E3 2006: Dawn of Mana Fact Sheet @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 16, 2006

News: Explore the origins of the Mana Tree in Dawn of Mana.

Fans have been clamoring for more Mana ever since the series debuted on the Super NES all those years ago.

In the meantime, Square (and then Square-Enix) has graced us with a title here and there. But now, Square-Enix plans to expand the "World of Mana" in new ways and that includes a PS2 prequel that explains the beginnings of the story.

Behold the Dawn of Mana:

Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Format: PlayStation 2
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: TBD

Discover the beginnings of the popular and captivating Mana series in Dawn of Mana, the first true Mana sequel in more than a decade. Exclusive to the PlayStation 2, Square Enix reveals the origins of the Mana Tree and the Sword of Mana.

STORY
Long ago, when the world was at peace and magic yet unknown to man, a beautiful isle called Illusia floated in the center of the Inner Sea. Over the island towered the great Mana Tree, source of all life.

There it had stood since the dawn of the worldЕ But over time, the tree gradually turned to stone and slept as though death had come at last.

So begins the story of how a boy came to wield a sacred sword and how a maiden became a goddessЧentwining the fate of spirits, mortals, and the entire world into a tale of hope and despair.

FEATURES

Experience the beloved world of Mana in a fully 3D environment for the first time.

Explore sweeping plains and mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, brought vividly to life by the detailed visuals that fans have come to expect from the Mana series.

Experience an interactive world that encourages players to УtouchФ the world of Mana.

Realistic facial expressions dynamically convey each character's mood and emotions.