When Lunar first made its way to North America back in 1993, it quickly carved a niche for itself in the blossoming market for Japanese RPGs. This game was a revelation with its intricately animated cutscenes, extensive voiceovers, and top-tier music. Not to mention a heartwarming storyline filled with lovable characters that stayed with you long after you turned off the console. It wasn’t the pioneer CD-ROM JRPG, but it sure left a mark on all who experienced it.
Fast forward through a sequel, several PlayStation remakes, and even a PSP iteration, Lunar’s fanbase only grew. Now, over three decades later, Lunar and its sequel, Lunar 2, are gracing PlayStation once more with the Lunar Remastered Collection. We sat down with Matthias Pergams, a Producer at GungHo Online Entertainment America, to revisit the magic that makes Lunar such a beloved series and to rekindle the nostalgia among veteran players.
“LUNAR was among the first JRPGs to embrace the CD-ROM format, flaunting animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme song,” Pergams reminisces. “The series cultivated a devoted following both in Japan and abroad, blazing a trail for the genre. It’s a piece of work with significant historical value.”
Having been remade and re-released multiple times across various platforms, the original Lunar is no stranger to evolution. So, why focus on the PlayStation “Complete” versions as the foundation for these remasters? Pergams shares, “Deciding on a version was quite the challenge. Each iteration holds its own appeal, but our decision came down to which version encapsulated the essence of the series the best. For us, that was the PlayStation version.”
With the title ‘Remaster’ rather than ‘Remake’, it begs the question: are there any notable tweaks or surprises for those who know the originals inside out? Pergams reassures us, “The core narrative and mechanics stay true to the original. We believe the initial design holds its ground even today and we aimed to preserve that. Nonetheless, we’re incorporating some quality-of-life improvements like the adjustable Battle Speed-Up feature, a consolidated inventory option in Lunar 1 to streamline item management, and customizable AI behavior settings for individual characters during battles.”
Fans nostalgic for the original look will find solace in the Classic Mode, where they can indulge in the game’s retro graphics, complete with a CRT filter for authenticity. “We want players to re-experience the game much like it was during the PlayStation 2 era,” Pergams enthuses.
Bringing modern updates, the remaster introduces refined graphics, enhanced in-game effects, an updated UI, and more fluid cutscenes. Furthermore, players can enjoy the game in a wider aspect ratio fitting today’s TV screens. Meanwhile, a Classic Mode invites you to relive the 1990s nostalgia whenever you please.
Voice acting forms the cornerstone of Lunar’s charm, and an all-new cast takes the stage this time. Pergams explains, “We prioritized maintaining each character’s essence through the new voices. Selecting voice actors who matched our vision was essential, and we’re thrilled with the results. We wanted every vocal performance to resonate with the integrity and spirit of the characters we’ve come to love.”
The renowned Luna and Lucia, now voiced by new talent, offer fresh renditions of the series’ iconic songs, he notes.
The team has gone above and beyond to refresh the famous cutscenes while keeping their original charm intact. “Lunar’s animated cutscenes are pivotal, and our focus was refining them for today’s audience, not altering their essence. We’re eager for fans to see what we’ve achieved!”
These enhancements were made with input from the original creators. “We stayed in touch with GAME ARTS and other key figures from the original team throughout our development process,” Pergams highlights. This connection ensured the remaster reflected the authentic charm of the original games.
Celebrated character designer Toshiyuki Kubooka returned to lend his artistic flair, crafting new artwork for the remaster. “We were thrilled that despite his hectic schedule, he embraced the project, creating not just one, but three new art pieces for our release.”
Kubooka himself shares, “It was a joy to reunite with the characters through my art. It felt like reconnecting with old friends.”
For the first time, the Lunar series is set to explore European marketplaces. “Thank you for embracing the Lunar journey!” Pergams says. “The heart of Lunar is true adventuring—venturing into the unknown, facing challenges, and experiencing love. Each player’s journey is unique.”
As seasoned players might agree, valuable in-game items shouldn’t be overlooked. “Investing in items, particularly recovery ones, can be pivotal during challenging battles. Consider experimenting with Auto Battle and the new Battle Speed-Up feature for an effortless experience.”
Whether you’re reliving cherished moments or embarking on these adventures anew, Lunar promises an enchanting ride. Enjoy every step of your journey with the Lunar series—it’s an adventure worth having.
