents into your SD card’s CIAs folder. Then, proceed to install the .CIAs on your 3DS. For those who desire a personalized touch, you can individually download titles by clicking this link or scanning the QR codes below with FBI and you're all set. Enjoy your exciting journey into the world of Mana!

Adventures of Mana

Secret of Mana (Pixel Perfect)

Secret of Mana (Widescreen)

Trials of Mana (Pixel Perfect)

Trials of Mana (Widescreen)