I have been replaying Secret of Mana. Even when I have quite a bit of new gamage to go over, it just sort of stole my attention and put it into a vice grip away from all those shiny new packages and their brilliant and bright graphics and audio. But why?

The simplicity, grace, elegance, of gameplay and of the story behind Secret of Mana make it much like the Legend of Zelda series. The player has a seamless experience that really brings one into the fold. The world of Mana is one I care about, and the simplicity of characterization aids in forming the myth type narrative that is I find creates the most compelling game experience. Some games like Planescape, are more of a narrative then game, but in myth-narrative games the gameplay is never subordinated to the tell of the tale, it in fact I think allows the tale to appeal to a broad audience and allows it so speak of more fundamental and universal principles.

But I’ve played Secret of Mana for a long time, this is probably my sixth or so play though, and the first time I had it I was about 11 or 12. Game capture my pre-teen heart in a way that I will never forget, as well as instilling an appreciation for the beauty and worth of the natural world. This is a game that after you turn it off, stays with you forever. The magic of the ice forest, and the pure land, with their haunting music and beautiful design generate an appreciation for the natural world that I have never found in any other game. The intentions of the designers seemed to be about creating something beautiful that would cause the feeling of beauty to be carried away and projected back into the real world where it’s original inspiration was drawn from. And we learn what it is to wish to protect that against those who would destroy it in their technological lust for power. As many ecological theories one might want to read into the game, it still captures me and makes me care. This is something that not only provides a unforgettable game, but it might actually have made me a far better human being than if had I not encountered it.