Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana is a 1993 action role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Colorful and vivid graphics.
 * 2) Amazing soundtrack.
 * 3) It features real-time battles instead of traditional turn-based combat.
 * 4) The game has a unique Ring Command menu system, which pauses the action and allows the player to make decisions in the middle of battle.
 * 5) An innovative cooperative multiplayer system allows a second or third player to drop in and out of the game at any time.
 * 6) Customizable artificial intelligence settings for computer-controlled allies.
 * 7) In order to learn magic, the party must rescue spirits known as Elementals.
 * 8) Travel may be expedited with Cannon Travel Centers, where the party may be launched to faraway destinations via a giant cannon.
 * 9) Weapons are upgraded with Weapon Orbs, which are found in dungeons or earned by defeating certain bosses.
 * 10) Flammie, a miniature dragon which is controlled by the player allows to freely explore the world.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) After completing the first part of the game, the first village is inaccessible.
 * 2) The inhabitants are also a bit unlikable for kicking the main hero even though he didn't know what he was doing.
 * 3) Stamina can make battles tedious as it can lower the damage of your weapons.
 * 4) Sometimes in small areas while fighting enemies, there is a glitch that could get one of the characters stuck in walls or bushes. Thankfully since this game is on the SNES Classic edition, you can rewind or load a save slot to solve this.
 * 5) Some enemies (especially airborne enemies) have very high evasion which can get annoying.

Reception
The game received considerable acclaim for its brightly colored graphics, expansive plot, Ring Command menu system, and innovative real-time battle system. Critics also praised the soundtrack by Hiroki Kikuta and the customizable artificial intelligence.

Secret of Mana was awarded Game of the Month in December 1993 and Best Role-playing Game of 1993 by Electronic Gaming Monthly. In its annual Megawards, GameFan awarded it Best Action/RPG (SNES). GamePro gave it the award for Role-playing Game of the Year, ahead of Lufia and Shadowrun as runners-up.