Seiken Densetsu: Legend of Mana - The Teardrop Crystal

Legend of Mana is an amazing video game. However it is also a very unconventional game, where instead of following a linear story, it consists of multiple unrelated side quests that you complete in a mostly non-linear order. Eventually some of these side quests start to form into three distinct branches: the Jumi arc, the Faerie arc and the Dragon arc, and these three arcs form the core of the game's story.

When the anime was announced I couldn't help but wonder, how on earth are they going to turn such a non-linear game into an anime? I love Legend of Mana's story for its non-linearity ... and seeing how everything eventually connects to each other, so turning it into an anime with a linear story would completely remove a huge part of what made the game so special for me.

Not only that, but anime and video games are very different mediums, and even for a linear video game story, adapting it into an anime is extremely difficult. If you simply adapt a video game directly to anime you are going to end up with a complete mess, a good adaptation of a video game needs to take as many liberties as possible to fit into the different medium. The solution the anime's staff came up with was to only adapt the Jumi storyline (hence the subtitle The Teardrop Crystal) and ignore every quest that's not directly related to it. Cutting out huge portions of a game's story and only adapting one arc of it sounds like it would be a bad idea, but as I said, it's important for video game adaptations to take as many liberties as possible, and maybe only adapting the Jumi arc is the best way to go if you want to turn Legend of Mana into an anime. If the anime staff knows what they're doing then this could turn into something really special.

The anime staff didn't know what they're doing.

Even after cutting out the vast majority of the game's story and characters, The Teardrop Crystal's attempt at turning this into a linear story is mediocre at best. I liked the story of the Jumi arc a lot in the game, but when you remove all the other smaller stories surrounding it and turn the Jumi arc into the central story of a 12 episode anime, it really starts to show its weakness. The beauty of Legend of Mana is how alive the world feels, no singular story is the main focus of the game and instead there is always something small going on for you to discover. And by only focusing on one of those stories, The Teardrop Crystal fails to make the world feel so alive. The magic that made Legend of Mana feel so special is completely gone, and in its place is simply another fantasy story that has nothing unique to offer.

Though one thing I will praise the anime for is that it does turn the game's two silent protagonists (Shiloh and Seraphina) into actual characters, and has quite a lot of anime original scenes to give the main characters some backstory and development. In the game you select one of two different protagonists at the start, and the one you didn't choose simply won't exist in the story, so the anime actually having both characters in the story interacting with each other is a nice addition I wasn't expecting. They could've done it the easy way and simply had Shiloh as the only protagonist, but they did some pretty interesting things with the anime original scenes involving Seraphina (especially at the end of the series) and it helps the anime stand out on its own a little bit compared to the original game.

I do honestly feel my score might be a little harsh because it's not like The Teardrop Crystal is straight up bad, if you know nothing about the original game then you might enjoy this anime a lot more than I did, but I simply don't think it's worth watching when the game exists and is so much better in almost every regard (the one point I will give the anime over the game is Shiloh's and Seraphina's character arcs). The Teardrop Crystal takes a really interesting and unique game, but doesn't really try to do anything with the game's interesting and unique aspects when adapting it into a different medium. And that really makes me wonder, out of every possible game Square has ever made, why on earth did they choose to adapt Legend of Mana? There's so many other games in Square's huge library that would've been much easier to adapt, but instead they chose to adapt Legend of Mana. It's such a bizarre choice that you'd think they must have some kind of master plan for turning the game into an anime, but they didn't. I really can't help but wonder how this project was ever even greenlit.

But if anything at all about Legend of Mana sounds interesting to you, the original game was remastered in 2021 for PC, PS4 and Nintendo Switch, and I highly recommend you give that a try. It's a very unconventional game and its mechanics might take some time to get used to, but it is a very special game and I promise you it's much more worth your time than this anime.

Though one last point I think is worth noting is that the anime doesn't cover the actual ending of the game, which makes me believe the anime staff also has plans to eventually adapt the Faerie and Dragon arcs too. And I think there's some potential in the idea of adapting all three arcs as separate seasons of anime, but with the way the Jumi arc turned out here, I am not looking forward to seeing how they're going to handle the other two arcs.

Game-based productions aren't anything new. If they're any good, they can be like Fate/stay Night or Clannad; done poorly, well, there's no shortage of terrible Hollywood movies based on popular games, which should say something about Hollywood writing.

Here's a TL;DR: People who have played the game will appreciate the expanded backstory for the Jumi, but they may be put off by some plot decisions made by the writers. For those who have not, some elements will likely be a distraction from enjoying the series. As someone who has played and enjoyed the original game, I don't regret watching this, but I do hesitate to recommend ... it.

Visually, I'm of the opinion that the staff did the best they could based on the concept art. A lot of then-Squaresoft's concept art put people (particularly boys) in some, shall we say, unique costumes, and Legend of Mana is no exception. Creating character designs that can be animated but at the same time be faithful to the original concept and game artwork is no easy task, and I think they did all right, though it may be off-putting for some people. I did like the designs for the all-new characters Sappho and Marina, and if Square Enix had any sense at all they would make them a part of Echoes and release Legend of Mana style title card art featuring them (I won't hold my breath). The animation itself "felt" a bit amateurish to me for some reason. The studios animating this aren't ones I'm super familiar with, so this isn't Kyoto or Shaft quality by any stretch, and it seems that they ran out of time to finish the final episode because there are still or blank frames used at key dramatic moments. Hopefully they'll be filled in for the Blu-ray release, even if they're probably quite graphic.

As someone who has played the original, I enjoyed the recreated environments and the nod to the world creation system, but to be honest the stuff about artifacts creating places lost to time probably would have been a lot better had there been a fair bit of context from this era of Mana games.

In terms of performance and direction, again, I think the cast and director did a pretty good job. They managed to cast Kaori Nazuka with her massive vocal range for Pearl and Saori Hayami for Serafina, and while I have no idea who did the vocal direction, they clearly know what they're doing. Hayami also sang the opening and closing credits songs, the ending being a lovely Japanese version of the Song of Mana from the original game. And while the fantastic Yoko Shimomura wrote the soundtrack for both the original game (which is rearranged for the anime) and some additional tracks, she didn't write the opener, which is a bit of a shame. The intro's all right, it makes full use of Hayami's vocal talents, but it's not something exceptional, I skipped it after the first time just like any other intro.

That brings me to the more controversial bits, which is the story. The anime's plot hews closely to the events and dialogue in the game, with a couple of key distinctions. First and most important, the Jumi backstory is greatly expanded, so the new content involving Sappho and Esmeralda is well worth it for fans of the game. Second, unlike the game where you're compelled to pick the boy or the girl (now officially named Shiloh and Serafina), both player characters are part of the story. The anime progresses as though Shiloh is the player character and Serafina is a unique NPC, and there are some decisions made in the story specifically to include Serafina in some significant fashion that will be off-putting to some viewers who have played the original game. I'm honestly of two minds about this. On the one hand, having Shiloh and Serafina both involved can be amazing if written well. Serafina's character arc incorporates things that are already firmly established in the game's story, even in the Jumi arc itself. And yet, there's a simplistic feel to it, the plot twists felt like they were straight out of a 1980s Saturday morning kids' cartoon (think DC superhero movie but dumbed down), and the justification was 2 very brief glimpses into Serafina's past in the final episode that didn't really convince me. I think this could have been 2 episodes longer: 1 episode to delve into Serafina's past, and 1 more episode or a 1-hour finale because the final episode felt like a rush job other than the still frames. I think the idea itself is interesting enough to warrant giving it the time it needs, but unfortunately, that's clearly not what happened. I also think that dropping the audience into the story without the larger context of a shattered world is doing the game's story a bit of a disservice. Marina was introduced as a new character and even got regularly shown in the credits, but in the show itself she is criminally underutilized.

I can understand doing a series on part of this game's story. It can be a jumping-off point to do the other 2 arcs and even the broader story involving the Mana Goddess, or spinoffs that explore some of the one-off stories in the game or even content involving other Mana games like Trials or Secret. Clearly someone at Square Enix thinks the Mana franchise is important enough to greenlight this. But here's the thing, animation is expensive, and it wasn't important enough to Square Enix to invest in a quality production so other shows in the Mana world can happen-- if this show doesn't sell, sponsors will be more reluctant to invest in the franchise. It's a good effort, but I fear this might be the last production in the Mana world at a time when fantasy anime is a dime a dozen.

Well done anime with fantastic art and OST. The main character is pretty generic good boy, but thankfully doesn't have the mainstraeam design (black/brown hair, brown eyes). The anime follows rather simple plotline - trying to save new friends and defeat the bad guys. The fantasy world overall is pretty idylic, since anything can be overcame with good deeds, all the antagonists are actually good and turned bad for not always known reasons. On the other hand cute talking plants and friendly interspecies are something everybody likes. For a comfy anime with some action here and there, Seiken densetsu is a great choice.

This Absolutely Magnificient to me and so much Nostalgia.
This definitely, the new era for Legend of Mana Series, I hope.

First, of all let me introduce myself that I watch this entire episodes that feeling so much nostalgia about this in the video game. I do understand of some people of player that might be not/ have mixed feeling reccomend about the Legend of Mana anime. But for me it's not the feel that I got so far. The best feeling is one for me it's truly masterpiece.

Second, the adaptation of the video game to the anime I know it will be difficult because you will ... probably know that the game itself is have non linear story. It's sure not best presentation to the majority of the players, some story is skip that more focus on the story of Jumi Arc as far I can tell so that why this definetely the best decision for the producer to create this gem become anime. For the story after I watch every episodes that I can tell. I got the best presentation and good explanation about what happent to the Jumi Arc that remind me in the game. I actually hope that they make the arc longer or more episodes to be honest, still some miss at the ending that actually agree but not make lower my rating.

Third, the soundtrack absolutely stunning for me. They re-create the soundtrack from the game to be include in the anime. Example such as in the anime when the MC/ Shiloh arrive at Domina, they create a powerful soundtrack that remind me in the game that I already in Domina. Also when the Shiloh is fighting there is a soundtrack that I won't be forgotten everytime at the game. In the game actually every place has their unique soundtrack so that always remind of that this anime. If the producer not include the original soundtrack to this anime, I'll probably mad about that. Thanks Yoko Shimomura for creating such amazing soundtrack That for me the Best Soundtrack and suit to this anime. The OP - "Tear of Will" is really good songs that I found that it's original to the anime that I don't really mind about that. I never skip the OP and ED of this anime actually. And about the ED song "Song of Mana" is really good for the ending song in this anime that I'm not regret listening again. Actually in the the ED song of anime is the Opening Theme in the game.

Fourth, the characters are lovable. Every character in this anime are uniques. For the first that I always wondering why the MC is name Shiloh, and second MC is Serafina. This remind me because in the Game actually the MC don't have any names and also we can choose to male MC or female MC that we as player can give him/her name anything we liked. Then I found some explanation that the name of Shiloh and Serafina actually from the Legend Of Mana game that come from version PS4. That the producers include that name in the anime. Because I am playing this game at PSone version when I was kid so that why I never realise that. But some of the name are not familiar to me like Ruri and Shonju. As long as I remember their name actually Elazul and Pearl, so that why I got confusion at first, but not make any lower the likeability of that characters. Their character are same in the anime/game. Ruri always care about Shonju, and Shonju always got distracted easily. I always thought at the beginning that they are sibling and realise in the anime they are'not. Except Bud and Corona that they are always sibling. To me Bud and Corona should have their own episode, I think arround episode 1 and why they become evil. A side character like Lady Cactus actually should be tell that no one has seen her walking or writing diary or talking.

Fifth, in this part I probably tell the my perspective of the Legend of Mana in the game. You can skip if you want and go to next section. My perspective come from the game itself. When in 2000s I played the game in PSone and don't have a good English understanding. Finishing the game only for one Arc and some side quests. In the college, I trying again to finish this game, because I do find that there is some characters that I never meet before. This time I played the game in the emulator because It's arround 2010-2017 and I don't have any PSone again. This time I'm trying to complete the game with guide. And realise that there are domain that should be place at certain place. And from my perspective that the Legend of Mana itself has 3 Major Arc and never be one. This time I can get what I wanted that never happened before. Finish all of 3/3 ending. Including got some good Pets and Golem. After I finish entire game, I do have best feeling this game in my entire life. So that why I never regret anything and will always have good side with this game even in anime. If you really wanted all the experience to the fullest when trying this game, go lookup the Guide, there is one site that I do find is really best for the guide out there and that site probably arround 15+ years old and never be taken down because its so complete. Without a guide, you probably can't get any full story in the game. Right now there is Legend of Mana PS4 and also my recommend Legend of Mana Remaster from steam for fullHD rather than go back in PSone version that not in HD.

Conclusion, before I make conlcusion, I also would say thanks for anyone who the reader that read my review until this section.
In the end there maybe some of you are disagree with my review, maybe I'm to overhyped or something. But In the end its always back to your perspective. My conclusion is this defnitely the anime not have the best presentation of all characters that in the game, because there are many characters in the game itself I know. This story anime is taken in Jumi Arc that way more focus in that story. But the understanding is good for the watcher to know about what happened to Jumi and the others. I hope there will be second arc and the third arc including final chapter in the future. It's just my hopium from this anime. Only Square Enix can make it happen.
Story 10/10 Good story for first arc.
Music 10/10 Best Soundtrack
Characters 10/10 None characters are bad in my opinion.
Game side 10/10 Unforgettable
Overall 10/10 Yep I Rate this Masterpiece, it has so many memorable memories in my heart.

Summary: I was really torn about this anime, I particularly love the game and it was amazing to see an anime of the game and its references, but unfortunately the anime left a lot to be desired, for me what most sinned was the writing of the story, because the animation is beautiful and very faithful to the game, like several scenarios. I really wanted to give this anime a 10, but unfortunately an anime is not just about faithful animation of characters and scenery or reference. So this anime is a turning point, either you'll like it or not, but it's likely that if ... you've played it you'll like it for nostalgia, but for those who don't know the game, I think the anime shouldn't attract much.

Positive:
- Simply beautiful animation
- Characters faithful to the game
- Scenarios faithful to the game
- Elements of the game
- Game references
- sound design is the same as in the game

Negative:
- Story, could be written in a way more adapted to an anime
- Events, really a reference of the game was very good, but I felt that they made the events too fast
- Dialogues at times were too slow
- sound design, it's great to be part of the game, but at certain times it didn't match
- Fights, especially the fights, unfortunately were very slow and very simple

I liked the story. Never imagined the end of it. Now i just want to play the videogame. i guess for what i have read in the coments they were specting more because they already have played it . But to me, not knowing the story from before i would recommend.

It has a unique story and designs. The main charcater is not like the one we have always seen in toher stories. I think the charcter was pretty naive but wait isnt that the way others typicaly do without consecuences

I think many will hate and just a few will like this.

For those who don't know,this anime is based on the videogame of the same name "Seiken Densetsu" or Legend of mana" in the west. The game is very charming with its "children story book" aesthetic and non linear story telling. But,the there is tiny detail that should be mentioned is that the game doesn't really explore neither your characters's (considering you are a "silent protagonist") or other character's personalities. That just isn't what the game is. The point is to explore the world and meet its many quirky characters. The world of mana is the "true protagonist" of the game.

And,well,considering all that,how can all ... this be translated in form of media where interaction (gameplay) cannot be applied?

ANSWER: You can't. You have to make reasonable adaptations to make it work. Effort should be invested in making a good anime BEFORE making a good "translation" of the content from one form of media to another and you have to understand the appeal of both types of media. This anime......doesn't do that.

It feels way too "safe" for its own good. Aspects of the game where "translated"almost in a "literal" way and this is not a good thing for a media that depends on character depht for quality. The characters 's personalities are just as non-existent as they are in the game making the interactions feel like a videogame tutorial.

No attempt was made to replace the world exploration aspect with anything else. In an attmpt to make an story that was not suposed to linear,welll......linear,they killed one of the aspects that makes the universe feel alive.

But not everything is bad. This anime is OBSESIVELLY faithfull to the game's art style. Clothes,scenarios,etc. Everything is there. Maybe this is a subproduct of this anime's "copy and paste" philosphy.

The game also covers relativelly well the arc they choose to adapt,that is the jumi arc,one of the three main arcs of the game. So if you are worried that this arc will some way feel "incomplete",don't worry,the anime tells the arc's story from beggining to end with all the game's events to an almost obsessive level.

With that in mind,lets weight the pros and cons:

-PROS
-Beautiful animation
-Faithfullto the game general appearence
-It actually does what it suposed to do,tell the jumi story arc that is.

CONS:
-Souless
-Criminally average
-Character's personalities are non-existent
-Forgetable

If anyone has interest in watching,iwould recomend this anime if you already played the game and like to know how they would adapt the game. For anyone else,i recommend playing the game.The game is the only thing that justifies this anime's existence. Wiithout the game,this anime is just a very uninspired nostalgia cash grab.

PS:This anime was directed by the same guy who directed shield hero season 2. Yeah,if you watched that you know what i am talking about..........

This anime is very unfaithful to the game.
Things starts out beautiful and stay this way, but the story is very diverted and bland, Well basically empty, they couldn't replicate the same feeling and experience in the game, i did expect that but never expected them not filling in with great details.
Things will quickly start to make no sense and Almost unrelated to the original story, this was much to be expected since this game doesn't have 1 straight story, Tho it leaves you questioning Why they made this anime in the first place?

*spoiler alert, its related to their new gacha game.*

What a disappointment this was... All I can think about is how much the concept and the art went to waste...
When it started, the anime looked very nice: colourful, vibrant, lots of attention to detail and the characters seemed interesting. Emphasis on 'seemed'. As it progressed, my excitement diminished drastically. The action/fights were subpar, the pacing did not make sense, the power structure had no consistency throughout the anime and the whole thing felt very rushed. The narrative was all over the place. Too many places, timelines and characters for only 12 episodes. As for the ending... it was very predictable and sort of made ... me facepalm, but whatever...
This anime could've had soooooo much potential. But it got ruined by a lot of elements. You know you messed up when you make me (who is a very very patient and tolerant anime watcher) scream at my screen things like: 'why are you not moving for god's sake??? and none of this makes any sense!'
The only saving grace would be the art, which was beautiful, but the downside is that the animation did not keep up with it.
The only way to watch this an enjoy is to be heavily medicated with some sativa or acid.

Note: 5 is the lowest rating I would give an anime. This one gets a 6 and that's generous

Dribble of Mana.

What a surprise. Another anime adaptation of a beloved 90’s video game from a franchise which could use a bit of love… and it sucks.

I myself enjoyed playing “Trails of Mana” and “Legends of Mana” back in the day, but theres a difference between immersing yourself in the world of an RPG and watching an anime pantomime of that RPG with the story completely streamlined and the charm taken away.

Look, if you’ve watched a bad video game adaptation then you’ve seen them all. They all have the same problems. Poor pacing, a main character says and does things contrary to how you’d ... interact with the world, shoe-horned exposition to replace organically learning about the world through gameplay, at least the animation is fine despite it’s garish use of CGI. In either episode one of two theres a shoot of a talking tree which looked like something out of “Chipper and Sons Lumber Co”. Type that one into Google image search. Even the fight scenes, which look nice, lack impact and feel half assed.

Good anime (and media in general) adaptations of games are born from taking the source material and creating original stories within the world that are just disconnected enough from the games story. They also need to be made by artists who have genuine love for the source material they’re adapting. We’ve just seen this with “Cyperpunk: Edgerunners”. There’s also “Takt Op. Destiny”, “Princess Connect”, hell the “Detective Pikachu Moive”. I was so. fucking. bored trying to get to the end of just four episodes of this anime. The Mana series is an old franchise which I can guarantee a lot of viewers watching will have never heard of. If they watched this anime as their introduction to the franchise I wouldn’t blame them for not wanting to check out the games.

I literally can’t think of anything else to say… It’s that unremarkable.

3/10 Wasted Potential.