80
Despite some iffy controls, as a dungeon-crawler CoM provides a fairly enjoyable way to kill numerous hours on the go. The nice graphics and really nice music help to smooth out a game that otherwise is a little bit stale. [JPN Import]
55
This game is more fun with a bunch of friends, but so is going to the DMV or getting a root canal. [May 2006, p.78]
80
For those of you looking for that one great RPG for your DS collection, this game might be your answer. While the game slows down at certain points and has a fair amount of difficulty, it’s still a force to be reckoned with.
7
La verdad el juego es súper repetitivo y te hace quedar dormido no inova en absolutamente nada pero en términos visuales está muy bien
7
Semi-sequel to the attractive RPGs on the SNES, this incarnation pretty much scraps the RPG elements and relies on arcade-adventure style dungeon exploring that's not entirely dissimilar to Gauntlet with nobs on. Reasonably good fun but anyone expecting an epic adventure will be sorely disappointed.
10
worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this spin off game in the series.
Children of Mana
DS
Released On:
Nov 1, 2006
Metascore
Mixed or Average
65
User score
Mixed or Average
6.6
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
38% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
53% Mixed
18 Reviews
18 Reviews
9% Negative
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
81
Since the game is actually a dungeon crawler, Children of Mana may disappoint those looking for their traditional RPG fix. But if it really counts toward opinion, the game just might be the best and most beautiful dungeon crawler ever created.
80
As far as hack-n-slash RPGs go, Children of Mana is one of the best we’ve seen on a handheld, and for dungeon crawler addicts Square Enix has definitely hit the spot.
User score
Mixed or Average
45% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
25% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
30% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Jan 14, 2023
10
worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this spin off game in the series.
Aug 20, 2010
8
great game only had it for a day so far but really getting in to it although could get a bit repetitive its still better than other games of this genre i have played
78
Children of Mana is not the longest game in the world, but it sure is a fun ride while it lasts, especially if you have friends that are into it as well. [Nov. 2006, p.140]
65
An action RPG with the plot stripped out and replaced by pure, constant fighting and levelling-up. Sound good to you? Perhaps, but perhaps not if you're a Mana stalwart. [Mar 2007, p.78]
60
Children of Mana tops out Lunar: Dragon Song, Deep Labyrinth, and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, but it doesn't take too much effort to be the champion of "Just OK."
50
The final nail in the proverbial Mana Tree wood coffin is the Gem Frame. Meant to provide a higher level of customisation to your character beyond rudimentary equipment, this little fit-stones-into-shape puzzle only manages to overpower you - Making every enemy, including the bosses, easy to beat and the entire ordeal rather similar and ultimately boring in the process.
25
Children of Mana is repetitive, tedious, dull, monotonous, and boring. The only good thing about this game is that it will actually make you want to do something productive, just to stop playing it.
Nov 17, 2025
7
La verdad el juego es súper repetitivo y te hace quedar dormido no inova en absolutamente nada pero en términos visuales está muy bien
May 21, 2023
7
Semi-sequel to the attractive RPGs on the SNES, this incarnation pretty much scraps the RPG elements and relies on arcade-adventure style dungeon exploring that's not entirely dissimilar to Gauntlet with nobs on. Reasonably good fun but anyone expecting an epic adventure will be sorely disappointed.
Mar 18, 2016
2
Dull dull dull. Borrowing cues from fan favourite Secret of Mana, this game promises much but delivers nothing. A repetitive Diablo-a-like that just isn't fun. Each level feels like a trudge. The bosses look impressive, then die in a few hits without any challenge. There's nothing to recommend here.
Apr 17, 2016
1
Even ten years later I can remember the disappointment that this game originally inspired in me. From the magic of Sword of Mana which admittedly had some flaws but was a stunning rendition of an RPG to this. A dungeon crawling beast of mediocrity with a cliche story, recycled dungeons, repetitive gameplay and button mashing fighting. This was poor at the time and it is still poor now. It's one of the few series where I can honestly say that the poor experience of one game put me off a series I had loved for life; I have never bought another Mana game since.
SummaryIn ages past, an island called Illusia floated at the center of the world. At the heart of the island towered an ancient, enormous tree that stretched up to the very heavens. For ages past, chaos and sorrow had engulfed the world until at last its salvation appeared in the form of a boy, a girl, and a holy sword. Time flowed on and peace... Read More
Rated E +10for Everyone +10
