Square-Enix confirmed today that Heroes of Mana is coming to the Nintendo DS in Europe this Autumn. Heroes of Mana breaks away from the traditional action RPG experience, and plans to deliver a Mana game that will offer real-time strategy gameplay.
Let's face it... after Dawn of Mana it may be hard to get excited about a new Mana game, but first and foremost what gives us hope is that the game is being developed by Brownie Brown (of Sword of Mana fame). Granted, Sword of Mana isn't regarded as one of the best Mana games, but it was a decent game. And as said before, the game will offer real-time strategy gameplay, which is set to fully utilize the touch screen aspect of the DS to lead armies, build bases, and battle foes. That being said, I do have hope that this game will breathe new life into the Mana series.
Square-Enix also sent out a batch of new screenshots, all of which look stunning.
Quote:
London (14th June, 2007) – Square Enix Ltd., the publisher of Square Enix® interactive entertainment products in Europe and other PAL territories, today announces the forthcoming release of HEROES of MANA™ on the Nintendo DS™ system for Autumn 2007.
Developed exclusively for Nintendo DS, HEROES of MANA breathes new life into the WORLD of MANA™ series by taking it into the completely new realm of real-time strategy. Stylus-wielding generals must plan, plot and employ strategy to ensure victory on the battlefield. Utilising the Touch Screen to the fullest, players take full control of the battle as they gather resources, assemble armies and experience an all-new perspective on the ever-evolving battle for the world of MANA,
“We’re very excited to be bringing HEROES of MANA to Europe,” says John Yamamoto, President and CEO of Square Enix Ltd. “The MANA series has long been adored by fans around the world. HEROES of MANA offers a fantastically fresh new approach, with the addition of real-time strategy that makes battles even more thrilling than before.”
-The Story-
Roget, a soldier of Pedda, is on a reconnaissance mission to Ferolia with his companions, when their aircraft is shot down by the enemy and abandoned by their carrier. The crew comes to realise that the mission was a plot by their own superiors to eliminate them, with the invasion of Ferolia being only the first step towards Pedda’s domination of the world. Witnessing the atrocities committed by the Peddan army, Roget and his crewmates are forced to fight against their own countrymen.
-Features-
• Real-time strategy that makes full use of the Nintendo DS Touch Screen – the intuitive control scheme allows players to lead armies, build bases and vanquish their foes entirely through the use of the Nintendo DS stylus
• Intense head-to-head multiplayer allows friends to challenge each other via DS Wireless Communications
• Command heroes and monsters alike from the MANA series and lead them to victory on the battlefield
• The signature MANA art style comes to life in a fantastic blend of 2D and 3D environments
• KINGDOM HEARTS series composer Yoko Shimomura delivers a stirring soundtrack that captures the essence of the WORLD of MANA series
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