Do you want Seiken Densetsu III?

[Eriktheguy]

In case any of you aren't nerdy enough to know, Seiken Densetsu III is the third release in the 'mana' series of games by Squaresoft, the second being Secret of Mana (originally titled Seiken Densetsu II). If you played and enjoyed Secret of Mana, chances are you would enjoy SD III just as much.
SD III features a similar combat system and ring item system, and a similar 'save the world' storyline revolving around evil villains toying with powers beyond mortal comprehension. Where it differs from Secret of Mana is in its versatile storyline. There are 6 characters to choose from in the game. Three of your choice are in your party and one of those three is your main character. Depending on who you choose as the main character, you will see one of the three different endings, with slight variations depending on who else is in your party. Certain pairs of characters with similar stories are meant to be together and unlock special scenes in the ending.

Overall the quality of the game is phenomenal, on par with the production values of Secret of Mana. The only problem is that the game was never released outside of Japan. If you have played it, you did so on an emulator using a fan-translated ROM (SD III's successful fan translation was a milestone in the evolution of the fan translation movement).

Who would buy this game if it came out for the VC, DS? I personally hope it comes out for the DS, because the 'mana' franchise has been going downhill lately with Children of Mana being average and Heroes of Mana being sub-par in my opinion. Squares 'Mana team' could really use a serious game to convince their bosses that they still know how to make videogames. A port of SD III to the DS with a few added features and dungeons, a new translation, and a $40 price tag could really help them out right now. If it's good enough for Chrono Trigger it's good enough for SD III.

By the way, Seiken Densetsu is Japanese for 'Holy Sword Legend'.