Manapiece Theatre 11: Secret of Mana HD

What happens when you try to transform a classic into a modern chunk of shovelware? Let’s find out!

Secret of Mana HD
Aka Seiken Densetsu 2 (again)
2018
Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, PC

What is this again?
The perennial Secret of Mana, originally the darling of the Super Nintendo, was released again in 2018 with a modern upgrade. Unlike when Final Fantasy Adventure got its remake, Secret of Mana (SNES Edition) was already widely available at this time, both through the SNES Mini Console and Collection of Mana (released in Japan in 2018, and destined for our shores within a year). But I guess if you’ve gotta colorize a classic, you may as well choose a classic with giant enemy bees.

Does it look any better?
Not particularly! This is an “upgrade” over 16-bit graphics from 1993, but nothing was done to preserve the art style. The original has a style almost wholly unique and never replicated in its epoch (give or take Trials of Mana). This looks like any other mobile game with “modern”, vaguely polygonal graphics. And they dropped the Mode 7 cannon launching cinemas entirely! What are we even doing here!?

Is the gameplay improved?
We have a few “quality of life” improvements. The biggest change is the option of radically expanding your item maximum from 4 to 12. If you cannot clear a Spring Beak with 12 chocolates in your bag, just go ahead and give up now. Additionally, we have a mini map and more transparent equipment stats. There are hotkeys available, too, but they do not make as much of a difference as in the previous Mana remake.

Could the gameplay have been improved more?
Considering how few improvements there are here, the answer to that would be a resounding “yes”. “Spell chaining” was removed from this edition, but general ally attacking/dodging AI was improved. So your partners are not entirely dead weight in a new and not-at-all-interesting way. Maybe a game known for three playable characters could focus on that?

Any additions to the game?
There is a new party chat feature when your gang stays at inns. This offers significant insight into these characters that previously had no discernable personalities past their introductions (well, except Sprite. You will never mistake their deal for anything else). Mind you, these party chats can “fall behind” the main plot if you do not constantly nap, so it is a little puzzling to see the posse finally getting around to discussing the witch you clobbered like two hours back.

Any localization upgrades?
At least we no longer have to deal with the Ted Woolsey interpretation that was produced inside of six weeks. No offense to the esteemed Mr. Woolsey, it is simply improper to assume a translation performed in the 90’s over a month and a half would be remotely accurate to the game and its associated franchise. So “Speed Up” is still not “Quick”, but at least more of the name-details align with the whole of Mana.

Any retroactive upgrades?
Later heroes, heroines, and significant objects from Trials of Mana, Legend of Mana, Children of Mana, and Rise of Mana can all be found in silly cameos across the world (and there are a few references to Adventures of Mana, too). Also, someone stuck Vuscav’s flag on Turtle Shell Isle, presumably confirming that something very sad happened to that poor turtle.

Is it worth it?
Nope! Just play the original. Please.

Anything else?
In Secret of Mana, there was an “orb from an ancient civilization” that would play out a skit parodying Jeopardy with Abe Lincoln as the answer (well, question). The modern upgrade of that now features a reference to Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Hey, dummies, guess which gameshow is still more renowned in 2025!

Even Worse Streams Presents The Mana Franchise
Night 10
Secret of Mana HD

December 17, 2024

Random Notes:

• Welcome back to Secret of Mana (sorta) with fanboymaster, BEAT, Cassandralyn, and Chromes. We’ve got a recap of not only the last Secret playthrough, but also the few “missed” segments I fast-forwarded through to make it to this Christmas section. Yes, this was our 2024 Holiday Special!
• “So the trees are pretty but they’re obstructive to where you want to… act?” “That’s Mana in a nutshell.”
• The Even Worse Not-Hallmark Special: We’ve got Santa Claus, grumps, and manic pixie dream BEAT.
• If you make a Power Rangers movie, you better use the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers theme, dammit.
• The Jingle Cats are real and spectacular. They have a Playstation game. Add that to the list of obscure titles we must one day play.
• As we fight Santa’s final form, BEAT talks about the medium of webcomics and their transition to print.
• The familiar call of Narnia: “Get in the car idiot, we’re going to go find Jesus.”
• Ample Vigour arrives as we are discussing hose/hoes.
• Christmas is over! As our protagonists get captured in the desert, we discuss thermostat settings. Learn how cold we are!
• You will not find 200 immaculately decorated mannequins in my home when I die. Just saying.
• “If everyone who said they played Landstalker actually bought Landstalker, it would have sold more copies than the Bible.”
• Kishi joins thanks to BEAT’s pleading.
• Offhandedly mentioning Monster Party inevitably leads to a look at NES box art that is thick, solid, and tight.
• Oh yeah, Caliscrub snuck in here somewhere.
• Let’s put on our moogle jammies and venture through the sewers.
• Jeff Rosenstock is celebrating President’s Day this Christmas.
• What is the true meaning of “Hot companies hiring in your area”?
• “I achieved enlightenment. It wasn’t that great. Back to being a cocktail waitress.”
• Prince of Persia had at least one DS game that facilitated punching.
• The vampire is defeated! I guess! We wrap up as we discuss future streams and check out the last remaining (misogynistic) new costume.

Next time on Manapiece Theatre: The Trials of triumph.

(And if you like talking about Secret of Mana, we’ve got an extra look at the game this Friday. Please look forward to it and such.)