Secret of Mana in Club Nintendo #1

October 20, 2024

Club Nintendo was Germany’s place for the latest Nintendo news back in the ’90s. It was published bimonthly from 1989 through 2002. It seems to have a lot of unique stuff that wasn’t found elsewhere.

For its part, Secret of Mana was extremely popular in Germany, and there’s somehow more content here than in America’s Nintendo Power. We’re going to need two parts for this one! Moreover, Germany stands out as the second most popular country for Redux visitors, far ahead of any other country that isn’t the US.

June 1994

Wario. He doesn’t like Mario. But it matters not because this month is the debut of Die Rollenspiel-Sensation for the Super Nintendo! With a game like Secret of Mana, what’s Wario doing on the cover anyhow?

[Top right]

MAGICAL FAIRYTALE WORLD

When it comes to action adventures, there's been no getting around any game from the successful Zelda series. But times are changing, and new adventure heroes are trying to dethrone Link...

After the huge success of the Game Boy offering known as Mystic Quest [ManaRedux's note: Final Fantasy Adventure in the US], the Japanese RPG creator Square has successfully made a second attempt at an action adventure game, this time for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Secret of Mana has been delighting American and Japanese video gamers for weeks and will soon be released in a fully Germanized version here too.

[Bottom]

THE SECRET OF MANA ENERGY

The story of SECRET OF MANA takes place in a world that is very similar to ours, but also quite different. In addition to people, animals, and plants, there are many things in this world that we only know from fairy tale books. Fantastic creatures, talking animals, flying dragons, evil monsters, witches, wizards, fairies and many more. The center of this magical wonderland is the Mana Tree, which supplies all living beings with magical energy. Peace and Harmony rule in the world of SECRET OF MANA...-

But one day, ominous clouds move over this paradise, and an ancient prophecy seems to be coming true. Dark forces threaten the Mana Tree and drain its energy. At the same time, a young man discovers a sword lodged in a stone. He pulls it out and suddenly feels a strange power flowing through his body. He holds the Mana Sword in his hands; he's the Mana hero.

Unique art abounded.

YOUR COMRADES

SECRET OF MANA would be not be a roleplaying game if you didn't have the ability to take on different roles. Your comrades join you in the course of the adventure, and you can control any character yourself. Together, this makes a team of three people.

The Girl

The princess [sic] of Pandora can cast powerful magical spells.

The Goblin

The little girl from the dwarf village is a good fighter and an even better magician.

The Flying Dragon

King Pfifferling from the Truffle Village has a very specific gift for you---Flammie [ManaRedux's note: This is interesting since Flammie's name in Germany was Lufti], the flying mana dragon who can see the whole world of Secret of Mana, the mysterious creatures and the flying Mana Fortress. You can call Flammie at almost any point in the game with a special item.

SOME ENEMIES

You will encounter over a hundred different enemies on your search for the eight mana seeds. Some of them are tiny but very dangerous, others are terrifyingly large but relatively harmless. You will not only fight against knights of the Empire, rabid animals, and demonic shadow creatures, but also against enchanted plants, remote-controlled destruction machines and living pieces of furniture.

POGOPUSCHEL

The hero has barely pulled the sword out of the stone when the first Pogopuschel, a kind of rabbit, appears.

FLODDERMAUS

The little brother of the bat mouse has mastered the art of ballooning, which is not exactly without danger.

PILZKOPF [Mushroom Head]

At some point long ago, the mushrooms began to wander around and spray strangers with magic powder.

MURMELGOBLIN [Marble Goblin]

At first, the Murmelgoblin sits in the corner and sleeps. But if you get too close, he wakes up and attacks you.

DORNENWESPE [Thorn Wasp]

A wasp that fires poisonous thorns at you. Because it's constantly moving, it's difficult to hit.

August 1994

This issue had a second feature on Secret of Mana.

WHAT HAPPENED SO FAR...

More by chance, the unwilling hero of this adventure that's full of magic and mysticism pulled a sword out of a stone. But that's how the story took its course, and only the hero can avert a pending disaster. Banished from his home village, he sets out to find the secret of mana. He had already received a little help at the Water Palace. But is that enough to complete the mission?

MAP PARTITION 1

A)To the Water Palace B)To the home village C)To the usurious cat D)To the Cannon Travel E)To Pandaria

Top-left caption: With the mysterious sword, evil takes its course!
Top-right caption: The Sichelanbeter is the first to challenge the hero to a fight!
Bottom-left caption: The hero should talk to at least two of Hagen's troops...there are good reasons for this!
Bottom-right caption: The Cannon Travel center shortens routes---albeit in a somewhat inconvenient way.

THE GIRL OF HIS DREAMS

On the way to the Elfenteich, the secret of why the hero should speak to the soldiers is revealed: a spirited young girl suddenly comes to the hero's aid when the goblins make life difficult for him. The strange creatures have got it into their heads to eat a hero, but the blond beauty acts quickly and decisively!

Left caption: The sprite lies in wait for the hero on the way to the Elfenteich.
Right caption: A young woman is able to save the hero at the last minute.

TROPICAL FRUIT

A strange, aggressive plant called Tropicallo is guarding the dwarf cave. But not for long, before the hero appears. While the plant buries itself in the ground, he charges his sword to maximum and then strikes when the mutated pineapple sticks out its head. The princess also proves to be a brave fighter in this situation.

A SPRITETSS REVEALS HERSELF

The little sprite from the dwarf village watched the duel with Tropicallo well hidden. Convinced that she's dealing with real heroes, she wants to join the two. With her bow, she will be a real help.

Top-right caption: The sprite joins the heroes to put a stop to the evil.
Bottom-left caption: Together, they head off to the witch Tura's forest.

NOW OFF TO THE NORTH TO TURA!

THE INTERIOR OF THE ELF POND CAVE

Left-caption: ENTRANCE

Bottom-caption: The path to the dwarf village leads through the dwarf cafe. The hero must not forget to look for the Magic Rope.

October 1994

It’s happening! Finally a Secret of Mana cover! And the Club Nintendo staff decides to celebrate by giving the lead article line to…the Smurfs.

Similar to its American counterpart, Club Nintendo published envelope artwork from excited little German gamers. Sadly, they’d only continue this practice for a bit longer. This one was from Pascal Liening of Dülmen.

Some serious art:

EXILE AND DESTINY

The carefree boy from the village would never have dreamed what future fate had in store for him. Without thinking anything of it, he pulled a sword out of a rock...and thereby brought disaster upon the land of mana. In the village, where he spent his whole life among friends, no one wants to see him anymore. Complete strangers suddenly turn out to be his allies - because he is the only one who can stop  evil forces from destroying mana. After the first steps in this mission, the boy is no longer alone. The girl from Pandora and a little goblin stand by his side with all their strength. Will they make it together?

2 IN 1 - THE FISH LIZARD

Frosta is being held captive in a cave by a lizard creature. At first the guard seems quite harmless, but he soon shows his true face to the liberators. The three fighters attack the lizard without stopping, take cover from its dangerous lizard tongue, and hope that it will soon be enough.

A TIGGER TO SNUGGLE WITH?

To avoid wasting any time, Tura sends the three friends to the shelter of her cuddly cat. The name seems extremely inappropriate for this monster cat. The three defend themselves against his constant attacks - with long-range weapons.

VICTORY OVER THE FIRE MUTANT

A truly gruesome apparition awaits the three friends in the lava temple: the fire mutant! He can only be attacked when he has assumed his real form. And it's obvious that this attack is carried out with Frosta's frosty magic.

One, two three - no magic!

The new role-playing sensation "Secret of Mana" is now available on the German market. If you don't want to play the game alone and would rather play it with friends, you can order the special Super Multitap adapter from Nintendo Consumer Advice, which allows up to three players to play "Secret of Mana" at the same time.

GROSSOSTHEIM - With the Hudson Super Multitap, up to five players (or fewer depending on the game) can take part in a game at the same time. Up until now, it was mainly sports games such as Jimmy Connor's Pro Tennis Tour or World Cup Striker that used this feature. "Secret of Mana" is now the first role-playing game for several players at the same time.

You can reach Nintendo Consumer Advice on weekdays between 11 AM and 7PM on the tollfree number 01 30/58 06, where you can find out about delivery options and prices. If you're under 18, you should ask your parents to order the adapter for you. Of course, you can also order the Super Multitap in writing. Simply write a postcard to the following address:

Club Nintendo
ATTN: "Super Multitap"
P.O. Box 1501
63760 Großostheim

The order will be processed immediately so that you receive the Hudson Super Multitap COD within two weeks of placing the order.

Did you know..

...that "Secret of Mana" is the first RPG that can be played be three people at the same time? But only if you have a multiplayer adapter (e.g. Hudson Super Multitap).

...that "Mystic Quest" on the Game Boy is the first part of the story that continues as "Secret of Mana" on the Super Nintendo.

...that the new 64-bit console from Nintendo, which as so far been known under the working title "Project Reality", has been given a real name? It will be called Ultra 64.

December 1994

More original art abounds in the December ’94 issue. We’ll also meet the Thrillboy and get treated to a feature article on the game. Germany kept the erroneous “Jabberwocky”, when “Der Jammerwoch” would’ve worked splendidly.

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES!

What's happened so far: An ancient prophecy seems to be coming true! A naive young man draws a mystical sword from a stone and uses it to summon misfortune. The Emperor, with his followers and an army of monsters, tries to reactivate the Mana Fortress in order to control the cosmic Mana power and use it for his own purposes. Only with a charged Mana Sword can the young hero stop the villains. But in order to charge the sword, the eight Mana seeds must be sealed. A race against time begins. Only you can get ahead of the Empire and save the world.

THE HELL WALL

At first, the three friends cannot find anything in the pit; it seems to be completely empty... But suddenly three eyes appear on the back wall and the wall moves towards the heroes. The goblin immediately casts Rocky's mud bomb spell and attacks.

THE JABBERWOCKY

You can quickly defeat the two-headed Jabberwocky if the goblin uses the mud bomb continuously. You should buy enough walnuts beforehand.

DUEL WITH THE THRILLBOY

After a short and fruitless discussion with the thieves, the Thrillboy is used for the first time. He quickly attacks the boy and his two girlfriends with his rotating steel hammers. However, with some long-range weapons, even this machine can be beaten to pieces. 

Electronic fairy tale worlds

SECRET OF MANA: The background

In the mid-eighties, the then unknown Japanese software company SQUARE released a game called "Final Fantasy" for the NES (never released in Germany). The game was one of the first video role-playing games ever and quickly became a huge success in Japan and the USA. SQUARE has since become the first port of call when it comes to role-playing and adventure games. The latest stroke of genius from the software designers at SQUARE is the fantastic "Secret Of Mana", which was recently released here.

TOKYO (cm) - In the middle of Tokyo's premier business district (subway stop "Ebisu") stands the eight-story "Square Building", the headquarters of the Japan video game manufacturer SQUARE. Here, about one hundred young men and women (the average age is 26) work on new video role-playing games for fantasy fans from all over the world. The six-part "Final Fantasy" series is the flagship of the company, but other role-playing epics are also created here. For example, the "Romancing SaGa" (only available in Japan) and the games from the "Secret Of Mana" series. 

Cultural history 

Anyone who invents role-playing games must not only have a lot of imagination, but also a certain degree of general knowledge of cultural history, because the myths and legends from ancient times still offer the best material for fantastic fairy tales. Almost all SQUARE employees read fantasy novels in their free time or study the art history of Japan or Europe intensively. You may have also noticed that the legendary sword Excalibur, the Greek earth goddess Gaia or the mythical creature Minotaur appear in almost every adventure game. Japanese fairy tale creatures such as the cunning raccoon (e.g. "Pocky & Rocky") or the flying whale (e.g. "The Legend of Zelda - Link's Awakening") are also often used in video games. For "Secret of Mana", program designer Hiromichi Tanaka drew on the metaphysical realm. The power of mana, says Tanaka, has always fascinated him, which is why he wanted to program a game in which mana is the central theme. 

[picture caption, center-right] In "Mystic Quest" he was still called Watts, but for current reasons he changed his name for "Secret of Mana". Now his name is Berti!

Mysterious powers

We remember: At the end of "Mystic Quest" (Game Boy), the girl with the amulet turns into a mana tree and the boy becomes the brave Mana Knight. Many years later, we are now in the story of "Secret Of Mana". A fifteen-year-old boy learns that his mother turned into a tree many years ago and that his father fell honorably in battle as a Mana Knight. Even if the player doesn't know what happened to the main characters in the time period between "Mystic Quest" and "Secret of Mana", it's clear that both games belong together. "Secret Of Mana" (SNES) is the sequel to "Mystic Quest" (Game Boy). For Hiromichi Tanaka, it was particularly important to design the "Mana" series like a fantasy serial novel. The main characters either don't change at all from episode to episode, or they are at least related to the main characters of the predecessor. This makes it easier for the player to merge with the fantasy world. The real reason for a sequel to "Mystic Quest" was the great success of the Game Boy offering. 

[picture caption, bottom of first page] The hero, the girl and the Pogopuschel. Three characters who appear in both "Mystic Quest" and "Secret of Mana."

[yellow box, top of second page] 

And that's what the Dude says!

ma | na [Polynesian] das; - ; according to the South Sea islanders' folklore, a mysterious, supernatural power in people, animals and things that causes extraordinary things.

The recipe for success 

In 1992, the first part of the "Secret Of Mana" saga (in Germany under the name "Mystic Quest") was released on the Game Boy. As with any role-playing game, you could fight against bad-tempered monsters in a group of several people. What was new, however, was the graphic representation of the monster fights. While in most role-playing games the group of heroes faces a horde of monsters in a special battle screen, the monster duels in "Mystic Quest" were integrated into the normal game scenario. 

This means that graphically, the game is very similar to the "Zelda" games, but in terms of combat, it's a pure role-playing game with a classic point system. For "Secret of Mana 2" (in Germany just "Secret of Mana"), not only the graphics and the point system were improved, but also the game concept as a whole. In the course of the adventure, the actual hero is joined by two other people, whose automatic combat behavior can be set in a special menu. With the Hudson Super Multitap, the three characters can even be controlled by three players at the same time. 

Calculations and other programming tricks 

Admittedly, the most important thing in a role-playing game is the exciting and original story, but a balanced point system is almost as important. In "Secret of Mana", the two programmers Goro Ohashi and Yoshiyuki Miyagawa are responsible for the point calculations in the monster fights: how many hit points each monster has, when the heroes have enough hit points to fight a certain monster, and which items of armor or weapons increase the hero's power and defense points in a certain number. The innovative ring menus were invented by Ryo Muto, by the way, and the crazy monsters by Hiroyuki Narushima. The fantastic music pieces from "Secret of Mana" come from Hiroki Kikuta, who already received a kind of Oscar from the Japanese trade press for the music in the game "Final Fantasy 2". [ManaRedux's note: This is incorrect, as Kikuta's first Square outing was Secret of Mana.]

Mana with a future

The program designers at SQUARE are currently working on a third part of the "Secret Of Mana" series, which will certainly be available in Germany at some point. Even more important for the SQUARE programmers, however, are the games for the new NINTENDO ULTRA 64, which from a technical point of view offers unimagined possibilities for future role-playing games. On the one hand, the Ultra 64 enables photo-realistic graphics and CD-quality music, and on the other hand, games can be programmed on the Ultra 64 that are so extensive that it takes months to play through them. The SQUARE employees are certainly very enthusiastic about the new machine.

[picture caption, center-right] Frosta will accompany you, and if you wish, cast one of her six spells.

Confusion box

For all those who are still clear-headed but would like to be a little confused: The Japanese Secret Of Mana for the Game Boy was renamed "Final Fantasy Adventure" for the American market to show its relationship to the successful "Final Fantasy" series (in Japan, [it's known as] the Final Fantasy Legend series). In Europe, they didn't want to use the name Final Fantasy, as no part of the "Final Fantasy" series had ever been released there, so the game was called "Mystic Quest". The subsequent role-playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was called "Mystic Quest Legend" in Europe, while in the USA it was called "Final Fantasy - Mystic Quest" and in Japan it was called "Final Fantasy USA". It was only with the second part of "Secret Of Mana" that they decided to use the name internationally. However, the Japanese "Secret Of Mana 2" is now just called "Secret Of Mana" in the USA and in Europe. That's logical, isn't it?

Finally, the back cover had a promotion that was used frequently in Germany.