I think that the Mana series has taken a dramatic left turn to Trash City. The older installments were really good, each one had a good fantasy story, with pretty good gameplay(for the time). I mean, Square(at the time) was know for 2 main series on the NES and SNES: the Final Fantasy and Mana series. Now, with Square's main focus on the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest/Warrior series, the Mana series has been pushed aside, which means less time to make a good story. The games released now for the series are less than pale imitations of its predeccessors. I just hope in the future, Square remembers this series and brings it back to its former glory.

I have ignored every Mana game and will do so other than for Secret of Mana and it's spiritual successor Secret of Evermore.
The series has taken a bad turn and the way SE's policy is looking down at the series,I don't think that series will be retaining it's old prestige soon.

I just hope SE can realize that the series is a good game series and that they should try to attempt to bring it back, even if it takes years.

I greatly enjoyed both Secret of Mana and Legend of Mana.  When I played one of those DS sequels I was so lost and confused.  I couldn't understand how such a horrible game could be made under that name.  I still can't.  I have to say I was excited when I heard of the PS2 one, but I don't think I want to put myself through playing what appears to be an atrocity.

eightbit: i agree. How can you take a great title and destroy everything that made it was it was?