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Encyclopedia > Secret Of Mana
Secret of Mana

Developer(s) Square
Publisher(s) Square
Designer(s) Koichi Ishii (director, chief game design)
Hiromichi Tanaka (producer, concept/system design)
Hiroki Kikuta (composer)
Nasir Gebelli (lead programming)
Series Mana series
Platform(s) SNES
Release date JPN August 6, 1993
NA October 3, 1993
EUR November 24, 1994
Genre(s) Action RPG
Mode(s) Single player, multiplayer, cooperative
Rating(s) OFLC: G
Media 16 megabit cartridge

Secret of Mana, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 2 (聖剣伝説2 Seiken Densetsu Tsū?, lit. "Legend of the Holy Sword 2"), is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the second installment in the Mana video game series (the first, Final Fantasy Adventure/Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden was for the GameBoy). This is the only Mana game released on the Super Nintendo outside Japan. Most players outside Japan were introduced to the series through this particular game. Image File history File links Secret Of mana (1993 on SNES) North American box This is the cover art for a video or computer game. ... A video game developer is a software developer (a business or an individual) that creates video games. ... Square Company, Limited ) was a Japanese video game company founded in September of 1983 by Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi. ... Square Company, Limited ) was a Japanese video game company founded in September of 1983 by Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi. ... A game designer is a person who designs games. ... Koichi Ishii is a video game director for the Square Enix corporation. ... Hiromichi Tanaka ) (January 1, 1962 – ) is a Japanese video game developer working at Square Enix. ... Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹 Kikuta Hiroki, born August 29, 1962) is one of the better known composers of video game music. ... Nasir Gebelli is a programmer and video game developer. ... The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ... In computing, a platform describes some sort of framework, either in hardware or software, which allows software to run. ... The Super Nintendo Entertainment System or Super NES (also called SNES and Super Nintendo) was a 16-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia, and Brazil between 1990 and 1993. ... This article is about the country in East Asia. ... is the 218th day of the year (219th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... North American redirects here. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... is the 328th day of the year (329th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1994 (MCMXCIV) The year 1994 was designated as the International Year of the Family and the International Year of the Sport and the Olympic Ideal by the United Nations. ... Further information: Game classification Video games are categorized into genres based on their gameplay interaction. ... An Action-RPG is a type of computer role-playing game which requires quick action or reflexes from the player. ... In computer games and video games, single-player refers to the variant of a particular game where input from only one player is expected throughout the course of the gaming session. ... A multiplayer game is a video game in which more than one person can play the same game at the same time. ... For other uses, see Coop. ... A video game content rating system is a system used for the classification of video games into suitability-related groups. ... The Office of Film and Literature Classification is a statutory censorship and classification body which provides day to day administrative support for the Classification Board which classified films, video games and publications in Australia, and the Classification Review Board which reviews films, computer games and publications when a valid application... The Megabit is a unit of information storage, abbreviated Mbit or sometimes Mb. ... Cartridge for the VIC 20 homecomputer In various types of electronic equipment, a cartridge can refer one method of adding different functionality or content (e. ... An Action-RPG, or action role-playing game is a type of computer and console role-playing game which requires quick action or reflexes from the player. ... Square Company, Limited ) was a Japanese video game company founded in September of 1983 by Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi. ... SQUARE ENIX (Japanese: スクウェア・エニックス) is a Japanese producer of popular video games and manga. ... The Super Nintendo Entertainment System or Super NES (also called SNES and Super Nintendo) was a 16-bit video game console released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia, and Brazil between 1990 and 1993. ... The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ... Final Fantasy Adventure (Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden (聖剣伝説 ~ファイナルファンタジー外伝~) in Japan, and Mystic Quest in Europe), released in 1991, was the first game in the Seiken Densetsu series. ... The original Game Boys design set the standard for handheld gaming consoles. ...


Rather than use the traditional turn-based battle system of games like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, Secret of Mana uses real-time battles akin to the Legend of Zelda series' games, but with the statistical-based elements of the RPG genre and a unique "ring menu" system. In addition, with its brightly colored graphics, expansive plot, and soundtrack by Hiroki Kikuta, Secret Of Mana has been called one of the greatest video games ever made.[1] Role-playing battle systems is a systematic set of rules to determine how battle should flow in an role-playing game. ... This article is about the Final Fantasy franchise. ... Dragon Quest logo Dragon Quest ), published as Dragon Warrior in North America until the 2005 release of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, is a series of role-playing games produced by Enix (now Square Enix). ... A Legend of Zelda series logo The Legend of Zelda series (often shortened to Zelda, TLoZ, or LoZ), by Nintendo, is a series of video games created by celebrated game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. ... Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹 Kikuta Hiroki, born August 29, 1962) is one of the better known composers of video game music. ...

Contents

Gameplay

Generally, Secret of Mana uses a top-down view common with role-playing games of the 16-bit era, with movement governed by the directional pad and the game's other functions by the other buttons (however, the game allows an unusual, if somewhat impractical, upside-down controller configuration). However, unlike its companion turn-based RPGs, Secret of Mana uses a pictorial ring menu system. It is from here that the player can change what weapons the main characters use, cast spells, use items, equip armor, change game settings and control the behavior of the computer-controlled main characters while the action is paused. The ring menu is used again in later Mana games and the spin-off Secret of Evermore. (Redirected from 16-bit era) In the history of video games, the 16-bit era was the fourth generation of video game consoles. ... The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. ... Secret of Evermore, released in North America on September 18, 1995, is a role playing video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System video game console. ...


Weapons and spells

Secret of Mana offers the player eight weapon types to choose from, including Randi's initial sword. These include a spear, bow, axe, whip and a javelin. As a default setting, Purim joins the party using the glove and Popoi with the boomerang. Weapons can be upgraded through the use of orbs, generally obtained after the successful completion of a boss battle or found as treasures in dungeons. In order for the upgrade to be performed, the weapons must be taken to Watts the Dwarven Blacksmith, who is a staple of the series. One major annoyance of this system is the apparent absence of two of the weapon orbs, for the axe and the glove — this can be remedied by searching for orbs randomly dropped by specific enemies, but they are very rare. Collecting eight orbs for each weapon in this way allows the player's weapons to reach a secret ultimate level. Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century Look up Sword in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Spears were one of the most common personal weapons from the late Bronze Age until the advent of firearms. ... This article is about the projectile weapon bow. ... Axe For other uses, see Axe (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Whip (disambiguation). ... An athlete throwing the javelin. ... In the context of unarmed combat or melee, a punch is a thrusting blow, esp. ... This article is about the wooden implement. ... In games, a dungeon represents a dangerous area with many hidden secrets to explore. ... This article is about the mythical creature. ... For other uses, see Blacksmith (disambiguation). ...


Secret of Mana also introduces the Elementals concept to the Seiken series. The eight Elementals can be found on different locations of the game world, and each has a distinct personality and provides the player with specific spells. The eight Elementals are (in order of appearance) Undine, Gnome, Sylphid, Salamando, Lumina, Shade, Luna and Dryad. Each Elemental has destructive and support powers. Artwork of the Mana Tree, from Children of Mana The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ...

Elemental Overview
Undine Gnome Sylphid Salamando Lumina Shade Luna Dryad
Elemental of Water Elemental of Earth Elemental of Wind Elemental of Fire Elemental of Light Elemental of Shadow Elemental of Moon Elemental of Trees

Both weapons and magical powers are given a proficiency scale of nine levels (ranging from 0:00 to 8:99), which are raised according to how much the player makes use of them; higher levels allow for more powerful attacks or stronger spells, but each new level takes longer to achieve than the last. Weapons are granted a new, more powerful attack with each level, but with these comes the downside of an increased cumulative charge-up time — the more powerful the attack the player wishes to unleash, the more time he or she will have to spend charging up for the attack and the more vulnerable to enemy attack they are. Even without starting a special attack, the player has to wait momentarily for the character to recover from each attack they make; failure to wait for the character to recover will make their attacks deal minimal damage until enough time is given (around three seconds). Spell animations change approximately every two levels, and once an element reaches above level 8:00, there is a chance that a super-powered version of any spell of that element will be performed when cast. The closer to level 8:99 the element is, the more often the special version will trigger.


Items & equipment

A variety of beneficial items are available for use in Secret of Mana, mainly for use as curatives, restoration or healing. Unlike its sequel, Seiken Densetsu 3, there are no items purely for attacking enemies. The game also provides an additional challenge through only allowing the player to carry a maximum of four of each item at any time. This four-of-a-kind-maximum rule can be seen to encourage the player to kill enemies and loot any treasure chests left behind to replenish their stocks, or to use spells to achieve the same effect. However, using spells compounds the challenge as the Faerie Walnut items, which are the only items that replenish the Mana Points used to cast spells, follow the same rule. Throughout the game, the use of some items, such as the curatives and healing items, becomes less of a necessity as the player receives more elemental powers and their proficiency in them increases, particularly for Purim, who casts most, if not all, of the beneficial spells. For example, Undine's powers include Cure Water, which restores hit points, and Remedy, which removes status modifiers such as poison or petrification, are obtained early in the game; practicing these spells allows the player to stop relying on the curative Candy, Chocolate and Royal Jam items gradually, and the healing Medical Herb. Cups of Wishes, which revive fallen party members, are generally needed until near the end of the game, when the spell Revivifier is obtained, but still provide an alternative to the spell's high Mana Point cost. There are also two one-of-a-kind items that restore the special "midget" and "Moogle" status modifiers, the Midge Mallet and the Moogle Belt; however, their use on an unfettered character will shrink them and prevent the use of their weapons, or turn them into a Moogle respectively. Seiken Densetsu 3 , lit. ... Magic points (MP; also called mana) are units of magical power that are used in many role-playing, computer role-playing and similar games as an expendable resource that is needed to pay for magic spells. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Seiken Densetsu. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Different Types of Moogles Mogri summon from Final Fantasy Tactics Mog (Final Fantasy VII - PC) Moogles , originally Romanized in Japan as Moglie; however, more recent materials are consistent with the English spelling) are small fictional creatures that appear throughout the Final Fantasy, Mana (Seiken Densetsu) and Kingdom Hearts game series. ...


Unlike some other roleplaying games, weapons cannot be bought or sold; rather, an orb for one of the weapons is awarded or found and brought to Watts the Blacksmith, who will then irrevocably upgrade that weapon to a new, more powerful form. Armor, on the other hand, is either bought and sold through vendors, such as the travelling peddler Neko, or can only be found in chests left behind by defeated enemies. As the game progresses, more powerful armor is available either through chance in the looted treasure chests (the most powerful armor items in the game can only be found this way), or for purchase with the in-game currency of GP, and is then equipped on each character's head, body or arm, depending on the armor type. Some items of equipment, like the Spiked Vest, can be worn by all characters, but others, like the Tiger Bikini and Rabite Cap, are character specific.


Bosses

The bosses in secret of mana theoretically can all be beat by either weapons or spells. In general, bosses are weak against an element opposite of the one they represent. Moon and Trees are counters, but this is the exception to the opposition rule as Moon has no attack spells, and bosses generally do not have Dryad listed as a weakness (with the exception of the last boss, who can be attacked by Mana Magic). Upon beating a boss, a Weapon Orb is dropped, which can be used to upgrade weapons. The graphics for many bosses are actually color-swapped. The following is a list of the bosses (US Translation) in the order they are beaten: A red Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Bros. ...

  • Mantis Ant
  • Tropicallo
  • Spiky Tiger
  • Tonpole/Biting Lizard
  • Fire Gigas
  • Kilroy
  • Wall Face
  • Jabberwocky
  • Spring Beak
  • Great Viper
  • Boreal Face
  • Frost Gigas
  • Mech Rider
  • Minotaur
  • Doom's Wall
  • Vampire
  • Metal Mantis
  • Mech Rider (2nd appearance)
  • Lime Slime
  • Blue Spike
  • Gorgon Bull
  • Dark Stalker (a mini-boss)
  • Doppleganger
  • Aegagropilon
  • Hydra
  • Kettle Kin
  • Snap Dragon
  • Hexas
  • Mech Rider (final appearance)
  • Dragon Worm
  • Snow Dragon
  • Axe Beak
  • Red Dragon
  • Thunder Gigas
  • Blue Dragon
  • Buffy
  • Dread Slime
  • Dark Lich
  • Mana Beast

The English translations of boss names are not only from mythology (as in the case of Hydra and Vampire) but also pop culture. For instance, the following boss names are derived from other sources:

For other uses, see Jabberwocky (disambiguation). ... A self-portrait of Lewis Carroll, taken with assistance Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (January 27, 1832–January 14, 1898), better known by the pen name Lewis Carroll, was a British author, mathematician, logician, Anglican clergyman and photographer. ... Binomial name Kützing Marimo (Japanese: 毬藻 marimo), also known as Cladophora ball, Lake ball, or Moss Balls in English, is a species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) found in a number of lakes in the northern hemisphere. ... Kilroy can signify: Frank Bucko Kilroy, former American professional football player and longtime American football executive with the New England Patriots Joe Kilroy Killroy and Tina Kilroys College Kilroy was here, an American popular culture expression, often seen in graffiti Kilroy Was Here (album), a 1983 rock opera/concept... For other uses, see Mr. ... Buffy may mean any of the following: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, TV series that ran from 1997-2003 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film), the 1992 movie that led to the series Buffy Summers, title character in that series See also Buffy the Vampire Slayer (disambiguation) The Buffy EP, 1999 EP...

Multiplayer

Secret of Mana can be played simultaneously by one, two or three players. In order to support three players, a Super Multitap accessory must be plugged into the second controller port of the gaming console.[6] Otherwise, the game's artificial intelligence will exercise limited control over the one or two supporting characters. The AI is known for having a notoriously weak path-finding system, which quite often results in supporting characters getting stuck, forcing the player to switch control to them to unlodge them, as an invisible barrier prevents the player from becoming too separated from the other two characters. It is possible to adjust the aggression level of each AI-controlled character, but spell-casting must be performed manually. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System had several Multitaps, the first one being Hudson Softs Super Multitap which was released in 1993. ... AI redirects here. ...


Because of this auto-detection mechanism of the controllers, additional players could join or leave the game simply by plugging or unplugging their controller. Removal of the controller simply reverted that character back to AI control.


Plot and setting

Setting

World Map
World Map

The events in the story happen in the Land of Mana. Some unspecified time after the destruction of the Mana Fortress, perhaps a few centuries. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1179x854, 205 KB) Summary Map from the game Secret of Mana Fair use rationale This is a map of the game in question. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1179x854, 205 KB) Summary Map from the game Secret of Mana Fair use rationale This is a map of the game in question. ...


Plot

Using the power of mana a civilization had grown strong. In time, Mana was used to create the Ultimate Weapon: the Mana Fortress... This angered the gods. They sent their beasts to destroy the Fortress... A violent war rocked the world, and Mana seemed to disappear... Before all was lost, a hero with the Mana Sword smashed the Fortress... Though civilization was destroyed, the world was peaceful again. But, time flows like a river...and history repeats...


The story follows a boy and his adventures after pulling a sword that was protecting the town of Potos. The boy didn't realize the consequences this action would carry on. Soon after, monsters were all around the city and it didn't take long before they hit the city. After being banished from Potos, a Knight asked him to seek guidance on how to revert what he did. The boy is told he has brought imbalance to the world and he must reestablish it by reviving the Mana Sword, that very same sword he pulled. This is the start of the adventure. In his quest, he meets with the girl and the sprite, who become his companions. Together, they must revive the sword and stop the evil forces from reawakening the Mana Fortress.


Characters

The Heroes

The primary protagonist of Secret of Mana is the knight, who is supported by the spell-casting girl and sprite child. While the three released versions of the game do not have a default name for each of the characters, the Japanese instruction manual refers to the knight, girl and sprite respectively as Randi, Purim and Popoi (or variants thereof). The origin of the heroes' names is somewhat cloudy: they were possibly bestowed by the Japanese Gamest Magazine previewing the game, then followed upon by other magazines and subsequently by Square.[citation needed] Regardless of origin, the gaming community tends to refer to the three protagonists by these names, as does this article. This article is about the legendary or mythical race. ...


Randi, a.k.a. The Boy or The Hero or Randy

The boy is adopted by the Elder of Potos after his mother brought him and disappeared. After pulling the Mana Sword, the monsters invaded Potos and the villagers persuade the Elder to banish him. Left without a hometown, he decides to take responsability over his actions and embarks on a quest to reenergize the Mana Sword to its former glory since only the one who pulled the sword can do this. Image File history File links Randi. ...


Purim a.k.a. The Girl

The girl meets the boy after she saves him from some goblins. She hastily parts so Randi formally meets her when tackling Elinee's Castle. The girl is in love with a warrior named Dyluck. The King of Pandora sent Dyluck and a squad to attack Elinee's Castle. The girl is mad at her father for allowing the King to order Dyluck on this attack. With her love facing such dangers she asks the boy to help her find him. The girl is sometimes pushy but she is good at heart. The girl is specialized in support and healing magic. Image File history File links Purim. ...


Popoi a.k.a. The Sprite

The Heroes meet The Sprite at the Dwarf Village. The Sprite makes a living scamming people into giving him money. He doesn't remember anything about his past, so he joins the team to try to recover his memories. The Sprite comes from a village in the Upper Land. He was washed away by a flood to Gaia's Navel. There, the Dwarf Elder found him and raised him. The flood caused The Sprite to suffer from amnesia and he can't remember anything about his past. The Sprite may seem childish at times but he has courage equal to that of the other two heroes making the ultimate sacrifice to save the world. Being an orphan he understands how the boy feels not growing up with his parents. Popoi is specialized in offensive magic. He carries the most powerful set of offensive magic. Image File history File links Popoie. ...


Major Non-Player Characters

  • Dyluck: Purim's lover, who was captured by Elinee and given to Thanatos on a mission against Elinee. Thanatos seeks to possess his body, and controls Dyluck on several occasions. Dyluck, however, fights his control, helping to save Purim from being drained of life in the Empire Ruins, and sacrifices himself to prevent Thanatos from controlling him in the Mana Fortress.
  • Elinee: A witch who kidnaps Dyluck and sends him to Thanatos, supposedly in exchange for magical herbs. After the party defeats her, she promises to reform herself and lead a more benign life.
  • Elman: Purim's father, apparently a former knight or other noble. He raised her alone, and believes that she has become selfish as a result of not having a female influence in her upbringing. She refuses his arranged marriage to a young nobleman, despite his claims that it will make her happy, and is attracted to Dyluck instead. It is implied that he had a hand in sending Dyluck against Elinee, as Purim accuses the King and him of doing so. Elman may have been motivated to send Dyluck against Elinee in the hope that the mission would result in his death, leaving Purim with no reason to oppose the arranged marriage. Purim is very bitter about what she perceives as attempts to control her, but as she returns to her father in the credits, she may have forgiven him to some degree.
  • Flammie: A white dragon that the party saves from the giant serpent that killed his parents. After the party escapes the Imperial Castle with his help, he becomes the primary mode of aerial transportation, and the only way except for Cannon Travel to travel between continents. It is suggested that he is somehow related to the Mana Beast, given that they look somewhat similar.
  • Geshtar: Also known as the "Mech Rider," and one of the Empire's lieutenants. He attacks the party at three different locations; the Kakkara Desert, the Emperor's Castle and the Grand Palace. At the Grand Palace, he has been imbued with Thanatos' magic, being turned into a "living, fighting machine," and appears unresponsive. He is then defeated and killed.
  • Fanha: The Emperor's only female lieutenant. She helps Thanatos betray Emperor Vandole, and attacks the party as Hexas, a creature resembling a Lamia. The party defeats and kills her, however.
  • Sheex: Also known as the Dark Stalker, he is another of the Empire's lieutenants. He infiltrates Tasnica and attempts to disguise himself as their king, but is detected and defeated by the heroes. He then attacks the heroes at the Tree Palace as Aegagropilon, a plant-like demon, but is defeated and killed.
  • Jema: A Tasnican knight who commanded the King's troops and was best friends with Serin (Randi's ghostly father). He quit the army after Serin's death, but fights the empire wherever he can. However, Randi relies on his advice less often as the game goes on.
  • Joch/Jehk: A sage who sends the party on certain errands while pretending to be his own apprentice. He deceives the party to help them prepare for the trial against themselves.
  • Luka: A 200-year-old guardian of the Water Seal who tells Randi much of the story of the Mana Sword and Fortress. She is taken hostage by Geshtar in an attempt to obtain the Water Seed. Toward the end of the game, when the Empire breaks the seals that the party had fought hard to protect during their absence, if the player returns to the Water Palace, one will find Luka imprisoned in a basement cell beneath the Water Temple, and she tells the party of the Empire's arrival.
  • Neko: A cat who sells the party items and allows them to save, appearing in many places, including the wilderness and some dungeons. He also has a shop near the Water Palace that also features an inn. His items are significantly more expensive than those sold by other merchants, but the party can buy every inventory item from him no matter where they find him. Toward the end of the game, Neko sells some of the strongest armor near what is left of the Grand Palace.
  • Phanna: One of Purim's friends, who was jealous of her relationship with Dyluck. That jealousy allows Thanatos to control her easily, but she regains control and apologizes for her actions by the end of the game.
  • The Scorpion Army: A Boss and two underlings. They typically scheme to make money, first by stealing the Water Seed, then by creating a resort in the middle of Ice Country, and finally by attempting to steal and sell the Mana Sword itself, and are usually quite incompetent in carrying out their schemes. They unleash robots against the party.
  • Thanatos: An ancient Lich unrelated to the Empire. He is the main villain, and seeks Dyluck's body and the power of the Fortress. He is an ancient sorcerer who sold his heart to the underworld. His true form is the Dark Lich.
  • King Truffle: The king of the Fungi Kingdom. A more minor character, his role is to take care of Flammie until he is able to fly and save the party from the burning Imperial castle.
  • Emperor Vandole: The head of the Empire, he seeks to control the world with the power of the Mana Fortress. However, he is betrayed and killed by his subordinates.
  • Watts: The Dwarven blacksmith who helps upgrade weapons with orbs. He appears in every town.

The Lamia who moodily watches the serpent on her forearm (painting by Herbert James Draper, 1909), appears to represent the hetaira. ...

Development

SNES Disc Drive

Secret of Mana was originally going to be a launch title for the SNES CD add-on.[7] After the project was dropped, the game had to be altered to fit onto a standard game cartridge.


English localization

The English translation for Secret of Mana was completed in only 30 days, mere weeks after the Japanese release.[8] This was presumably so that the game could be released in North America for the 1993 holiday season.[7] According to translator Ted Woolsey, a large portion of the game's script was cut out in the English localization due to space limitations and a lack of sequential text.[9] The English translation of Secret of Mana uses a fixed-width font to display text on the main gameplay screen. However, the choice of this font limits the amount of space available to display text, and as a result conversations are trimmed to their bare essentials, leaving a good portion of the game lost in translation. Ted Woolsey is an American game translator and producer who had the primary role in the U.S. production of Squaresofts role-playing games during the SNES era (circa 1990-1996). ...


Graphics

Flammie flying — demonstrating Mode 7

The first Mana game to be in color (as compared to the previous Game Boy-based game), Secret of Mana uses a rich and vibrant palette in which the characters are seen to be part of the environment, rather than just riding on top. Also notable is that, through its information and settings screens, Secret of Mana uses a 512x224 pixel high resolution mode (one of a handful of Super Nintendo games to do so) so that a smaller text font could be used. However, the smaller size of the text and the lack of contrast between the white text and the moving light green background can make the information hard to read — likewise the lack of clear distinction between the characters and the background (as compared with The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past) can be troublesome for some players. This is actually problematic for those using an emulator to run the game instead of the console, as these settings must be manually adjusted for.[10] Image File history File links Flammie_Flying. ... Image File history File links Flammie_Flying. ... The term Mode 7 originated on the Super NES video game console, on which it describes a simple texture mapping graphics mode that allows a background layer to be rotated and scaled. ... For the entire Game Boy series of handheld consoles, see Game Boy line. ... Final Fantasy Adventure (Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden (聖剣伝説 ~ファイナルファンタジー外伝~) in Japan, and Mystic Quest in Europe), released in 1991, was the first game in the Seiken Densetsu series. ... Display standards comparison The display resolution of a digital television or computer display typically refers to the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. ... The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, released in Japan on November 21, 1991, as ゼルダの伝説 神々のトライフォース (Zeruda no Densetsu: Kamigami no Toraifōsu, literally The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods), and in North America and Europe in 1992, was the only game in the Zelda series... This article is about emulators in computer science. ...


Another clever use of graphics comes while flying Flammie, the game's main means of transportation. Secret of Mana makes use of the Super Nintendo's Mode 7 capability to create a largely scaled and rotatable background, giving the illusion that the ground below Flammie is rendered in three dimensions. However, this is only viewable after Flammie ascends to a certain height (the automatic default), and not if the player decides to fly with a top-down view. Duran, Angela, and Charlotte riding atop Flammie Flammie is a fictional dragon-like character featured in the Seiken Densetsu video game series created by Squaresoft (later Square Enix). ... The term Mode 7 originated on the Super NES video game console, on which it describes a simple texture mapping graphics mode that allows a background layer to be rotated and scaled. ... This article is about process of creating 3D computer graphics. ...


Also, while on Flammie, the player can access the "rotated map", which presents the world as a globe. While viewing this map, the player can then switch to the "world map", a two-dimensional view of the world.


Original Soundtrack

Secret of Mana Original Soundtrack
Soundtrack by Hiroki Kikuta
Released
August 6, 1993 (Japan)
August 25, 1995 (re-release)
October 1, 2004 (re-release)
1995 (US)
Recorded Sunrise Music
Genre Video game soundtrack
Length 66:20
Label
NTT Publishing/Squaresoft

Secret of Mana Original Soundtrack (聖剣伝説2 オリジナル・サウンド・ヴァージョン?) is the soundtrack to Secret of Mana. Originally released in 1993 Japan under the name Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version, it was released in the US due to the game's massive success, under the name Secret of Mana Original Soundtrack. The US release is exactly the same as the Japanese one, except for the packaging and new English song titles (not necessarily accurate translations), released in mid 1994[11]. In film formats, the soundtrack is the physical area of the film which records the synchronized sound. ... Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹 Kikuta Hiroki, born August 29, 1962) is one of the better known composers of video game music. ... is the 218th day of the year (219th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 237th day of the year (238th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 274th day of the year (275th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... NTT Publishing Co. ... Square Co. ... In film formats, the soundtrack is the physical area of the film which records the synchronized sound. ...


The game's soundtrack was composed by Hiroki Kikuta, and is perhaps his most famous work[citation needed]. It is known for its variety of tunes which tend to focus on the use of percussion and woodwind instruments, ranging from a lighthearted dwarves' polka to a somber, wistful snow melody to a tribal-like dance. Hiroki Kikuta (菊田 裕樹 Kikuta Hiroki, born August 29, 1962) is one of the better known composers of video game music. ... Percussion redirects here. ... A woodwind instrument is an instrument in which sound is produced by blowing against an edge or by a vibrating with air a thin piece of wood known as a reed. ...

Kikuta also incorporated elements of Balinese music into the score.[citation needed] For instance in 32-Ceremony, we have a typical performance of a gamelan orchestra (metallic, pitched percussion). The most notable section of Balinese style music is heard while fighting the Dark Lich, in 37-TheOracle. In this track, Kikuta uses the kecak balinese "instrument": a percussive, extremely fast vocal technique. He particularly well respected the traditions, while starting the kecak sequence by 3 "tchak" (at 0'38"), and then ending the sequence (at 0'54") with "to tchak pow". Image File history File links Emblem-important. ... Indonesia is culturally diverse and is home to hundreds of forms of music, with those from the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali being the most frequently recorded. ... Gamelan - Indonesian Embassy in Canberra A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings, and vocalists may also be included. ... A Kecak dance being performed at Uluwatu, in Bali Kecak (pronounced: KEH-chahk, alternate spellings: Ketjak, Ketjack, and Ketiak), a form of Balinese music drama, originated in the 1930s and is performed primarily by men. ...


Secret of Mana's title theme, Angels' Fear is well known by video game music aficionados for its haunting, echoing piano melody, and was featured in the third Orchestral Game Concert[12] as well as serving as the base for many remixes. Parts of the game's soundtrack were incorporated into the Seiken Densetsu 2 Secret of Mana/Secret of Mana+ compilation arrangement CD. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Orchestral Game Concerts (OGC, sometimes also called Game Music Concerts) were five musical concerts featuring video game music played by an orchestra. ... A remix is an alternative version of a song, different from the original version. ... CD redirects here. ...



Reception and sequels

Secret of Mana was listed at number 42 on Nintendo Power magazine's Top 200 Nintendo Games Of All Time.[13] It was also rated number 48 on the "IGN's Top 100 Games" in 2005[1] and number 49 in 2006.[14] Also in 2006, Secret of Mana was voted the 97th best game of all time by the readers of the well-known Japanese magazine Famitsu.[15] It was also ranked the 86th best game made on a Nintendo System in Nintendo Powers Top 200 Games list.[16] Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo. ... Cover art for Issue 1 of Famitsū magazine, June 1986, then known as Famicom Tsūshin Famitsū abbreviated ファミ Fami) is a Japanese video game magazine published by Enterbrain, Inc. ... Nintendo Power magazine is a monthly news and strategy magazine formerly published in-house by Nintendo. ...


Secret of Mana developed a large fanbase, so much so that since its release, Square Enix has decided to launch several new games in the series on multiple platforms, along with the possibility of novelizations, films, and manga products being created.


References

  1. ^ a b IGN's Top 100 Games, ign.com. Retrieved 8 May 2006.
  2. ^ "Jabberwocky" is found as a part of his novel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871).
  3. ^ The genus name is Aegagropila, making its full name Aegagropila linnaei.
  4. ^ 1983, Styx from the album Kilroy Was Here. "I'm Kilroy" is also sung at the end of the song.
  5. ^ This was reported as false on edit history on grounds that Secret of Mana came after Buffy, rendering it invalid. This claim is not the case however, because the Buffy movie (July 31, 1992) actually came before the game Secret of Mana (August 6, 1993) was made. See Buffy the Vampire Slayer (film) and Secret of Mana release dates.
  6. ^ (1993) in Square Soft, Inc. staff: Secret of Mana instruction manual (in English). Squaresoft, 34. SNS-K2-USA. 
  7. ^ a b Jeremy Parish; Frank Cifaldi, Kevin Gifford (December 2003). Classics Column #1: Desperately Seeking Seiken. 1UP.com. Ziff Davis. Retrieved on 26 July, 2007.
  8. ^ West, Neil. "Interview with Ted Woolsey (full text)", Super Play Magazine, September 1994. 
  9. ^ McGrath, Brendan (April 29, 1999). Interview with Ted Woolsey. Square-Haven.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-12.
  10. ^ Snes9x (version 1.41-1 at least) requires that Hi-Res mode be enabled or most text is condensed to unreadibility (in additon to enalbing Mode 7). Even so, certain scenes are normal, causing the screen to expand and contract.
  11. ^ RPG Fan summary of Square OST releases. Retrieved on 29 June 2007.
  12. ^ Jon Turner (September 2, 2000). Game Music Concert 3 by Symphony Orchestra. SoundtrackCentral.com. Retrieved on 3 September 2006.
  13. ^ (January 2006) "NP Top 200". Nintendo Power (199).
  14. ^ IGN staff. IGN's Top 100 Games. IGN.com. Retrieved on 2007-09-12.
  15. ^ Campbell, Colin (2006). Japan Votes on All Time Top 100. Next-Gen.biz. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.
  16. ^ "NP Top 200", Nintendo Power 200: 58-66, February 2006.

is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Binomial name Aegagropila linnaei Kützing Marimo (Japanese: 毬藻 marimo), also known as Cladophora ball, Lake ball, or Moss Balls in English, is a species of filamentous green algae (Chlorophyta) found in a number of lakes in the northern hemisphere. ... This article is about the graffiti. ... Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a 1992 comedy film about a Valley Girl cheerleader (Kristy Swanson) chosen by fate to fight and kill vampires. ... ... Ziff-Davis Inc. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Snes9x is a popular cross-platform emulator for the SNES. Initially the collaborative effort of Gary Henderson of snes96 fame and Jerremy Koot of snes97 fame, Snes9x is now maintained by Brad Jorsch. ... is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 246th day of the year (247th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:
Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Wikiquote is one of a family of wiki-based projects run by the Wikimedia Foundation, running on MediaWiki software. ... MobyGames is a website devoted to cataloging computer and video games, both past and present. ... This article is written from a fans point of view, rather than a neutral point of view. ... Artwork of the Mana Tree, from Children of Mana The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ... Artwork of the Mana Tree, from Children of Mana The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ... Final Fantasy Adventure (Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden (聖剣伝説 ~ファイナルファンタジー外伝~) in Japan, and Mystic Quest in Europe), released in 1991, was the first game in the Seiken Densetsu series. ... Seiken Densetsu 3 , lit. ... Dawn of Mana, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu 4 , lit. ... Legend of Mana ) is the fourth game in the Mana series. ... Sword of Mana. ... Children of Mana, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu DS: Children of Mana , lit. ... Artwork of the Mana Tree, from Children of Mana The Mana series, known in Japan as Seiken Densetsu lit. ... Seiken Densetsu: Heroes of Mana is a real-time strategy role playing game developed by Square Enix for the Nintendo DS video game console. ...

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