The Secret of Mana Walkthrough and Guide
The Secret of Mana is the second game in the Seiken Densetsu series, a series that may not be as well-known as the Final Fantasy series but is definitely equally wonderful. Released in 1993, this classic title has gained a reputation for being one of the first games to introduce cooperative gameplay, allowing players to team up with friends to tackle the game’s challenges.
Even though it may not compare to the graphics and gameplay standards of today’s modern RPGs, The Secret of Mana still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It was this game that introduced many people to the genre, providing them with their first taste of the magical world of role-playing games.
If you’re yet to experience the magic of The Secret of Mana, what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and embark on a journey of adventure and magic. I’m here to help you, the dedicated gamers who are struggling with certain parts in the game, to completely beat the crap out of this timeless classic.
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Table of Contents
Getting Started
Before you start your journey, it’s important to have some understanding of the game’s mechanics and settings. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Customize Your Character: Select a character that suits your playstyle. Each character has unique abilities and strengths that will contribute to your team’s success.
2. Choose Your Class: Decide on your class, such as Warrior, Cleric, or Mage, which determines your starting stats and abilities.
3. Unlock New Abilities: As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new abilities that greatly enhance your combat effectiveness. Pay attention to the upgrade points you earn and invest them wisely.
4. Manage Your Inventory: Space is limited, so be selective about what items you keep. Pay attention to the weight and encumbrance limits to avoid getting slowed down.
Walkthrough
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s dive into the walkthrough. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the game’s main areas and overcome its challenges:
Tips and Tricks
Combat
How to Fight
The battle screen consists of three main elements: the player character, the opposing enemy, and the environment. Underneath the screen, there are three bars that represent the health of the player characters (or one/two bars if only one player character is present). (Okay, so that’s four things.) (Whatever.)
Now, I’m sure you’re already familiar with the intricacies of combat. One of the key aspects is the “attack gauge” that determines your power for that particular instant. In order to perform an attack (such as swinging your sword), you require strength, just like in real life. However, as in real life, you can’t continuously attack without getting tired. That’s why there’s an attack gauge; when it’s 100%, it indicates that you can perform an attack (press B) or run (press A). However, when you perform one of these actions, the gauge depletes to 0%, meaning you have to wait (one or two seconds) until it refills. It’s important to note that it is possible to attack when the gauge is below 100%, but you will only do negligible damage since you are still exhausted from the previous attack.
To charge your weapon, press and hold the attack-button. Once your weapon is full, release the button while standing before a very unfortunate baddy. Watch as your foe suffers. Initially, you can’t charge your weapon at the beginning of the game. However, once you reach level 1 by killing a bunch of enemies, this ability will be unlocked. By killing more monsters, you can raise the sword to level 2, unlocking a brand new and more powerful attack. However, there’s a maximum level you can level-up your weapon to. To raise this maximum, you’ll have to forge the weapon with special orbs acquired throughout the game.
Additionally, this game can be played with two players, or even three if you have this multi-tap device thingy (or an emulator). Playing with a friend makes the game much easier. Trust me, because in this game, the computer-controlled allies aren’t particularly smart. Their main occupation seems to be taking damage.
Tips and tricks
If you have the opportunity, level up! This will not only help you better overcome future enemies, but it will also decrease the likelihood of your demise. It is important to diversify your weapon choices and refrain from relying on the same one consistently. Additionally, varying your magic usage is crucial, as you will need each element to succeed. A strategic move is to upgrade Undine for the girl, as this elemental possesses the Cure Water spell, and healing is crucial if you want to survive.
While engaged in combat, pressing the B-button repeatedly does not provide any significant benefit. Instead, approach the enemy, attack them swiftly, and then retreat before the monster can retaliate. By striking a monster, you will momentarily stun it, giving you sufficient time to recover to full health. When attempting to escape from an enemy, it is advisable to attack them once before retreating. This will enable you to momentarily stun the enemy, giving you the necessary time to escape.
Do not give the enemy an opportunity to attack! This tactic is particularly effective when coupled with the presence of allies and when facing a single monster. Once you are fully prepared, proceed with a swift attack to prevent them from moving.
Additionally, the same strategy can be employed with magic, once you acquire it. By casting a spell of your choice and IMMEDIATELY afterward, when the element of Undine, Gnome, or any other type disappears, navigate to the menu of the caster. By doing so, you will regain access to magic without the need for any damage counter. However, it is important to note that this continuous casting will eventually result in fatal injury to the monster.
Furthermore, utilizing the strafe-button while charging your weapon can be highly advantageous. By holding down R while pressing B, you will maintain a consistent facing direction while you move. Mastering this technique can contribute to quicker attacks. When charging your weapon, it is important to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the enemy. Strafing helps to achieve this objective and aids in delivering a swift strike.
Conclusion
The Secret of Mana is a timeless gem that deserves its place in the hearts of RPG enthusiasts. Its cooperative gameplay, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for all gamers. If you haven’t played the game yet, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world of Mana and embark on a magical journey that will leave you craving for more.
Remember, I’m here to help you along the way. So, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s beat the crap out of this game together!
