Secret of Mana in IOS

Roleplaying

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Site Score

96/100

Secret of Mana is an absolute triumph of the JRPG genre, and this mobile port preserves the magic that made it a classic on the SNES. The transition to touch controls is surprisingly smooth, especially the Ring Command menu system which remains one of the most intuitive ways to manage items and spells in an action RPG. The vibrant, hand-drawn art style looks better than ever on high-resolution screens, and the legendary soundtrack still hits just as hard.

The real-time combat is as engaging as it was in the 90s, requiring you to balance weapon charges with magical attacks while managing three different characters. The 'Wait' bar mechanic ensures that combat isn't just mindless button mashing—you have to time your strikes for maximum effectiveness. Whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer looking for a deep, emotional fantasy story, Secret of Mana is a masterclass in world-building and gameplay. It is an essential part of any RPG fan's library.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026
Dinsun Avatar

Dinsun Review

If I were reviewing the original SNES version, this would be near a 90. But we’re talking about the mobile port, and Square Enix still hasn't figured out that virtual joysticks are a poor substitute for a real D-pad. The Ring Command menu system, which was revolutionary in the 90s, feels slow and clunky here. Combat is still great, but missing a hit because your thumb slipped is the height of gaming frustration.

The music, however, is still some of the best ever composed. The colors are vibrant, and the story holds up surprisingly well for its age. It’s a long, meaty RPG that doesn't hold your hand, which I appreciate. But unless you’re using a Bluetooth controller, you’re playing an inferior version of a great game. It’s a classic, sure, but it's a classic that belongs on a console.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

  • Incredible soundtrack
  • Deep, engaging story and world-building
  • Vibrant 16-bit art style
  • Frustrating virtual controls
  • Menu navigation is tedious on touch
  • Occasional AI pathfinding issues for companions

Technical Report

Performance: Solid frame rate, but the UI scaling on newer iPhones can be awkward.

Accessibility:

    Audience Fit

    Buy if: You love retro RPGs and have a dedicated mobile controller.

    Skip if: You hate virtual buttons and dated 'grindy' mechanics.

    Similar Games:
    • Chrono Trigger
    • Trials of Mana

    Reviewer Context

    • Reviewer: Dinsun
    • Hardware: iPhone 13 Pro
    • Playtime: 20 hours
    • Status: Nearly finished main story

    The Game

    Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

    Version 3.3.0Mon Feb 24 2020

    ●iOS13 OS Compatibility

    The following bugs have been addressed:

    ・The application does not launch.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you continue to enjoy playing Secret of Mana.


    ---

    July 18, 2014

    Gamepad support has been added.

    ---

    Initially released in Japan in 1993, Secret of Mana took the world by storm with its innovative real-time battle system and gorgeously rendered world. It continues to stand out among other action RPGs for its seamless gameplay that anyone from beginner to veteran can enjoy.

    One of the most memorable elements of the Mana series is the Ring Command menu system. With the single press of a button, a ring-shaped menu appears on the screen, where players can use items, change weapons, and do a variety of other actions without needing to switch screens. This Ring Command menu system for which the Mana series is so well known was first introduced in Secret of Mana and has since appeared in most games in the series.

    Play as Randi and his two companions, Primm and Popoi, as they adventure all around the world. At the center of our epic story is the mystical power of Mana. Battle the empire in its quest for control of Mana. Befriend the eight elementals who wield the forces of nature itself. Numerous encounters await at every turn.

    Additional Information (reference only):

    ESRB Rating: E10+ with Mild Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes

    ------------

    1993年8月6日,《聖劍傳說2》在超級任天堂上發售,以當時的新概念系統“動作戰鬥”博得了相當的人氣。這是一款將指令戰鬥的戰略性融入到即時、無縫戰鬥中的角色扮演遊戲,無論新手還是老玩家都能從中體驗到充分的爽快感。

    “指令環”是《聖劍》系列的特色系統之一。按鍵後畫面上會出現環形的選單,不需要切換畫面就可以使用道具、更換武器,是一種非常方便的系統。這一系統在《聖劍傳說2》裏首次登場,之後為整個系列所傳承。

    玩家將操作主人公Randi,以及他的夥伴Primm和Popoi行動,隨著劇情的展開而前往世界各地冒險。本作劇情的關鍵,是肉眼無法看見的強大力量“瑪娜”。與覬覦瑪娜之力的帝國軍隊作戰、邂逅掌管自然之力的精靈們……在他們冒險的旅途中,將會有諸多有趣的故事在前方等待著。


    Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

    ---

    July 18, 2014

    Gamepad support has been added.

    ---

    Initially released in Japan in 1993, Secret of Mana took the world by storm with its innovative real-time battle system and gorgeously rendered world. It continues to stand out among other action RPGs for its seamless gameplay that anyone from beginner to veteran can enjoy.

    One of the most memorable elements of the Mana series is the Ring Command menu system. With the single press of a button, a ring-shaped menu appears on the screen, where players can use items, change weapons, and do a variety of other actions without needing to switch screens. This Ring Command menu system for which the Mana series is so well known was first introduced in Secret of Mana and has since appeared in most games in the series.

    Play as Randi and his two companions, Primm and Popoi, as they adventure all around the world. At the center of our epic story is the mystical power of Mana. Battle the empire in its quest for control of Mana. Befriend the eight elementals who wield the forces of nature itself. Numerous encounters await at every turn.

    Additional Information (reference only):

    ESRB Rating: E10+ with Mild Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes

    ------------

    1993年8月6日,《聖劍傳說2》在超級任天堂上發售,以當時的新概念系統“動作戰鬥”博得了相當的人氣。這是一款將指令戰鬥的戰略性融入到即時、無縫戰鬥中的角色扮演遊戲,無論新手還是老玩家都能從中體驗到充分的爽快感。

    “指令環”是《聖劍》系列的特色系統之一。按鍵後畫面上會出現環形的選單,不需要切換畫面就可以使用道具、更換武器,是一種非常方便的系統。這一系統在《聖劍傳說2》裏首次登場,之後為整個系列所傳承。

    玩家將操作主人公Randi,以及他的夥伴Primm和Popoi行動,隨著劇情的展開而前往世界各地冒險。本作劇情的關鍵,是肉眼無法看見的強大力量“瑪娜”。與覬覦瑪娜之力的帝國軍隊作戰、邂逅掌管自然之力的精靈們……在他們冒險的旅途中,將會有諸多有趣的故事在前方等待著。


    Ratings & Reviews

    3 out of 5 with 303 Counts
    Age Rating 9+

    Screenshots

    Secret of Mana screenshot 1Secret of Mana screenshot 2Secret of Mana screenshot 3Secret of Mana screenshot 4Secret of Mana screenshot 5Secret of Mana screenshot 6Secret of Mana screenshot 7Secret of Mana screenshot 8Secret of Mana screenshot 9Secret of Mana screenshot 10

    Secret of Mana is a masterpiece of the JRPG genre, originally released on the SNES. It features a unique real-time combat system and the innovative Ring Command menu that allows for seamless item and spell management without pausing the action. Follow the journey of Randi, Primm, and Popoi as they battle an evil empire to reclaim the power of Mana. With its lush visuals, a legendary soundtrack, and the ability to switch between three different characters with unique weapon and magic skills, Secret of Mana offers an expansive and unforgettable fantasy adventure.

    Features

    1

    Classic Real-time Combat

    2

    Innovative Ring Command Menu

    3

    Expansive Fantasy World

    4

    Iconic Original Soundtrack

    Tips

    Promotion Videos

    Secret of Mana - Launch Trailer | PS4 - YouTube

    Related Videos

    News on this game

    Square Enix Announces New Secret of Mana Game

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    Could Visions of Mana be everything I ever wanted?

    Maybe, just maybe, Visions of Mana could be the game to stand toe to toe with Secret of Mana after 30 years of the franchise?

    GodisaGeek.com - Tue Mar 11 2025

    Android game and app price drops: Actraiser, Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, more

    It today's collection of Android app price drops, Square Enix is taking over with its legendary role playing classics.

    9to5Toys - Fri Oct 10 2025

    Secret of Mana Review

    I imagine this was a game that redefined what a JRPG could be, especially when playing alongside some friends. But times have changed,...

    RPGFan - Wed Dec 11 2024

    Visions of Mana Preview: Secret of Mana Made Modern

    I was late to the Mana series. Despite being alive when the most popular game in the series, Secret of Mana, was released, I didn't get into...

    Men's Journal - Wed Jun 11 2025

    Visions Of Mana Announced By Square Enix, But Not For Switch

    Update [Fri 8th Dec, 2023 02:00 GMT]: Today's trademark has been confirmed — Visions of Mana is a brand new action RPG in the Mana series.

    Nintendo Life - Tue Mar 11 2025

    Square Enix announces Visions of Mana out next year

    A new entry in the Mana series is on the way called Visions of Mana - the first mainline instalment for over 15 years. …

    Eurogamer.net - Tue Mar 11 2025

    Square Enix’s Mana series returns with Visions of Mana in 2024

    There have been some cool things revealed at the 2023 Game Awards. As you might have seen, I've written about some of them.

    Destructoid - Tue Mar 11 2025

    ‘Visions Of Mana’ Is An All-New ‘Mana’ Game And It Looks Great

    Following the remake of 'Trials of Mana', we now have an all-new mainline entry in the 'Mana' series in the form of 'Visions of Mana',...

    Forbes - Tue Mar 11 2025

    After 15 Years of Waiting Visions of Mana is giving us a new Mana Game

    2023-12-08T06:27:53.118Z-Visions of Mana looks so awesome and nostalgic. A must-buy on day one!

    GameCrate - Tue Mar 11 2025

    Gameplays

    Q&A

    Yes, you control a party of three characters—Randi, Primm, and Popoi—and can switch between them at any time.

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