Xbox Game Pass Standardmembers can start playingTrials of ManaandLegend of Manaas part of their subscriptions starting today. The two Square Enix titles add to the ever-growing selection of JRPGs onXbox Game Pass Standard.
Trials of ManaandLegend of Manaare both modernized versions of older games, but they fall into different categories. Released in 2020,Trials of Manais a remake of the 1995 Japanese Super Famicom (SNES) exclusiveSeiken Densetsu 3, fully rebuilt in 3D and voice-acted. It offers modernized combat with real-time action, a new camera system, and some additional story content. Conversely,Legend of Manais an HD remaster of a 1999 PlayStation exclusive of the same name. It was initially released in 2021, but it wasn’t until 2024 that it made its way to the Xbox Series X/S. Both the originals and their modernized versions are considered among thebestManagames ever made.
Xbox Game Pass Standard users can jump intoLegend of ManaandTrials of Manabeginning today, July 2. The two titles originally launched on PC Game Pass and XGP Ultimate in September 2024. This marks the first Standard-tier-only expansion of Microsoft’s subscription service since June 18, whenStar TruckerandWildfrostwere added. However, it’s not even the first time this month thatXbox Game Pass Standard has received new games, asLittle Nightmares 2andRise of the Tomb Raiderwere both added to its content catalog yesterday, July 1.
Available to PC and Ultimate-tier members since Sep 2024.
High on Life 2
Oct 29
Day-one release.
Microsoft’sofficial announcement of the Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 lineup for July 2025labeledLegend of ManaandTrials of Manaas Xbox One and Series X/S releases. However, this was an error, as the games are not available on the previous-generation console.
In terms of acclaim,Trials of Manaenjoyed a slightly more favorable reception at launch, as reflected in its “Strong” rating on OpenCritic, with a Top Critic Average of 75 and a 65% reviewer recommendation rate. Conversely,Legend of Manaholds a “Fair” rating on the aggregator platform; its average score sits at an almost identical 74, but its recommendation rate is four points lower.
The next Xbox Game Pass catalog change is scheduled for July 8, when Neon Giant and Curve Games' cyberpunk ARPGThe Ascentis planned to return to the service after two years.Minami Laneis then slated to arrive a day later, followed byTony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4on July 11. Afterward,Xbox Game Pass is set to lose half a dozen titles on July 15.
