Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana is a 1993 action-RPG developed by Square for the Super Nintendo, blending real-time combat with cooperative multiplayer. Up to three players could join in simultaneously, guiding a trio of heroes on a quest to restore the fading power of the Mana Tree.
Its innovative ring-command menu let players select items and spells from a radial interface without fully pausing the action, an interface widely praised and imitated. Its charge-based attack system added timing and strategy to melee combat, as swinging too soon left weapons weakened until they recharged. Weapons and magic leveled up independently through use, and lush visuals paired with a celebrated musical score gave the world a dreamlike quality.
The cooperative play was a genuine rarity for RPGs of the time and helped cement the game's lasting reputation. It has been re-released in compilations and remade with fully updated 3D presentation, so its inviting, shareable adventure remains easy to experience today.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Secret of Mana, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCode Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Trials of Mana | € 49,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Secret of Mana (2018) | € 39,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Visions of Mana | € 59,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Legend of Mana | € 29,99 | Steam Deck Unsupported | PC, PlayStation, Switch |
CrossCode Indie
€ 19,99An indie action-RPG with fluid real-time combat and 16-bit style.
CrossCode runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Trials of Mana
€ 49,99A full 3D remake of the classic Mana action-RPG sequel.
Trials of Mana runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Secret of Mana (2018)
€ 39,99The official 3D remake of the beloved SNES original.
Secret of Mana (2018) runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Visions of Mana
€ 59,99The modern full-3D entry in the Mana series, keeping the real-time party combat.
Visions of Mana runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
Legend of Mana
€ 29,99A remaster of the beautiful PlayStation entry, with the same hand-painted world and action combat.
Legend of Mana runs on PC, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox.
Sign in or create an account to add an alternative or vote.
Players who liked Secret of Mana also liked
Based on how other members voted.
