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{{Short description|Video game series}}
{{Redirect|Seiken Densetsu|the first game in the series known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan|Final Fantasy Adventure}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Infobox video game series
|title = Mana
|creator = [[Koichi Ishii]]
|artist = Shinichi Kameoka, Nao Ikeda, Hirō Isono, HACCAN
|composer = {{collapsible list|title=[[Kenji Ito]], [[Hiroki Kikuta]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[Yoko Shimomura]], [[Tsuyoshi Sekito]], [[Masayoshi Soken]], [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]], Ryo Yamazaki}}
|image =
|caption = 
|developer = {{collapsible list|title=[[Square (video game company)|Square]], [[Square Enix]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[Brownie Brown]], [[Nex Entertainment]], Goshow, MCF, [[M2 (game developer)|M2]], Xeen, WFS, Ouka Studios}}
|publisher = Square, Square Enix
|genre = {{collapsible list|title=[[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]]|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|[[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[Real-time strategy]], [[Digital collectible card game|Card battle]]}}
|platforms = [[Game Boy]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[PlayStation 4]],  [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]
|first release version = ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]''
|first release date = June 28, 1991
|latest release version = ''[[Visions of Mana]]''
|latest release date = August 29, 2024
|parent = ''[[Final Fantasy]]''
}}

The '''''Mana''''' series, known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Seiken Densetsu'''''|聖剣伝説||{{lit}} ''The Legend of the Sacred Sword''}}, is an [[action role-playing game]] series created by [[Koichi Ishii]], with development formerly from [[Square (video game company)|Square]], and is currently owned by [[Square Enix]]. The series began in 1991 as ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'', a [[Game Boy]] handheld [[side story]] to Square's [[flagship]] franchise ''[[Final Fantasy]]''. The ''Final Fantasy'' elements were subsequently dropped starting with the second installment, ''Secret of Mana'', in order to become its own series. It has grown to include games of various genres within the [[fictional universe|fictional world]] of Mana, with recurring stories involving a [[world tree]], its associated holy sword, and the fight against forces that would steal their power. Several character designs, creatures, and musical themes reappear frequently.

Four games were released in the series between 1991 and 1999: the original ''Seiken Densetsu'' (1991)—''Final Fantasy Adventure'' in North America and ''Mystic Quest'' in Europe—for the Game Boy, ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' (1993) for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], ''[[Trials of Mana]]'' (1995) for the Super Famicom, and ''[[Legend of Mana]]'' for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. A remake of the original game, ''[[Sword of Mana]]'' (2003), was published for the [[Game Boy Advance]]. All of the original games were action role-playing games, though they included a wide variety of gameplay mechanics, and the stories of the games were connected only thematically.

In 2006 and 2007, four more games were released as part of the ''World of Mana'' subseries, an attempt by Square Enix to release games in a series over a variety of genres and consoles. These were ''[[Children of Mana]]'' (2006), an action-oriented [[dungeon crawl]]er game for the [[Nintendo DS]]; ''Friends of Mana'' (2006), a Japan-only multiplayer [[role-playing game]] for mobile phones; ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'' (2006), a 3D [[action-adventure game]] for the [[PlayStation 2]];  and ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'' (2007), a [[real-time strategy]] game for the DS. ''Children'' was developed by [[Nex Entertainment]] and ''Heroes'' by [[Brownie Brown]], founded by several developers of ''Legend'', though Ishii oversaw development of all four games. Three more games have been released since the ''World of Mana'' subseries ended: ''Circle of Mana'' (2013), a Japan-only card battle game for the [[Gree (Japanese social network)|GREE]] mobile platform, ''[[Rise of Mana]]'' (2014), a Japan-only [[free-to-play]] action role-playing game for [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[PlayStation Vita]], and ''[[Adventures of Mana]]'' (2016), a 3D remake of ''Final Fantasy Adventure'' for the PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android. In addition to the games, four manga series and one novelization have been released in the ''Mana'' franchise.

In August 2024, a new mainline installment in the series, titled ''[[Visions of Mana]]'', was released.

The ''Mana'' series reception has been very uneven, with early games rated significantly higher by critics than more recent titles. ''Secret of Mana'' has been regarded as one of the best 2D action role-playing games ever made, and its music has inspired several orchestral concerts, while the games from the ''World of Mana'' series have been rated considerably lower. By 2021, the series had sold over 8 million copies.

== Development ==

=== History ===
{{Timeline of release years
| summary = ''Seiken Densetsu'' was introduced in 1991 and the second installment came out in 1993. The latest game, ''Visions of Mana, is set for release in 2024."
| subtitle =
| compressempty = yes
| range1 = 1991 –
| range1_color = #0BDA51 #228B22
| 1991 = ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]''
| 1993 = ''[[Secret of Mana]]''
| 1995 = ''[[Trials of Mana]]''
| 1999 = ''[[Legend of Mana]]''
| 2003 = ''[[Sword of Mana]]''
| 2006a = ''[[Children of Mana]]''
| 2006b = ''Friends of Mana''
| 2006c = ''[[Dawn of Mana]]''
| 2006c_color = Gold
| 2007 = ''[[Heroes of Mana]]''
| 2013 = ''Circle of Mana''
| 2014 = ''[[Rise of Mana]]''
| 2016 = ''[[Adventures of Mana]]''
| 2017 = ''Collection of Mana''
| 2018 = ''Secret of Mana'' (remake)
| 2020 = [[Trials of Mana (2020 video game)|''Trials of Mana'' (remake)]]
| 2022 = ''[[Echoes of Mana]]''
| 2024 = ''[[Visions of Mana]]''
}}

Square trademarked ''Seiken Densetsu'' in [[1989 in video gaming|1989]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.ipdl.inpit.go.jp/syutsugan/TM_DISPLAY_A.cgi?0 |title=第２１３２８４４号 |date=April 28, 1989 |work=商標出願・登録情報 |publisher=Industrial Property Digital Library (via [[WebCite]]) |access-date=August 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5s11fWfU4?url=http://www1.ipdl.inpit.go.jp/syutsugan/TM_DISPLAY_A.cgi?0&121328440000000000000000000000000000000000_TM_simple.html&128192419529851902764802 |archive-date=August 16, 2010 }}</ref> intending to use it for a game project subtitled ''The Emergence of Excalibur'', and led by Kazuhiko Aoki for the [[Family Computer Disk System|Famicom Disk System]]. According to early advertisements, the game would consist of an unprecedented five [[floppy disk]]s, making it one of the largest titles developed for the Famicom up until that point. Although Square solicited pre-orders for the game, Kaoru Moriyama, a former Square employee, affirms that management canceled the ambitious project before it advanced beyond the early planning stages. In October 1987, customers who had placed orders were sent a letter informing them of the cancellation and had their purchases refunded. The letter also suggested to consider placing an order on another upcoming Square role-playing game in a similar vein: ''[[Final Fantasy (video game)|Final Fantasy]]''.<ref name="lostlevels">{{cite web|url=http://www.lostlevels.org/200311/200311-square.shtml |title=Elusions: Final Fantasy IV / Seiken Densetsu |access-date=2007-06-09 |author=Collette, Chris |date=2003-11-15 |publisher=Lost Levels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614115209/http://www.lostlevels.org/200311/200311-square.shtml |archive-date=June 14, 2007 }}</ref>

In [[1991 in video gaming|1991]], Square reused the ''Seiken Densetsu'' trademark for an unrelated [[Game Boy]] [[action role-playing game]] directed by [[Koichi Ishii]]. Originally developed under the title ''Gemma Knights'', the game was renamed ''Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden'' (published in North America as ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' and in Europe as ''Mystic Quest'').<ref name="lostlevels" />

Beginning with the 1993 sequel, ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', ''Seiken Densetsu'' was subsequently "spun off" into its own series of [[action role-playing game]]s distinct from ''Final Fantasy'', named the ''Mana'' series outside Japan. Four titles in the series were released between 1993 and 2003.<ref>{{cite web|author=Basire, Casey |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/14006 |title=The World of Mana series is returning, real-time strategy style |access-date=2008-02-15 |date=2007-07-14 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813204159/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/14006 |archive-date=August 13, 2011 }}</ref> ''Secret of Mana'' was originally intended to be a launch title for the [[SNES-CD|Super NES CD-ROM Adapter]], but when the add-on was cancelled it was cut down into a standard [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] cartridge, with many of the cut ideas appearing in other Square titles.<ref name="SOMhist">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/classics-column-1-desperately-seeking |title=Classics Column #1: Desperately Seeking Seiken |access-date=2014-01-21 |first=Jeremy |last=Parish |author2=Cifaldi, Frank |author3=Gifford, Kevin |date=December 2003 |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602152927/http://www.1up.com/features/classics-column-1-desperately-seeking |archive-date=June 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hirō Isono provided artwork for the game including forest landscapes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hirō Isono|url=https://arthur.io/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=Arthur|language=en}}</ref> It was followed in 1995 by the then Japan-only ''[[Trials of Mana]]'' (Seiken Densetsu 3 in Japan); the game was originally planned to be released in English as ''Secret of Mana 2'', but technical issues and localization costs prohibited the release.<ref name="SPMSOM2">{{cite journal|last=West |first=Neil |date=September 1994 |title=Interview with Ted Woolsey |url=http://www.chronocompendium.com/wiki/index.php?title=Super_Play_Magazine_Woolsey_Interview |journal=[[Super Play]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issn=0966-6192 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430190612/http://www.chronocompendium.com/wiki/index.php?title=Super_Play_Magazine_Woolsey_Interview |archive-date=April 30, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RETROseries">{{cite journal |last=Day |first=Ashley |title=Featured: The Secrets of Mana |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |issue=85 |pages=24–31 |date=February 2011 |issn=1742-3155}}</ref> The final new game in the series' initial run is the 1999 ''[[Legend of Mana]]'', developed for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]. ''Legend'' is a 2D game like its predecessors, despite the PlayStation's 3D focus, because the console could not handle the full 3D world Ishii envisioned where one could interact with natural shaped objects.<ref name="loop">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/06/havok-for-mana |title=HAVOK For Mana |access-date=2013-04-07 |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=2006-10-06 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720194802/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/06/havok-for-mana |archive-date=July 20, 2015 }}</ref> 2003 saw the release of ''[[Sword of Mana]]'', a remake of the original ''Seiken Densetsu'' for the [[Game Boy Advance]]. The remake was outsourced to [[Brownie Brown]], which was composed of many of the Square employees who had worked on ''Legend''.<ref name="RETROseries" />

In 2003, Square, now [[Square Enix]], began a drive to begin developing "polymorphic content", a marketing and sales strategy to "[provide] well-known properties on several platforms, allowing exposure of the products to as wide an audience as possible".<ref name="polymorphiccontent">{{cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=2004-09-24 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-compilation-of-final-fantasy-vii-details/1100-6108651/ |title=More Compilation of Final Fantasy VII details |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2006-08-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216043016/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/more-compilation-of-final-fantasy-vii-details/1100-6108651/ |archive-date=2014-12-16 |url-status=live}}</ref> The first of these was the ''[[Compilation of Final Fantasy VII]]'', and Square Enix intended to have campaigns for other series whereby multiple games in different genres would be developed simultaneously. Although no such project for the ''Mana'' series had been announced by this point, it was announced in late 2004 that an unnamed ''Mana'' game was in development for the upcoming [[Nintendo DS]] platform.<ref name="announcement">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=2004-08-10 |title=Nintendo DS Line-up, Part Two |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/10/nintendo-ds-line-up-part-two |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2014-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111800/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/10/nintendo-ds-line-up-part-two |archive-date=2013-10-16 |url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2005, Square Enix announced a ''World of Mana'' project, the application of this "polymorphic content" idea to the ''Mana'' franchise, which would include several games across different genres and platforms. These games, as with the rest of the series, would not be direct sequels or prequels to one another, even if appearing so at first glance, but would instead share thematic connections.<ref name="RETROseries" /> The first release in this project and the sixth release in the ''Mana'' series was announced in September 2005 as ''Children of Mana'' for the DS.<ref name="announcement2">{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=2005-09-28 |title=Mana At Last |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/28/mana-at-last |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2014-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216043303/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/09/28/mana-at-last |archive-date=2014-12-16 |url-status=live}}</ref> Four games were released in 2006 and 2007 in the ''World of Mana'' subseries: ''Children of Mana'', ''Friends of Mana'', and ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'' in 2006, and ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'' in 2007.<ref name="RETROseries" />

Each game in the ''World of Mana'' series was different, both from each other and from the previous games in the series. ''Children'' is an action-oriented [[dungeon crawl]]er game for the DS, developed by [[Nex Entertainment]]; ''Friends'' is a Japan-only multiplayer role-playing game for mobile phones; ''Dawn'' is a 3D [[action-adventure game]] for the [[PlayStation 2]]; and ''Heroes'' is a [[real-time strategy]] game for the DS, developed by Brownie Brown. While Ishii was the designer for all four games, he served as the director and producer for ''Dawn'', which was considered the main game of the four and was released as ''Seiken Densetsu 4'' in Japan.<ref name="RETROseries" /> The theme of the subseries for Ishii, especially ''Dawn'', was about exploring how to add "the feeling of touch" to a game. He had held off on designing new ''Mana'' games after ''Legend'' was unable to meet his desires, until he felt that technology had improved enough to let him create what he envisioned.<ref name="loop" /> A fifth game for the subseries was considered for the [[Wii]] in 2006, but did not enter development.<ref name="RPGamer">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sdproject/sdprojectinterview.html |title=Children of Mana Interview |access-date=2007-06-09 |author=RPGamer staff |date=2006-10-06 |publisher=RPGamer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208211655/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sdproject/sdprojectinterview.html |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In April 2007, a month after the release of the final game of the ''World of Mana'', Ishii left Square Enix to lead his own development company, named [[Grezzo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/11462 |title=FF: Legend II Remade for Nintendo DS |access-date=2009-05-10 |author=Riley, Adam |date=2009-01-15 |publisher=Cubed³ |quote=A bit OT, but Koichi Ishii left Square Enix in 2007 to form Grezzo, a team that is working with Nintendo on a Wii game right now! |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308092605/http://www.cubed3.com/news/11462 |archive-date=March 8, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.grezzo.co.jp/en/about/message| title=Message from CEO| access-date=2014-04-30| date=2009-01-15| publisher=[[Grezzo]]| language=ja}}</ref>

The ''Mana'' series was put on hiatus until 2013, when Square Enix released ''Circle of Mana'', a Japan-only card battle game for the [[Gree (Japanese social network)|GREE]] mobile platform.<ref name="circles" /> It was followed in 2014 by ''Rise of Mana'', a Japan-only [[free-to-play]] action role-playing game for [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[PlayStation Vita]],<ref name="Rise" /> and in 2016 by ''[[Adventures of Mana]]'', a 3D remake of ''Final Fantasy Adventure'' for the PlayStation Vita, iOS, and Android.<ref name="Adventuring"/> On August 25, 2017, a 3D remake of ''Secret of Mana'' was announced for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]] and [[Windows]], for release on February 15, 2018.<ref name="SOM3DRemake">{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/25/16201488/secret-of-mana-remake-ps4-vita-windows-pc-release-date |title=Secret of Mana remake hits PS4, Vita and PC next year |date=2017-08-25 |last=Frank |first=Allegra |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=2017-08-25}}</ref> A [[Trials of Mana (2020 video game)|3D remake]] of ''Trials of Mana'' and localization of the original game (as part of the ''Collection of Mana'') were announced via [[Nintendo Direct]] in 2019.

During the series' 30th anniversary stream, Square Enix announced a new mobile spin-off game, ''[[Echoes of Mana]]'', as well as the new console game with involvement from the series creator Koichi Ishii.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-06-28/mana-series-creator-koichi-ishii-new-mana-console-game-in-development/.174518 |title=Mana Series Creator Koichi Ishii: New Mana Console Game in Development|date=2021-06-28 |last=Rafael Antonio |first=Pineda |work=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=2021-06-30}}</ref> Titled ''Visions of Mana'', it was formally announced at [[The Game Awards 2023]], and is considered the first mainline installment since ''Dawn of Mana''. The project was headed by producer Masaru Oyamada, while Ishii worked on the updated creature designs.<ref name="VisionsAnnounce">{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/12/visions-of-mana-announced-for-ps5-ps4-xbox-series-and-pc|title=Visions of Mana announced for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, and PC|website=Gematsu|date=December 7, 2023|access-date=December 9, 2023}}</ref>

=== Creation and design ===
The ''Mana'' series is the result of Koichi Ishii's desire to create a fictional world. In Ishii's opinion, ''Mana'' is not a series of video games, but rather a world which is illustrated by and can be explored through video games.<ref name="JeuxFrance">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamekyo.com/articles_dossiers304_interview-children-of-mana.html |title=Interview Children of Mana |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Morcos, Antoine |date=2006-12-15 |publisher=JeuxFrance.com |language=fr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004130157/http://www.gamekyo.com/articles_dossiers304_interview-children-of-mana.html |archive-date=October 4, 2011 }}</ref> When working on the series, Koichi Ishii draws inspiration from abstract images from his memories of childhood, as well as movies and [[fantasy]] books that captivated him as a child. Ishii takes care to avoid set conventions, and his influences are correspondingly very wide and non-specific. Nonetheless, among his literary influences, he acknowledges [[Tove Jansson]]'s ''[[Moomin]]'', [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]'', and [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Lord of the Rings|Lord of the Rings]]''.<ref name="RPGamer"/>

While some titles of the ''World of Mana'' series do share direct connections with other installments, the games of the series have few concrete links.<ref name="1Up timeline">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/previews/heroes-of-mana |title=Heroes of Mana Preview |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Parish, Jeremy |date=2007-04-05 |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.1up.com/previews/heroes-of-mana |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> There is no overall explicit in-game chronological order. Further, according to Koichi Ishii in 2006 the games do not take place in exactly the same world, and characters or elements who appear in different titles are best considered alternate versions of each other. Instead, the connections between each title are more abstract than story-based, linked only on the [[karma|karmic]] level.<ref name="RPGamer"/> Complicating this assertion, Ishii has also said in an interview that ''Children'' is set ten years after ''Dawn'', while ''Heroes'' is set one generation prior to ''Trials of Mana''.<ref name="RETROseries"/><ref name="EGIshiiInt">{{cite web |date=2006-05-16 |title=Mana a Mana |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_mana_kouichiishii |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network | access-date=2014-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234042/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_mana_kouichiishii |archive-date=2013-12-30 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Games ==
{{Clear}}

=== Main series ===
{{Video game table|body=
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]
| release1=June 28, 1991
| release2=November 1991
| release3=1993
| notes=
*Released on [[Game Boy]]
*Developed by [[Square (video game company)|Square]]
*Also available on [[SoftBank Mobile]] (2006), [[i-mode]] (2006), [[EZweb]] (2007)
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden''
*Known in Europe as ''Mystic Quest''
The first game of the ''Mana'' series was marketed in Japan and the United States as a ''Final Fantasy'' game and drew many stylistic influences from the ''Final Fantasy'' series, but deviated in that it presented real-time, action-oriented battles comparable to ''[[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'', rather than traditional turn-based battles.<ref name="IGN FA">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/10/final-fantasy-adventure |title=Final Fantasy Adventure Review |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Sy, Dexter |date=2000-06-09 |publisher=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018011033/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/10/final-fantasy-adventure |archive-date=October 18, 2012 }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Secret of Mana]]
| release1=August 6, 1993
| release2=October 1993
| release3=November 24, 1994
| notes=
*Released on [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]
*Developed by [[Square (video game company)|Square]]
*Also available on [[FOMA|FOMA 903i/703i]] (2009), [[iOS]] (2010), [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (2014)
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu 2''
Originally planned for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System#Peripherals|SNES CD-ROM add-on]] in development by [[Nintendo]] and [[Sony]], the game ended up being altered to fit on a standard cartridge when the add-on project was dropped by Nintendo.<ref name="1Up" /> The game introduced the Ring Command menu system, which enabled prompt access to features such as items or [[Magic (gaming)|magic spells]].<ref name="SoM Manual"/> In [[2003 in video gaming|2003]], the game ranked 78th in [[IGN]]'s yearly "Top 100 Games of All Time".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/71-80.html |title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time |access-date=2016-06-17 |author=IGN Staff |date=2003-04-30 |publisher=IGN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910004823/http://top100.ign.com/2003/71-80.html |archive-date=September 10, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Trials of Mana]]
| release1=September 30, 1995
| release2=June 11, 2019 (Switch)
| release3=June 11, 2019 (Switch)
| notes=
*Released on [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
*Developed by [[Square (video game company)|Square]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu 3''
''Trials of Mana'' introduced a degree of non-linearity to the series, allowing players to choose at the beginning of the game a party of three members out of a total of six characters. Distinct encounters and endings can be seen depending on the characters selected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/seiken-densetsu-3 |title=Reviews: Seiken Densetsu 3 |access-date=2007-06-15 |date=2004-05-09 |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.1up.com/reviews/seiken-densetsu-3 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> The original Super Famicom version was never released outside Japan due to technical bugs and it being too large for Western cartridges.
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Dawn of Mana]]
| release1=December 21, 2006
| release2=May 22, 2007
| release3={{n/a|none}}
| notes=
*Released on [[PlayStation 2]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu 4''
''Dawn of Mana'' is the first fully 3D game in the ''Mana'' series, utilizing the [[Havok (software)|Havok physics engine]] seen in ''[[Half-Life 2]]'' that allows a large amount of player interaction with their 3D environment.<ref>{{cite web |author=Litowski, Theo |date=2005-10-19 |title=Seiken Densetsu 4 Gets Physical |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/101905b.html |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2006-09-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031725/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q4-2005/101905b.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="accent">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/dawnofmana/index.html |title=RPGFan Reviews&nbsp;— Dawn of Mana |access-date=2007-06-16 |author=Rubinshteyn, Dennis |date=2007-05-18 |publisher=RPGFan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620222301/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/dawnofmana/index.html |archive-date=June 20, 2007 }}</ref> In the series in-universe timeline, ''Dawn of Mana'' is set at the very beginning, while ''Children of Mana'' takes place ten years later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_mana_kouichiishii |title=Mana a Mana |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Bramwell, Tom |date=2006-05-16 |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234042/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_mana_kouichiishii |archive-date=December 30, 2013 }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Visions of Mana]]
| release1=August 29, 2024
| release2=August 29, 2024
| release3=August 29, 2024
| notes=
*Released on [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] and [[Windows]]
*Developed by [[NetEase#Development studios|Ouka Studios]] and [[Square Enix]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Visions of Mana''
The fifth mainline installment in the series.<ref name="VisionsAnnounce"/>
}}
}}

=== Spin-offs ===
{{Video game table|body=
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Legend of Mana]]
| release1=July 15, 1999
| release2=June 6, 2000
| release3=June 24, 2021 <small>(Remaster)</small>
| notes=
*Released on [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
*Developed by [[Square (video game company)|Square]]
*Also available on [[Nintendo Switch]] (2021), [[PlayStation 4]] (2021), [[Windows]] (2021), [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (2021), [[iOS]] (2021)
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Legend of Mana''
''Legend of Mana'' features different gameplay from its predecessors. The locations of the game's world are represented on a map by artifacts placed by the player, with different artifact placements allowing him or her to obtain different items. The game features temporary sidekick characters that the player can recruit, breed or build, and a weapon and armor creation and tempering system. It also features a story with many diverging subplots.<ref name="GS-LoM">{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/legend-of-mana/reviews/legend-of-mana-review-2584020/| title=Legend of Mana Full Review| access-date=2007-06-15| author=Vestal, Andrew| date=2000-06-07| publisher=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502172528/http://www.gamespot.com/legend-of-mana/reviews/legend-of-mana-review-2584020/|archive-date=2012-05-02}}</ref> Critical reaction was mixed at the dramatic shift in gameplay and story structure from ''[[Secret of Mana]]''.<ref name="IGN-LoM">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/legend-of-mana |title=Legend of Mana Full Review |access-date=2008-02-15 |author=IGN Staff |date=2000-06-06 |publisher=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/legend-of-mana |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sd4/reviews/sd4strev1.html |title=Different is Good |access-date=2008-02-16 |author=Andrew P. Bilyk |date=2000-06-01 |publisher=RPGamer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sd4/reviews/sd4strev1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Children of Mana]]
| release1=March 2, 2006
| release2=October 30, 2006
| release3=January 12, 2007
| notes=
*Released on [[Nintendo DS]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and [[Nex Entertainment]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu DS: Children of Mana''
''Children of Mana'' is an action role-playing game with randomly generated dungeons which was developed by Next Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/24/mana-developer-revealed |title=Mana Developer Revealed |access-date=2008-02-15 |author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=2005-10-24 |publisher=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019085733/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/24/mana-developer-revealed |archive-date=October 19, 2012 }}</ref> Creator Koichi Ishii was most interested in the further development of multiplayer gaming that was first attempted in a limited way in ''Secret of Mana''.<ref name="RPGamer" />
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=Friends of Mana
| release1=October 18, 2006
| release2={{n/a|none}}
| release3={{n/a|none}}
| notes=
*Released on [[Mobile game|Mobile]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Friends of Mana''
''Friends of Mana'' is a [[multiplayer]] role-playing game set in a fictional world called Mi'Diel.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/seiken/fom/| title=聖剣伝説 Friends of Mana| access-date=2007-06-15| publisher=[[Square Enix]]| language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709121118/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/seiken/fom/|archive-date=2007-07-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Friends of Mana'' forms part of the ''World of Mana'' series and was the first original ''Mana'' title on mobile devices.<ref name=friends/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/interview/article/2006/09/28/668,1159430753,60987,0,0.html |script-title=ja:スクウェア・エニックス石井浩一氏が『聖剣伝説』シリーズを語る!! |publisher=[[Famitsu]] |language=ja |date=2006-09-29 |access-date=2016-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702153032/http://www.famitsu.com/interview/article/2006/09/28/668%2C1159430753%2C60987%2C0%2C0.html |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The servers for the game were shut down on February 28, 2011.<ref name=friends>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/japanese-cell-phone-treasures |title=Japanese Cell Phone Treasures: 5 Mobile Games We Won't Be Seeing |access-date=2013-03-31 |date=2012-09-20 |last=Pereira |first=Chris |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304215859/http://www.1up.com/features/japanese-cell-phone-treasures |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Heroes of Mana]]
| release1=March 8, 2007
| release2=August 14, 2007
| release3=September 14, 2007
| notes=
*Released on [[Nintendo DS]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and [[Brownie Brown]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu DS: Heroes of Mana''
''Heroes of Mana'' is a [[tactical role-playing game]] and a prequel to ''Trials of Mana''.<ref name="JeuxFrance" /><ref name="1Up timeline" /> It was born out of the desire to make a [[real-time strategy]] game similar to ''[[Age of Empires]]'', ''[[StarCraft]]'', and ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]''.<ref name="RPGamer" />
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=Circle of Mana
| release1=March 5, 2013
| release2={{n/a|none}}
| release3={{n/a|none}}
| notes=
*Released on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Circle of Mana''
''Circle of Mana'' was a card battle game released on the [[Gree (Japanese social network)|GREE]] platform on March 5, 2013.<ref name=circles/> Players fight to defend the Tree of Mana using cards featuring characters from ''Secret of Mana'', ''Trials of Mana'', and ''Dawn of Mana''.<ref name=circle>{{cite web|author=Spencer |date=2012-12-13 |title=Circle Of Mana Announced. Yeah, It's A Social Game |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/12/13/circle-of-mana-announced-yeah-its-a-social-game/ |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=2013-03-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320060846/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/12/13/circle-of-mana-announced-yeah-its-a-social-game/ |archive-date=March 20, 2013 }}</ref> All worlds are connected through the Tree of Mana, and players must recover the Sword of Mana to restore the balance.<ref name=circle/> Cards could be combined to make them evolve and players decided what skills the characters become proficient in, like ''Trials of Mana''.<ref name=circles>{{cite web|author=Spencer |date=2013-03-05 |title=Circle Of Mana Is Live, Has Lost Secret Of Mana Game's Class Change System |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/03/05/circle-of-mana-is-live-has-lost-secret-of-mana-games-class-change-system/ |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=2013-03-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721182044/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/03/05/circle-of-mana-is-live-has-lost-secret-of-mana-games-class-change-system/ |archive-date=July 21, 2013 }}</ref> Players can also battle each other for points in coliseum mode.<ref name=circles/> The service was ended on September 30, 2015.
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Rise of Mana]]
| release1=March 6, 2014
| release2={{n/a|none}}
| release3={{n/a|none}}
| notes=
*Released on [[iOS]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]]
*Also available on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (2014), [[PlayStation Vita]] (2015)
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Rise of Mana''
''Rise of Mana'' returns the series to its [[Action-RPG]] roots, however this time as an 8-player co-op, [[free-to-play]] game with [[Micropayment|microtransactions]]. Set in the new land, Miste, the story revolves around the angelic Lasta and the demonic Darka engaged in an ages-long war for the mortal world. The soundtrack features contributions by composers from previous Mana games, ([[Tsuyoshi Sekito]], [[Kenji Ito]], [[Hiroki Kikuta]], and [[Yoko Shimomura]]) and was released on April 23, 2014.<ref name="Rise">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/heres-what-the-new-mana-game-is-about-1532322845 |title=Here's What the New Mana Game is About |access-date=2014-03-03 |first=TOSHI |last=NAKAMURA |date=2014-03-03 |publisher=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://kotaku.com/heres-what-the-new-mana-game-is-about-1532322845 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> The game service ended on March 31, 2016.<ref name="Fall">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/01/rise-mana-end-service-march |title=Rise of Mana to end service in March |access-date=2016-01-29 |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=2016-02-01 |publisher=Gematsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130094233/http://gematsu.com/2016/01/rise-mana-end-service-march |archive-date=January 30, 2016 }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Echoes of Mana]]
| release1=April 27, 2022
| release2={{n/a|none}}
| release3={{n/a|none}}
| notes=
*Released on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and [[Wright Flyer Studios]]
''Echoes of Mana''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jp.square-enix.com/seiken_eom/ |title=Echoes of Mana Official Website|access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref> was a [[free-to-play]] 2D [[Action-RPG]] with [[Micropayment|microtransactions]] for mobile devices released on April 27, 2022. The service was ended on May 15, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |author=SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD |title=【重要】運営サービス終了のお知らせ（2月13日） {{!}} 聖剣伝説 ECHOES of MANA |url=https://sqex-bridge.jp/jp/ja/guest/information/88940 |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=【重要】運営サービス終了のお知らせ（2月13日） {{!}} 聖剣伝説 ECHOES of MANA |language=ja}}</ref>
}}
}}

=== Remakes ===
{{Video game table|body=
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Sword of Mana]]
| release1=August 29, 2003
| release2=December 1, 2003
| release3=March 18, 2004
| notes=
*Released on [[Game Boy Advance]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and [[Brownie Brown]]
*Known in Japan as ''Shin'yaku: Seiken Densetsu''
''Sword of Mana'' is a full [[video game remake|remake]] of ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' developed by [[Brownie Brown]]. Features of the original game were reworked to be brought more in line with the direction the ''Mana'' series had taken with the later games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sword-of-mana |title=Sword of Mana Review |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Harris, Craig |date=2003-12-02 |publisher=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219164815/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/12/03/sword-of-mana |archive-date=February 19, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/manavolution-the-original-seiken-densetsu-characters-over-time/ |title=Manavolution: the original Seiken Densetsu characters over time |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Spencer |date=2007-02-13 |publisher=Siliconera |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101094944/http://www.siliconera.com/2007/02/13/manavolution-the-original-seiken-densetsu-characters-over-time/ |archive-date=November 1, 2007 }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Adventures of Mana]]
| release1=February 4, 2016
| release2=February 4, 2016
| release3=February 4, 2016
| notes=
*Released on [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]] and [[PlayStation Vita]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and MCF
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu: Final Fantasy Gaiden''
''Adventures of Mana'' is a 3D remake of ''Final Fantasy Adventure'', the first game in the ''Mana'' series. The game's original composer [[Kenji Ito]] returned to work on the remake, composing new music and making the score even more "dramatic".<ref name="Adventuring">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/04/adventures-mana-now-available-producer-shares-message-fans/ |title=Adventures of Mana Is Now Available, Producer Shares A Message For Fans |access-date=2016-02-04 |author=Sato |date=2016-02-01 |publisher=Siliconera |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205114122/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/02/04/adventures-mana-now-available-producer-shares-message-fans/ |archive-date=February 5, 2016 }}</ref> It also features updated graphics and controls.<ref name="Controls">{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/02/adventures-mana-now-available-smartphones |title=Adventures of Mana now available for smartphones |access-date=2016-02-04 |first=Sal |last=Romano |date=2016-02-04 |publisher=Gematsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205092100/http://gematsu.com/2016/02/adventures-mana-now-available-smartphones |archive-date=February 5, 2016 }}</ref>
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Secret of Mana]]
| release1=February 15, 2018
| release2=February 15, 2018
| release3=February 15, 2018
| notes=
*Released on [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]] and [[Windows]]
*Developed by [[Square Enix]] and Q Studios
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu 2''
''Secret of Mana'' is a 3D remake of the title of the same name, the second game in the ''Mana'' series.
}}
{{Video game table item
| title=[[Trials of Mana (2020 video game)|Trials of Mana]]
| release1=April 24, 2020
| release2=April 24, 2020
| release3=April 24, 2020
| notes=
*Released on [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]
*Developed by Xeen and [[Square Enix]]
*Also available on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (2021), [[iOS]] (2021)
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu 3: Trials of Mana''
''Trials of Mana'' is a 3D remake of the title of the same name, the third game in the ''Mana'' series.<ref>{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://gematsu.com/2019/06/seiken-densetsu-3-remake-trials-of-mana-announced-for-ps4-switch-and-pc|title=Seiken Densetsu 3 remake Trials of Mana announced for PS4, Switch, and PC|date=June 11, 2019|work=Gematsu|access-date=2019-06-11}}</ref>
}}
}}

=== Compilations ===
{{Video game table|body=
{{Video game table item
| title=Collection of Mana
| release1=June 1, 2017
| release2=June 11, 2019
| release3=June 11, 2019
| notes=
*Released on [[Nintendo Switch]]
*Developed by [[M2 (game developer)|M2]] and [[Square Enix]]
*Known in Japan as ''Seiken Densetsu Collection''
''Collection of Mana'' is a compilation that contains the first three games of the ''Mana'' series, which are ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'', ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' and ''[[Trials of Mana]]'', the latter being made available in the West for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Sato|title=Seiken Densetsu Collection's Ports Are Being Handled By M2|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2017/03/31/seiken-densetsu-collections-ports-handled-m2/|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=31 March 2017|date=31 March 2017}}</ref>
}}
}}

== Common elements ==
[[Image:Ringmenu.png|thumb|left|The ''Mana'' series' Ring Command menu (from ''[[Trials of Mana]]'')]]
A common element of the series is its seamless, real-time battle system. The system was developed by [[Koichi Ishii]] and improved upon by [[Hiromichi Tanaka]], out of a desire to create a system different from the one featured in the first few ''Final Fantasy'' titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/news/6783/ |title=Square Enix on Nintendo DS, Wii, Online, Final Fantasy & More (Full Transcript) |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Riley, Adam |author2=Smith, Lesley |date=2007-02-08 |publisher=Cubed³ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303084054/http://www.cubed3.com/news/6783/ |archive-date=March 3, 2007 }}</ref> While action-based, the ''Mana'' battle system is intended to be playable even by newcomers as well as veterans.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.g-wie-gorilla.de/content/view/218/18/| title=Hiromichi Tanaka&nbsp;— Final Fantasy III| access-date=2007-06-15| author=Nickel, Thomas | year=2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625094322/http://www.g-wie-gorilla.de/content/view/218/18/|archive-date=2008-06-25|publisher=G-Wie-Gorilla}}</ref> The system is coupled with the distinctive hierarchical "Ring Command" menu system, featured prominently in ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' and ''[[Trials of Mana]]'', and to a lesser extent in later installments. Each ring is a set of icons with a textual infobox explanation which, upon selection, allow the player to use an item, cast a spell, look up in-game statistics, or change the game's settings. Navigation within a menu is achieved by rotating the ring through the cursor left or right, while switching to a different menu is achieved by pressing the up or down buttons.<ref name="SoM Manual">{{cite book| title=Secret of Mana Instruction Booklet| date=October 1993| publisher=[[Square Soft]]| id=SNS-K2-USA| pages=13–14| chapter=Ring Commands}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Instruction Booklet| date=1995-09-30| publisher=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| language=ja| id=SHVC-A3DJ-JPN| pages=16–17| chapter=Ring Command}}</ref> Although not part of the series, the spin-off ''[[Secret of Evermore]]'', developed by the North American [[Square Soft]], was also built upon the "Ring Command" system.<ref>{{cite book| title=Secret of Evermore Instruction Booklet| date=1995-09-18| publisher=[[Square Soft]]| id=U/SNS-AEOE-USA| pages=10–18| chapter=Ring Commands}}</ref>

The ''Mana'' series features several recurring characters and beings, including the ''Final Fantasy'' creatures [[Chocobo]]s in ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' and ''[[Legend of Mana]]'',<ref name="1Up">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/classics-column-1-desperately-seeking |title=Classics Column #1: Desperately Seeking Seiken |access-date=2007-06-09 |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |author2=Cifaldi, Frank |author3=Gifford, Kevin |date=December 2003 |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602152927/http://www.1up.com/features/classics-column-1-desperately-seeking |archive-date=June 2, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Legend of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-06-07| platform=[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]| level=Monsters Encyclopedia| quote=Chocobo&nbsp;— Nope, not the same Chocobo you know!}}</ref> and [[Moogle]]s in ''Secret of Mana'' and as a status ailment in ''Trials of Mana'' and ''[[Sword of Mana]]''.<ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Secret of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=October 1993| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]| level=Great Forest| quote=Moogle: ...Puu... / Princess: Listen! He's laughing! / Sprite: No, crying. Pebblers have taken over their village.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Instruction Booklet| date=1995-09-30| publisher=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| language=ja| id=SHVC-A3DJ-JPN| page=22| chapter=Battle System}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Sword of Mana Instruction Booklet| date=2003-12-01| publisher=[[Nintendo]]| id=AGB-AVSE-USA| page=30| chapter=Battle}}</ref> Watts is a [[Dwarf (Germanic mythology)|dwarf]] [[blacksmith]] wearing a horned helmet who upgrades the player's weaponry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/legend-of-mana |title=Legend of Mana Review |access-date=2007-06-14 |author=IGN Staff |date=2000-06-06 |publisher=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/07/legend-of-mana |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> Usually, an [[anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] cat [[merchant]] is found outside of town areas and allows a player to [[saved game|save the game]] and buy supplies at high prices. Neko plays this role in ''Secret of Mana'', and Niccolo in ''Legend of Mana'' and ''Sword of Mana''.<ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Secret of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=October 1993| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]| level=Elinee's Castle| quote=Neko: Meow, I got caught, purr... need anything now? Meow busy travelers! I'll even save the game!}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Legend of Mana Owner's Manual| date=2003-12-01| publisher=[[Square Electronic Arts]]| id=SLUS-01013| page=4| chapter=Party Member Characters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Sword-of-Mana-267420.html| title=Sword of Mana| access-date=2008-02-14| author=Nintendo staff| date=2004-03-18| publisher=[[Nintendo]]}}</ref> In the Japanese games these merchants share the name Nikita.
[[File:Mana Tree.jpg|thumb|right|Artwork of the Mana Tree, from ''[[Children of Mana]]'']]
The Mana Tree and the Mana Sword, called [[Excalibur]] in ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]''{{'}}s English version, are recurring [[plot device]]s that have been featured in every game of the series. The mystical Mana Tree is a source of magic that sustains the balance and nature of the series' world.<ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Sword of Mana]]| developer=[[Brownie Brown]]| date=2003-12-01| platform=[[Game Boy Advance]]| level=Introduction | quote=In the beginning, the world was void. Then the goddess appeared. In her left hand, she held the light of hope, and in her right, she held the Sword of Mana. The goddess summoned spirits to assist in the creation of life. Finally, to maintain peace, the goddess cast away the sacred sword. It is said the sword rusted the moment it left her hand. The goddess then transformed herself into a great tree that would sustain and watch over the world. A mystical power guards the sanctuary where the tree stands to this day...}}</ref> The Mana Sword is typically used to restore this balance when it becomes lost in the games.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=578| title=Review&nbsp;— Children of Mana (Nintendo DS)| access-date=2014-04-30| author=Fassino, Justin| date=2006-11-25| publisher=GamesAreFun.com| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927063746/http://www.gamesarefun.com/gamesdb/review.php?reviewid=578| archive-date=2011-09-27}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy Adventure'' explains that if the Mana Tree dies, a member of the Mana Family will become the "seed" of a new Tree. A sprout of the Mana Tree is called a Gemma, while protectors of the Tree, who wield the Mana Sword, are called Gemma Knights.<ref name="FFATree">{{cite video game| title=[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=1991-11-01| platform=[[Game Boy]]| level=Mana Tree| quote=Mother: Now that the Mana Tree is lost. We need.. a new gemma of the Mana Tree. / Heroine: .. New tree? / Mother: Remember what I told you? We are the seeds of the Mana Tree. We will be a bud called gemma and we become a tree. And the Gemma Knights fight to guard it. I became the Gemma last time we lost the Tree. / Heroine: That tree..? Was it you..? / Mother: ..Yes, Heroine. But.. you are the last member of us Mana Family. To preserve the Mana Tree we need you to stay here and become the gemma. But.. Heroine.. Nobody else can decide for your life but you.. / Heroine: I will, Mom. I will be the new Tree of Mana. […]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=1991-11-01| platform=[[Game Boy]]| level=Dime Tower| quote=Tablet: Gemma Knight with the rusty sword will be tested. The true Gemma Knight should be given the legendary sword, Excalibur....! King of Vandole got the mighty power of Mana. The only one who can stand against is the .... Gemma Knight.... with the.... Excalibur....}}</ref> In ''[[Trials of Mana]]'', a Goddess is said to have turned into the Mana Tree after creating the world with the Mana Sword.<ref name="God Beasts">{{cite video game| title=[[Trials of Mana]] (Neill Corlett's fan translation)| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-08-27| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]| version=1.01| level=Introduction | quote=Once, when the world was yet trapped in darkness, the goddess of Mana felled 8 incarnations of disaster that guided the world to destruction, the God-Beasts, with the Sword of Mana, and sealed them in 8 stones. And, as the darkness left, the world was created. The goddess of Mana turned herself into a tree, and fell asleep. Many years passed... […]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Trials of Mana]] (Neill Corlett's fan translation)| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-08-27| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]| version=1.01| level=Temple of Light| quote=Priest of Light: It is the implement which the goddess used to create the world. He who holds the sword of mana has the power to reshape the world, create and destroy life... it sleeps at the base of the mana tree under constant guard by the faerie.}}</ref> The Mana Tree is destroyed near the game ending in ''Final Fantasy Adventure'' and ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', but a character becomes the new Mana Tree in the former game.<ref name="FFATree" /><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Secret of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=October 1993| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] | level=Pure Land| quote=Hero: Where are we? There's no Mana Tree... / Sprite: What the... After all we've been through! It's THANATOS'S doing!}}</ref>

Elemental Spirits, also called Mana Spirits, are beings who govern the [[elemental|magic elements]] of the series' world, and are at the core of the games' [[magic (gaming)|magic system]] as they are used to cast [[Magic (gaming)|magic spells]].<ref name="DoM RPGamer">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/seiken4/seiken4prev.html |title=A New Era Dawns for Mana |access-date=2007-06-14 |author=Athab, Majed |date=2007-04-15 |publisher=RPGamer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014501/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/seiken4/seiken4prev.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Eight types of spirits have appeared in the series since ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', and each embodies a different element. Their names are [[homonym]]s of mythological beings or [[phenomenon|phenomena]].<ref name="SoM Spirits">{{cite book| title=Secret of Mana Instruction Booklet| date=October 1993| publisher=[[Square Soft]]| id=SNS-K2-USA| pages=36–39| chapter=Sprite Magic / The Girl's Magic}}</ref> In ''Secret of Mana'' and ''[[Trials of Mana]]'', usage of their power is enabled upon the main characters' meeting with them.<ref name="SoM Spirits"/><ref>{{cite book| title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Instruction Booklet| date=1995-09-30| publisher=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| language=ja| id=SHVC-A3DJ-JPN| page=25| chapter=Growth System}}</ref> In ''[[Legend of Mana]]'', the spirits serve as factors in the Land Creation System.<ref name="LoM Spirits">{{cite book| title=Legend of Mana Owner's Manual | date=2003-12-01 | publisher=[[Square Electronic Arts]]| id=SLUS-01013| page=9 | chapter=Land Creation System}}</ref> In ''Legend of Mana'' and ''Sword of Mana'', multiple spirits of the same elemental type appear.<ref name="LoM Spirits" /><ref>{{cite book| title=Sword of Mana Instruction Booklet| date=2003-12-01| publisher=[[Nintendo]]| id=AGB-AVSE-USA | page=26| chapter=Battle}}</ref> In terms of storyline, in ''Trials of Mana'' and ''Heroes of Mana'', the spirits are charged to protect the Mana Stones in which the Mana Goddess sealed eight elemental benevodons (God-Beasts in the fan-translation of ''SD3'').<ref name="God Beasts" /><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Trials of Mana]] (Neill Corlett's fan translation)| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-08-27| platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]| version=1.01| level=Temple of Light| quote=Faerie: the eight spirits who guarded the mana stones... they could probably help us. With their combined energy, we may even be able to open the gate...}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Legend of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-06-07| platform=[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]| level=World History Encyclopedia | quote=The Creation&nbsp;— The Moon Gods created land and ocean, trees and flowers, and gave them light and the power to determine their fate. The light became the Elemental Spirits, riding in the sky. They released bountiful light, and were full of desire to serve the Moon Gods' will. The Moon Gods then finally returned to slumber.}}</ref> In ''[[Dawn of Mana]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s North American version, each spirit speaks with a particular European accent, such as French or Scottish.<ref name="accent"/>

[[Image:Rabite Mana.png|right|thumb|A typical Rabite from ''[[Children of Mana]]'']]

Rabites, known as {{nihongo|Rabi|ラビ}} in the Japanese versions of the games, are cute, fictional, rabbit-like creatures appearing as a common enemy in the series since its beginning. The Rabite has become a sort of mascot for the ''Mana'' series, much the same way as the [[Chocobo]] represents ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', and is one of its most recognizable icons.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.1up.com/previews/dawn-of-mana_3| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524013224/http://www.1up.com/previews/dawn-of-mana_3| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 24, 2011| title=Preview: Dawn of Mana| access-date=2007-06-12| author=Parish, Jeremy| date=2006-09-22| publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> The Rabite resembles a bodiless, one-toothed rabbit with large ears that curve upward and form a point at the tip, and a round, puffy pink tail that moves by hopping along the ground. It is most commonly yellow colored, but also pink, lilac, black, and white, and are variously minor enemies, "superboss" characters and even friendly units and pets.<ref name="SD3guide">{{cite book|trans-title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Basic Knowledge Volume |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説3 基礎知識編 |title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Kisochishikihen| date=1995-10-13| publisher=[[NTT Publishing]]| isbn=4-87188-805-3| page=131| chapter=Monster Picture Book| language=ja}}</ref><ref name="cubed3">{{cite web|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/321/2/ |title=Seiken Densetsu 3 / Secret of Mana 2 Review |access-date=2007-06-13 |author=Riley, Adam |date=2006-03-10 |publisher=Cubed³ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928003204/http://www.cubed3.com/review/321/2/ |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Le Guide Officiel Nintendo "Secret of Mana"| date=1994-11-24| publisher=[[Nintendo]]| id=SNSP-K2-FRA/SFRA| page=64| chapter=La gallerie des monstres| language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/12141/features.html |title=Legend of Mana Strategy Guide |access-date=2007-06-18 |author=Kepper, Sean |date=2000-06-21 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612022632/http://guidesarchive.ign.com/guides/12141/features.html |archive-date=June 12, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/seiken/fom/ |title=聖剣伝説 Friends of Mana |access-date=2007-06-13 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070709121118/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/seiken/fom/ |archive-date=July 9, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/seiken-densetsu-heroes-of-mana/779564p1.html |title=Heroes of Mana Preview |access-date=2007-06-13 |author=Leeper, Justin |date=2007-04-10 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304040311/http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/seiken-densetsu-heroes-of-mana/779564p1.html |archive-date=March 4, 2014 }}</ref> Rabites are also mentioned in ''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]'' with an accessory comically named "Rabite's Foot", which increases a character's luck statistics. Additionally, they appear in ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]]'' in the description of one of the game's optional missions as an endangered species due to being poached for good luck charms.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6087217/p-94.html| title=Final Fantasy X-2 Game Guide| access-date=2007-06-13| author=Kolar, Damir| date=2004-02-02| publisher=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=2009-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727200942/http://www.gamespot.com/features/6087217/p-94.html| page=94}}</ref> Rabites have appeared prevalently in several pieces of ''Mana'' merchandise, including plush dolls, cushions, lighters, mousepads, straps, telephone cards, and T-shirts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/seiken4/products.html |title=Legend of Mana Products |access-date=2007-06-13 |publisher=RPGFan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519105515/http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/seiken4/products.html |archive-date=May 19, 2007 }}</ref>

Flammie, sometimes spelled Flammy, is the name of a fictional species of flying dragons, as well as the proper name of some its members, featured in several games of the series. A Flammie's appearance is a mixture of [[dragon|draconian]], [[mammal]]ian, and [[reptile|reptilian]] features, and its coloring has varied throughout the series. Flammies typically serve as a means of transportation in the game by allowing a player's characters to ride on a Flammie's back to different locations in the game's world. In ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' and ''[[Trials of Mana]]'', the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]]'s [[Mode 7]] graphic capabilities allows the player to control a Flammie from either a "behind the back" [[Grammatical person|third-person]] or top-down perspective, and fly over the landscape as it scrolls beneath them.<ref>{{cite book| title=Secret of Mana Instruction Booklet| date=October 1993| publisher=[[Square Soft]]| id=SNS-K2-USA| pages=30–31 | chapter=Modes of Travel}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Seiken Densetsu 3 Instruction Booklet| date=1995-09-30| publisher=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| language=ja| id=SHVC-A3DJ-JPN | page=27| chapter=Means of Local Transportation}}</ref> In terms of story, the Flammies were created by the Moon Gods, and are part of an endless cycle of destruction and rebirth as the stronger versions of Flammies—becoming part of a category of creature known as Mana Beasts (Benevodons in ''Trials of Mana''), or {{nihongo|God Beasts|神獣|Shinjū}} in Japanese—destroy the world and the Mana Sword and Tree restore the world.<ref>{{cite video game| title=[[Legend of Mana]]| developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]]| date=2000-06-07| platform=[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]| level=World History Encyclopedia| quote=Dark Clouds – […] But dark clouds came to Fa'Diel, and the Moon Gods created greater beasts, and set them loose upon the land. The Flammies often quarreled, and the cycle of creation and destruction repeated endlessly. / Rebirth – […] Each Moon God chose a Flammy and gave it a stone. The Flammies rode into the sky. They were born of the earth to ride in the sky and return to the earth. They became a flying river of Mana. / The Revelation&nbsp;— The Flammies turned their backs on the Moon Gods and flew into the air. The Moon Gods turned into stars, and the Flammies never came back down. […]}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game | title=[[Secret of Mana]] | developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]] | date=October 1993 | platform=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] | level=Mana Fortress | quote=Sprite: It's a Mana Beast! / Princess: Isn't it a Flammie? / Hero: I guess Flammies were once Mana Beasts...}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game | title=[[Legend of Mana]] | developer=[[Square (video game company)|Square Co.]] | date=2000-06-07 | platform=[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] | level=World History Encyclopedia | quote=Flammies&nbsp;— Then, a beautiful yet powerful beast appeared, awakening the Moon Gods. The Moon Gods named this beast of strength and beauty Flammy. Whenever one of the Moon Gods would fall asleep, another Flammy would appear. Eventually, Flammies of all six colors came to populate all the land.}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{main|Music of the Mana series}}
The ''Mana'' series has had several different composers. ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' was composed by [[Kenji Ito]]; it was his second original score.<ref name="Ito website">{{cite web|url=http://ito.cocoebiz.com/news/index.php |title=News |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=CocoeBiz staff |publisher=CocoeBiz |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516091853/http://ito.cocoebiz.com/news/index.php |archive-date=May 16, 2007 }}</ref> Ito's music is mainly inspired by images from the game rather than outside influences.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ito.cocoebiz.com/interviews/interview1.php| title=Interview with CocoeBiz in December 2004| access-date=2007-06-15|date=December 2004| author=Ezaki, Kahori|author2=McCawley, James|publisher= CocoeBiz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718003157/http://ito.cocoebiz.com/interviews/interview1.php|archive-date=2007-07-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> The scores for ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' and ''[[Trials of Mana]]'' were both composed by [[Hiroki Kikuta]]. Despite difficulties in dealing with the hardware limitations, Kikuta tried to express, in the music of ''Secret of Mana'', two "contrasting styles", namely himself and the game. This was to create an original score which would be neither pop music nor standard [[video game music|game music]].<ref>{{cite book| author=Kikuta, Hiroki| title=Seiken Densetsu 2 Original Sound Version (liner notes)| date=1995-08-25 |publisher=[[NTT Publishing]]| language=ja| id=PSCN-5030}}</ref> Kikuta worked on the music for the two games mostly by himself, spending nearly 24&nbsp;hours a day in his office, alternating between composing and editing to create an immersive three-dimensional sound.<ref name="mana">{{cite web| url=http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/06/09/Where-Angels-Fear-to-Tread-A-Conversation-with-Hiroki-Kikuta/| title=Where Angels Fear to Tread: A Conversation with Hiroki Kikuta| access-date=2014-04-30| author=Jeriaska|author2=Yamamoto, Taka| date=2007-06-09| publisher=Square Haven| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011080057/http://squarehaven.com/news/2007/06/09/Where-Angels-Fear-to-Tread-A-Conversation-with-Hiroki-Kikuta/| archive-date=2007-10-11}}</ref> Kikuta considers the score for ''Secret of Mana'' his favorite creation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_hiroki_kikuta_1.html |title=Interview with Hiroki Kikuta |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=RocketBaby staff |year=2001 |publisher=RocketBaby |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104205923/http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_hiroki_kikuta_1.html |archive-date=November 4, 2013 }}</ref> His compositions for ''Secret of Mana'' and ''Trials of Mana'' were partly inspired by natural landscapes.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.spelmusik.net/intervjuer/hiroki_kikuta_eng.html| title=Interview with Hiroki Kikuta| access-date=2014-04-30| author=Kalabakov, Daniel| date=2003-01-06| publisher=Spelmusik.net| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509081029/http://spelmusik.net/intervjuer/hiroki_kikuta_eng.html| archive-date=2012-05-09}}</ref> In 1995, Kikuta released an experimental album of [[arrangement|arranged music]] from the two installments, titled ''Secret of Mana +'', which features one 50-minute-long track.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/som+/index.html |title=RPGFan Soundtracks&nbsp;— Secret of Mana+ |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Kalabakov, Daniel |date=2002-05-19 |publisher=RPGFan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611145609/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/som%2B/index.html |archive-date=June 11, 2007 }}</ref>

''[[Legend of Mana]]'''s score was composed by [[Yoko Shimomura]], and of all her compositions, she considers it the one that best expresses herself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_yoko_shimomura.shtml |title=RocketBaby's Interview with Yoko Shimomura |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=RocketBaby staff |year=2002 |publisher=RocketBaby |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021205101437/http://www.rocketbaby.net/interviews_yoko_shimomura.shtml |archive-date=December 5, 2002 }}</ref> Kenji Ito returned to the series with ''[[Sword of Mana]]''. He also composed roughly one third of the ''[[Children of Mana]]'' soundtrack, while the rest was composed by [[Masaharu Iwata]] and Takayuki Aihara. Ito was the main composer for ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'', assisted by [[Tsuyoshi Sekito]], [[Masayoshi Soken]], and [[Junya Nakano]], as well as main theme composer [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]].<ref name="Ito website" /> In North America, purchasers of ''Dawn of Mana'' from participating retailers were offered a sampler disc, titled ''Breath of Mana'', which features a selection of tracks from the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2007/032607a.html |title=The Breath of Dawn on a New Hero of Mana |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Blair, Jody |date=2007-03-26 |publisher=RPGamer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930033205/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2007/032607a.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Shimomura has returned to the series with ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'', while also contributing one song to ''Rise of Mana''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |title=Square Enix Unveils Final Fantasy XII Sequel, Three More Games |access-date=2007-06-15 |author=Boulette, Bryan |date=2006-09-13 |publisher=RPGamer |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930030533/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q3-2006/091306a.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="YS_Tweet">{{cite web|last=Shimomura |first=Yoko |title=Yoko Shimomura tweet |url=https://twitter.com/midiplex/status/438668371358273536 |work=Twitter.com |access-date=April 30, 2014 |date=2014-02-26 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317103632/https://twitter.com/midiplex/status/438668371358273536 |archive-date=March 17, 2014 }}</ref>

== Printed adaptations ==
A five-volume [[manga]] based on ''[[Legend of Mana]]'' was drawn by [[Shiro Amano]] and published in Japan by [[Enterbrain]] between 2000 and 2002.<ref>{{cite book|last=Amano |first=Shiro |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 レジェンド オブ マナ 1巻 |date=2000-04-25 |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |isbn=4-7577-0028-8 |url=http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/00158801.html |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032535/http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/00158801.html |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Amano |first=Shiro |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説レジェンドオブマナ第2巻 |date=2000-08-25 |publisher=Enterbrain |isbn=4-7577-0208-6 |url=http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/00161601.html |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032025/http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/00161601.html |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Amano |first=Shiro |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 レジェンド オブ マナ 3巻 |date=2001-06-25 |publisher=Enterbrain |isbn=4-7577-0479-8 |url=http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/01158301.html |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032027/http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/01158301.html |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Amano |first=Shiro |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 レジェンド オブ マナ 4巻 |date=2001-12-25 |publisher=Enterbrain |isbn=4-7577-0706-1 |url=http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/01160801.html |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032735/http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/01160801.html |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Amano |first=Shiro |script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 レジェンド オブ マナ 5巻 |date=2002-09-27 |publisher=Enterbrain |isbn=4-7577-1018-6 |url=http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/02232101.html |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502001348/http://enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blos/02232101.html |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref>  It features a comedic story about the game's main character, here named Toto. A German version was published by Egmont Manga & Anime in 2003.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ehapa.de/ehapa/content/e22/e49/e688/e699/newsletter_22_2003.pdf| title=Egmont Ehapa&nbsp;— Newsletter Nr. 22 vom 18.03.2003 | access-date=2014-04-30| date=2003-03-18| publisher=Egmont Ehapa| page=3| language=de| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212023447/http://www.ehapa.de/ehapa/content/e22/e49/e688/e699/newsletter_22_2003.pdf|archive-date=2012-02-12}}</ref> A collection of four-panel comic strips, drawn by various authors and titled ''Sword of Mana Yonkoma Manga Theatre'', was published in Japan by Square Enix on January 16, 2004. It included a [[questionnaire]] that, if sent back, allowed participants to win illustrations signed by [[Koichi Ishii]] and Shinichi Kameoka, as well as special [[T-shirt]]s.<ref name="gamebooks">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gamebooks/seiken/index.html| script-title=ja:新約 聖剣伝説| access-date=2009-12-01| publisher=[[Square Enix]]| language=ja| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109184905/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gamebooks/seiken/index.html| archive-date=2007-01-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> Enterbrain also published a ''[[Sword of Mana]]'' manga adaptation in Japan on February 25, 2004, drawn by a collaboration of authors led by Shiro Amano.<ref name="swordmanga">{{cite web|url=http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blosex/03232601.html |script-title=ja:新約 聖剣伝説 アンソロジーコミック |access-date=2009-12-01 |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307092459/http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/product/comic/comic_blosex/03232601.html |archive-date=March 7, 2012 }}</ref> Two days later, Square Enix published a two-volume [[novelization]] of ''Sword of Mana'' in Japan written by Matsui Oohama.<ref name="gamebooks" /> An original manga, named ''Seiken Densetsu: Princess of Mana'', taking place 300 years after ''[[Children of Mana]]'' and starring the descendant of Ferrick, was drawn by Satsuki Yoshino and published in the Japanese magazine ''[[Gangan Powered]]'' from July 22, 2006, to May 27, 2010 and collected into five volumes.<ref name=comics>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/powered/comics/| script-title=ja:ガンガンパワード新登場！！| access-date=2009-12-01| publisher=[[Square Enix]]| language=ja|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060703034649/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/powered/comics/ |archive-date=2006-07-03 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=books>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/lineup-book.html |title=Square Enix – 製品ラインナップ |access-date=2007-06-10 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |language=ja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022145231/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/lineup-book.html |archive-date=October 22, 2010}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

== Reception ==
{{VG Series Reviews
| game1 = [[Final Fantasy Adventure]]
| mc1 = (GB) 79%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/563272-final-fantasy-adventure/index.html |title=''Final Fantasy Adventure'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=GRs|[[GameRankings]] score}}
| game2 = [[Secret of Mana]]
| mc2 = (SNES) 87%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588646-secret-of-mana/index.html |title=''Secret of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=GRs}}<br>(iOS) 80/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/secret-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=''Secret of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref><br>(PS4) 63/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/secret-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Secret of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref><br>(PC) 57/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/secret-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Secret of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709155830/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/secret-of-mana |archive-date=July 9, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><br>(Vita) 51%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/vita/218498-secret-of-mana/index.html |title=''Secret of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=GRs}}
| game3 = [[Trials of Mana]]
| mc3 = (NS) 74/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=''Trials of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref><br>(PC) 78/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=''Trials of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref><br>(PS4) 76/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/trials-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=''Trials of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
| game4 = [[Legend of Mana]]
| mc4 = (PS) 73%<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/256525-legend-of-mana/index.html |title=''Legend of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>{{efn|name=GRs}}
| game5 = [[Sword of Mana]]
| mc5 = (GBA) 72/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sword-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=''Sword of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
| game6 = [[Children of Mana]]
| mc6 = (NDS) 65/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/children-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Children of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
| game7 = [[Dawn of Mana]]
| mc7 = (PS2) 57/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dawn-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=''Dawn of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
| game8 = [[Heroes of Mana]]
| mc8 = (NDS) 66/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/heroes-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=''Heroes of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
| game9 = [[Adventures of Mana]]
| mc9 = (Vita) 66/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/adventures-of-mana/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita |title=''Adventures of Mana'' Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 14, 2019}}</ref>
}}

The ''Mana'' series has been mostly well received, though each title has seen varied levels of success. ''RPGFan'' called ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' one of the best things to happen to the Game Boy,<ref name="FFA-RPGFan">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasyadventure/Final_Fantasy_Adventure.html |title=RPGFan Review&nbsp;— Final Fantasy Adventure |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2008-02-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513025902/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasyadventure/Final_Fantasy_Adventure.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008 }}</ref> while ''[[IGN]]'' considered it the best action RPG on the console after ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]''.<ref name="IGN FA"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' referred to ''Secret of Mana'' as "one of Square's masterpieces on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]".<ref name="SquareHistory">{{cite web| url = http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_square/p1_04.html| title = History of Square| publisher = [[GameSpot]]| access-date = 2014-04-30| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012190954/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_square/p1_04.html| archive-date=2007-10-12}}</ref> The game has appeared on several list of top games, including ranked number 97 on ''[[Famitsu]]'''s top 100 games of all time.<ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine| date = February 2006| title=NP Top 200| magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]| issue=200| pages=58–66}}</ref><ref name="IGN100">{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |title=IGN's Top 100 Games |url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/041-050.html |publisher=IGN |year=2005 |access-date=2016-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616124607/http://top100.ign.com/2005/041-050.html |archive-date=June 16, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |title=IGN's Top 100 Games |url=http://top100.ign.com/2006/041-050.html |publisher=IGN |year=2006 |access-date=2016-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709103841/http://top100.ign.com/2006/041-050.html |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="famit">{{cite web|author=Campbell, Colin |year=2006 |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204201422/http://edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100/ |publisher=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=February 4, 2009 |access-date=2007-08-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Trials of Mana'' was called "easily one of the best RPGs to come out of the 16-bit era" by ''Nintendo Life''.<ref name="NLreview">{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/03/seiken_densetsu_3_retro |title=Seiken Densetsu 3 (Super Nintendo) Review |publisher=NintendoLife |last=Dillard |first=Corbie |date=2010-03-19 |access-date=2014-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311225908/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/03/seiken_densetsu_3_retro |archive-date=2014-03-11 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Famitsu'' rated ''[[Legend of Mana]]'' at 31/40 and ''[[Heroes of Mana]]'' at 32/40.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 レジェンド オブ マナ |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1157 |work=Famitsu.com |access-date=2014-04-30 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1157 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:聖剣伝説 ヒーローズ オブ マナ |url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1155 |work=Famitsu.com |access-date=2014-04-30 |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502004539/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=1155 |archive-date=May 2, 2014 }}</ref>  The [[NPD Group]] ranked ''Legend of Mana'' as the top seller the week of its release, and in 2006 was re-released as part of the [[Square Enix budget ranges|Ultimate Hits]] series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/17/legend-of-mana-tops-sales-charts |title=Legend of Mana Tops Sales Charts |date=2000-06-16 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-02-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/17/legend-of-mana-tops-sales-charts |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1219.html |title=Square Enix Adds 16 to Ultimate Hits Series |date=2006-04-06 |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2008-02-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2006/1219.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref>

Many of the ''World of Mana'' titles have not been as critically successful as the original five games in the series, and though the franchise has been praised for their attempts at trying new ways of experiencing the games' fictional world, there have been various gameplay design flaws that have hindered the later games.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bozon, Mark |date=2006-10-31 |title=Children of Mana |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/01/children-of-mana-review |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214111722/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/11/01/children-of-mana-review |archive-date=December 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Haynes, Jeff |date=2007-05-22 |title=Dawn of Mana |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/22/dawn-of-mana-review?page=2 |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026144749/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/05/22/dawn-of-mana-review?page=2 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 }}</ref> ''[[1UP.com]]'' commented that despite the game's excellent presentation and storytelling, ''[[Dawn of Mana]]'' did not match the level of gameplay of the early ''Mana'' games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/dawn-of-mana |title=Dawn of Mana Review |date=2007-05-21 |publisher=[[1UP.com]] |author=Fitch, Andrew |access-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610090422/http://www.1up.com/reviews/dawn-of-mana |archive-date=June 10, 2015 }}</ref> Prior to the ''World of Mana'' games, ''RPGamer'' called the series a "treasured favorite".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sd4/reviews/sd4strev1.html |title=Legend of Mana&nbsp;— Review |author=Bilyk, Andrew P. |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/sd4/reviews/sd4strev1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After the release of ''Heroes of Mana'', they commented that the ''World of Mana'' series is "cursed", and the future of the series looked "bleak".<ref name="RPGamer-Heroes">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/hom/reviews/homstrev01.html |title=Heroes of Mana&nbsp;— Staff Review |author=Athab, Majed |publisher=RPGamer |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080727005510/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/sd/hom/reviews/homstrev01.html |archive-date=July 27, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

The music of the ''Mana'' series, especially ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', has received wide acclaim and fan enthusiasm.<ref name="mana"/><ref name="IGN Tracks">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/08/top-ten-rpg-title-tracks |date=2006-08-08 |title=Top Ten RPG Title Tracks |author=Sullivan, Meghan |publisher=IGN |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/08/top-ten-rpg-title-tracks |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> The ''Secret of Mana'' soundtrack was one of the first official soundtracks of video games music released in the United States and thus before fully mainstream interest in [[Role-playing game|RPGs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/som/index.html |date=2007-01-01 |title=Secret of Mana OST |author=Thomas, Damian |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2008-02-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410124744/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/som/index.html |archive-date=April 10, 2008 }}</ref> The ''Secret of Mana''{{'}}s opening theme, "Angel's Fear", was rated at number 7 on ''IGN''{{'}}s Top Ten RPG Title tracks, calling it a "magical title song that captures our hearts".<ref name="IGN Tracks"/> It was also featured in the third [[Orchestral Game Music Concerts|Orchestral Game Concert]].<ref name="Concert">{{cite web| author=Turner, Jon| date=2000-09-02| title=Game Music Concert 3 by Symphony Orchestra| url=http://www.soundtrackcentral.com/cds/orchestralgameconcert3.htm|publisher=SoundtrackCentral.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183613/http://soundtrackcentral.com/orchestral-game-music-concert-3/st131 |access-date=2006-09-03|archive-date=2015-10-17 }}</ref> ''Secret of Mana'' is also the number 6 most remixed soundtrack on the popular video game music site [[OverClocked ReMix]], with ''[[Trials of Mana]]'' tied at 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocremix.org/games/?&sort=mixcountasc&offset=500 |title=Browsing: Games (530) |publisher=[[OverClocked ReMix]] |access-date=2008-02-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080304124813/http://www.ocremix.org/games/?&sort=mixcountasc&offset=500 |archive-date=March 4, 2008 }}</ref> The music of the other titles have also been well received. ''RPGFan'' called the music to ''[[Final Fantasy Adventure]]'' "addictive", despite its low, [[MIDI]]-like quality.<ref name="FFA-RPGFan"/> ''GameSpy'' called ''Children of Mana''{{'}}s music some of the best Nintendo DS music yet and referred to it as "beautiful".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mana-sequel/743334p1.html |title=GameSpy: Children of Mana Review |author=Kemps, Heidi |date=2006-11-02 |access-date=2008-02-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404034044/http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/mana-sequel/743334p1.html |archive-date=April 4, 2013 }}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'' complimented ''Dawn of Mana''{{'}}s music, calling it good.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/BCA8D862-609E-43F3-91F6-D11AD27C2E96.htm| title = Dawn of Mana Review| publisher = [[Game Informer]]| author = Juba, Joe| access-date = 2009-12-01| url-status = dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621113508/http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/BCA8D862-609E-43F3-91F6-D11AD27C2E96.htm| archive-date=2008-06-21}}</ref> ''IGN'' referred to ''Legend of Mana''{{'}}s music as "beautiful" and stated the background music brought "intensity", "suspense", and "subtle nuance" to the game.<ref name="IGN-LoM"/> Other reviewers echoed similar praise to ''GameSpot'', calling the music "excellently orchestrated" and ''RPGFan'' calling it one of the game's good points.<ref name="GS-LoM"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/legendofmana/Legend_of_Mana-5.html |title=Review&nbsp;— Legend of Mana |publisher=RPGFan |access-date=2008-02-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/legendofmana/Legend_of_Mana-5.html |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref>

The ''Mana'' series has sold well overall, and as of March 2011, series titles have sold over 6&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.com/eng/group/index.html#game7 |title=Businesses – Square Enix Holdings |date=2011-03-31 |access-date=2012-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121013036/http://www.square-enix.com/eng/group/index.html |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The original ''Seiken Densetsu'' sold over 700,000 units,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Final Fantasy III|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=63|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=October 1994|page=172}}</ref> and its remake ''Sword of Mana'' sold over 277,000 copies in Japan.<ref name="TMB2003">{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell2003b.shtml |title=2003 Top 100 Best Selling Japanese Console Games |publisher=The Magic Box |access-date=2015-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209184901/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell2003b.shtml |archive-date=2014-12-09 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Secret of Mana'' has shipped over 1.83&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="SEsales04">{{cite web |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |title=February 2, 2004 - February 4, 2004 |date=2004-02-09 |access-date=2008-04-07 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |page=27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109063558/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |archive-date=2013-11-09 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Legend of Mana'' sold over 400,000 units in its first week alone as the highest-selling release that week in Japan,<ref name="400k">{{cite web |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=1999-08-06 |title=MGT Report "Litigation Time" |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/newswire/mgt_report/19990806.htm |work=[[Gamasutra]] |publisher=[[UBM plc|UBM]] |access-date=2008-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529213442/http://www.gamasutra.com/newswire/mgt_report/19990806.htm |archive-date=2008-05-29}}</ref> and over 700,000 copies in Japan by the end of the year.<ref name="TMB1999">{{cite web |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1999.shtml |title=1999 Top 100 Best Selling Japanese Console Games |publisher=The Magic Box |access-date=2015-02-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215082832/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1999.shtml |archive-date=2014-12-15 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gold">{{cite web |date=2000-06-29 |title=PlayStation Awards 2000 |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/081/081543p1.html |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2008-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710122445/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/081/081543p1.html |archive-date=2012-07-10 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Children of Mana'' sold over 281,000 copies in Japan,<ref name="EBsales">{{Cite book|title=Famitsū Gēmu Hakusho 2007 |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-4-7577-3577-4 |location=Tokyo |page=387 |id={{JPNO|21240454}} |language=ja |script-title=ja:ファミ通ゲーム白書2007 |trans-title=Famitsu Game Whitebook 2007 |chapter=2006年ゲームソフト年間売上TOP500 |trans-chapter=2006 Game Software Annual Sales Top 500 |url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2006_ne_fa/index.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626214525/http://geimin.net/da/db/2006_ne_fa/index.php |archive-date=June 26, 2015 }}</ref> and ''Dawn of Mana'' sold over 410,000 copies worldwide.<ref name="JP2008sales">{{cite web |title=Sony PS2 Japanese Ranking |url=http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |publisher=Japan-GameCharts |access-date=2008-12-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216104658/http://www.japan-gamecharts.com/ps2.php |archive-date=2008-12-16 |url-status=usurped}}</ref><ref name="NA2007sales">{{cite web |title=FY2007 First-Half Period Results Briefing Session |date=2007-11-19 |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/20071119en_20.pdf |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |access-date=2009-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213145002/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/20071119en_20.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Heroes of Mana'' sold over 178,000 copies worldwide.<ref name="JP2007sales">{{Cite book|title=Famitsū Gēmu Hakusho 2008 |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |year=2008 |location=Tokyo |language=ja |script-title=ja:ファミ通ゲーム白書2008 |trans-title=Famitsu Game Whitebook 2008 |chapter=2007年ゲームソフト年間売上TOP500 |trans-chapter=2007 Game Software Annual Sales Top 500 |url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2007_ne_fa/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627100011/http://geimin.net/da/db/2007_ne_fa/index.php |archive-date=June 27, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="NACOMsales">{{cite web |date=2007-11-19 |title=FY 2007 First-Half Period Results Briefing Session |url=http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/20071119en_20.pdf |page=6 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |access-date=2008-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213145002/http://www.square-enix.com/jp/ir/e/explanatory/download/20071119en_20.pdf |archive-date=2012-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> The PlayStation Vita version of ''Rise of Mana'' downloaded over 100,000 times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/272/G027263/20150703072/ |title=PS Vita版「聖剣伝説 RISE of MANA」が10万DL突破。記念キャンペーンを7月6日より開催 |website=4gamer.net |language=ja |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017183611/http://www.4gamer.net/games/272/G027263/20150703072/ |archive-date=October 17, 2015 }}</ref> By 2021, the game series had sold over 8 million copies.<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/news/prtimes/202109/10233439.html 『聖剣伝説』シリーズ30周年記念、アニメイト一部店舗にて「聖剣伝説 30周年記念展 in animate ONLY SHOP」開催！ | ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Japanese role-playing game franchises]]
* [[List of Square Enix video game franchises]]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Mana series}}
{{Square Enix franchises}}
{{Final Fantasy series}}

[[Category:Mana (series)| ]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Nintendo Entertainment System games|Seiken Densetsu: The Emergence of Excalibur]]
[[Category:Hack and slash role-playing games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash games by series]]
[[Category:Square Enix franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:2000 manga]]
[[Category:2004 manga]]
[[Category:2007 manga]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1991]]