Mana OSTs evoke fantasy through instrumentation.
Many songs feature a pan flute and mallet. You hear this combination everywhere, from towns to regions to the overworld to battle. It practically defines Mana.
As if you're in a tropical jungle on some exotic island.
@MugenLord@SurelyAutomata It's definitely a sequel, but it has never been marketed as such by Square Enix so it's understandable if newcomers don't know that
@RPGHer0 It has such a good story that, despite not enjoying the combat even the slightest bit, I'd still give it a solid 7/10. It might be the best story in the entire series and I'm sure plenty of people very much enjoy the combat.