Modder Mikola Lysenko has developed Secret of Goku, a modification of the classic SNES RPG Secret of Mana that replaces the original protagonist with Goku from Dragon Ball Z and allows it to be played directly from any web browser. This project combines the style of the legendary 16-bit Super Nintendo title with the universe created by Akira Toriyama, integrating unique mechanics right into the original game engine. It is a project that demonstrates the community's passion for preserving and reinventing classics from the golden age of gaming, giving them new life through modern technology.
What this retro crossover is about and how to play
The story kicks off with a wild premise: Goku's Saiyan pod crashes directly into the village of Potos just as the Mana Sword is pulled free. The impact squashes the original hero, leaving Goku to take over the adventure. Instead of fighting with the traditional weapons of Secret of Mana, the Saiyan progresses through the map by throwing punches and firing ki blasts at enemies. The project was created over recent weeks by Mikola Lysenko, who used the Claude AI tool to assist with coding. Thanks to the latest updates, iconic moves like Instant Transmission and the Kamehameha are now fully functional within the gameplay. Goku's new abilities allow him to fly over chasms and blast through walls or ceilings to advance through levels. Although larger battles can suffer from slight lag, the game is fully playable right inside a web browser on any platform without downloading anything. For retro hardware enthusiasts, the mod is also available as a patch for the original Secret of Mana (USA) ROM. Users with a legal, unmodified file can apply the patch to play it on emulators or flash carts for real consoles, although final testing on original hardware is still ongoing. These initiatives celebrate nostalgia while exploring the capabilities of old engines under new gameplay conditions. The community has welcomed the project with enthusiasm, highlighting how smoothly Goku's sprites integrate into the pixelated environment of the original game. Lysenko mentioned that the development process was a technical challenge, especially adapting collision systems and combat animations to feel natural within an action RPG structure. It is fascinating to see how a 1993 title remains relevant thanks to the creativity of fans who dedicate hundreds of hours to see their favorite characters in worlds they never belonged to. While the base game is a complete experience, this modification adds a layer of replayability and humor that is refreshing for those who already know every corner of Potos. Accessibility is another strong point, as being available in the browser removes any barrier for curious players who just want to try the experience for a few minutes. It is a creative tribute that unites two iconic worlds of Japanese pop culture in a way few would have imagined possible a few decades ago.