Important Video Game: Secret of Mana

A game that has always been a favorite of mine and I feel utilizes important gameplay devices is Secret of Mana for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Some of the features I'd like to stress are:

• Radial Menu System
• Fast Travel System
• Original Score

The radial menu system in Secret of Mana was my first encounter with such a UI. It made selection of items and weapons quick and efficient. The interface was intuitive and helped streamline gameplay. Famous, more recent games such as Dragon Age and Neverwinter Nights also use radial menu systems. Here is a video of simple radial menu use:



The second feature I would like to look at is the fast travel system. The ability to fast travel is mediated via a small drum and the dragon that it calls. The game is designed in such a way that this system isn't available early on for the express purpose of directing the player and controlling storyline. Once the character gains the drum, the white dragon can be summoned and will drop the character and his merry band off wherever the player chooses. Video:



Lastly, the game boasted a wide range of music that was excellent considering the infancy of video games and the 16bit console. Here are some samples:







In conlcusion, I feel that many awesome features in Secret of Mana that made the game itself better have been used over and over in successful games succeeding it. Great soundtrack, well designed UI and the particular game mechanic of fast travel are welcome features in almost RPG.