Combat in Legend of Mana Remastered takes a bold step away from the traditional RPG mechanics seen in previous Mana games, opting instead for a beat-em-up style with layered RPG elements. While this change adds complexity, it also offers depth for those willing to master its intricacies. In this guide, we’ll explore the combat system’s mechanics, including attacks, abilities, special techniques (STs), and the often-overlooked Synchro mechanic.

The Basics of Combat: Light vs. Heavy Attacks

Combat revolves around two primary attack types:

• Light Attacks (X Button): Quick strikes with limited damage. Light weapons like knives or fists offer more hits per combo, while heavier weapons trade speed for power. Light attacks serve as a safe way to chip away at enemies or to initiate more complex combos.
• Heavy Attacks (Square Button): These function more like fighting game moves, involving directional inputs for varied results:
  • Thrust: Performed by pressing Square, this attack is powerful but leaves you exposed.
  • Uppercut: Executed by pressing down-forward + Square, providing a quick, neutral state recovery.
  • Jump Attack: Achieved by pressing back-forward + Square, useful for repositioning.

Mastering these heavy attack inputs is crucial for chaining longer combos and managing crowds.

Combos and Stunlocking

One of the most rewarding aspects of combat is the ability to chain heavy attacks back-to-back, sometimes up to five in a row. Successfully doing so can stun-lock enemies, making boss fights significantly easier. The longer your combo, the higher the chances of inflicting status effects like stun. Practicing and mastering heavy attack chains can turn challenging fights into manageable encounters.

Understanding Abilities

Abilities are mapped to the Circle and Triangle buttons, starting with basics like Jump and Defend. As you progress, you’ll unlock more abilities by equipping certain combinations during battles. Abilities are not just for offense—some provide recovery or defensive options, making them essential for survival.

Pro Tip: Even if you haven’t officially unlocked an ability, you can perform some ability combos by pressing both buttons simultaneously. For instance, using Lunge and Retreat together can mimic Evade.

Special Techniques (STs) and Super Meter Management

STs are your high-damage options, available once you fill the meter below your HP bar. Unlike abilities, STs must be equipped to shoulder buttons and expend the entire meter upon use. Although STs cannot be chained into combos, they grant invincibility frames during execution—making them ideal for creating breathing room in tough battles.

Meter Management Tips:

• Your ST meter carries over between fights.
• The meter fills quickly, so don’t hesitate to unleash STs to speed up random encounters.

Synchro: Boosting Allies in Battle

The Synchro system is a subtle yet powerful mechanic. Every character, including pets, has a unique Synchro effect that benefits nearby allies—never the user. Effects range from HP regeneration to faster ST meter build-up. Synchro activates when you see lightning pass between the HP bars of allies.

Effective Synchro Use:

• Position yourself strategically to maximize Synchro effects.
• Swap allies based on their Synchro abilities for specific encounters.

Movement Mechanics

Movement in combat is more restrictive compared to the overworld, characterized by bursts of speed followed by a short slowdown. Understanding this rhythm is crucial for dodging attacks and repositioning effectively. Abilities like Evade and Tackle can help mitigate the limitations of the movement system.

Pro Tip: Moving along the Y-axis can help you avoid most enemy attacks, as many foes lack effective vertical range.

Mastering Combat: A Final Word

Legend of Mana Remastered offers a unique combat experience that rewards practice and strategic use of its systems. From mastering directional inputs for heavy attacks to optimizing Synchro effects, there’s a lot to learn. Keep experimenting with abilities and special techniques, and you’ll find that combat becomes less about button-mashing and more about strategic execution.

With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering combat in Legend of Mana Remastered. Happy adventuring!