
Heroes of Mana is a real-time strategy game developed by Square Enix Product Development Division 8 and released in 2007 for the Nintendo DS. It marks the first entry in the long-running Mana series to adopt the RTS genre, shifting the franchise away from its action RPG roots. Players direct armies composed of heroes, creatures, and series staples such as rabites across battlefield scenarios, using the DS touchscreen to issue commands and manage forces. The game presents an original chapter within the broader Mana narrative, offering a different perspective on the series' ongoing saga. Multiplayer functionality was supported through Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing players to compete against others and compare standings on regional leaderboards via dedicated servers.