Trials of Mana

About Trials of Mana (SNES)

Trials of Mana is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Famicom in Japan in 1995. It was originally released as Seiken Densetsu 3, the third entry in the Mana series, and it remained a Japan-only release for decades. Western players finally received an official English version in 2019 as part of the Collection of Mana, which helped turn this long-hidden sequel into a modern classic.

The game is directed by Hiromichi Tanaka and produced by Tetsuhisa Tsuruzono, with character designs by Nobuteru Yuuki and a memorable score by Hiroki Kikuta. You choose three heroes from a cast of six, and the story changes depending on your lead character and party. As the Benevodons awaken and the Mana Sword weakens, your party must restore balance before darkness consumes the land.

Detailed Gameplay

Trials of Mana blends fast real-time combat with deep party building. You explore towns, dungeons, and a large world map, fight monsters in real time, and grow stronger through levels, weapons, and class changes.

Party of Three Heroes

• Choose three heroes from Duran, Angela, Kevin, Charlotte, Hawkeye, and Riesz, each with a unique backstory and fighting style.
• Your lead hero sets the main story path and final villain, so different parties create different journeys.
• Swap control between party members in battle while allies fight with adjustable AI tactics.
• Combine melee fighters, spellcasters, and support heroes to cover damage, healing, and crowd control.

Real-Time Combat and Class Changes

• Attack with weapons in real time, charge power attacks, and unleash special techniques as your gauge fills.
• Cast elemental and healing magic, but watch your MP and timing because enemies keep moving during spells.
• Change class at level 18 and again at level 38, unlocking new weapons, spells, and special moves.
• Choose Light or Dark class paths to shape each hero into a healer, attacker, buffer, or debuffer.

Exploration and Progression

• Travel across continents by foot, cannon, and later faster transport as the story opens new regions.
• Buy weapons, armor, and items in towns, and upgrade gear to keep pace with tougher dungeons.
• Complete side quests and optional bosses for extra levels, gear, and story flavor.

Game Highlights

• Six heroes, many stories: Different lead heroes change the plot, villain, and party chemistry.
• Flexible class system: Light and Dark branches let you rebuild the same hero in very different ways.
• Beautiful 16-bit world: Colorful towns, forests, and dungeons showcase the SNES at its best.
• A legendary soundtrack: Hiroki Kikuta’s score mixes adventure themes, emotional melodies, and battle energy.

Controls

Use the SNES controller to explore and fight in real time.

• D-Pad: Move your hero and navigate menus.
• Y: Attack with your equipped weapon.
• B: Use a special technique or confirm an action in menus.
• A: Cast magic or open the ring menu in battle.
• X: Open the main menu and check party status.
• L/R: Switch between party members or scroll through menu pages.
• Start: Pause the game.
• Select: Open quick options or the map screen where available.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Use these tactics to keep your party strong through the harder chapters.

• Pick a balanced party with at least one healer, such as Charlotte, so long dungeons do not drain your items.
• Charge attacks against groups, but use normal hits on fast enemies that dodge slow power strikes.
• Save class-change items and plan Light or Dark paths early, since each path changes your late-game role.
• Stock healing items before boss fights and set AI tactics so healers prioritize low-health allies.
• Explore every town shop after story milestones, because new weapons often matter more than a few levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Trials of Mana the same game as Seiken Densetsu 3? A: Yes. Seiken Densetsu 3 is the original Japanese title, and Trials of Mana is the official English name used for the later Western release.

Q: How many characters can I play as in Trials of Mana? A: You choose three heroes from six playable characters, and your lead hero determines much of the main story.

Q: Can I play Trials of Mana online for free? A: Yes, you can play Trials of Mana online for free in your browser here, with no download or installation required.