Back in 1993, Lunar made a splash in the North American gaming scene, quickly becoming a beloved title among the emerging Japanese RPGs. Combining animated cutscenes, extensive voice work, and top-notch music, Lunar captivated players with its charmingly engaging story and unforgettable characters. While it wasn’t the pioneer of CD-ROM-based JRPGs, it certainly left a lasting impression on those who experienced it.
Over the years, Lunar expanded its reach with a sequel, two PlayStation remakes, a PSP version, and more. More than three decades after its debut, Lunar and Lunar 2 are making their way back to PlayStation with the Lunar Remastered Collection. To understand what makes these games special and to reminisce with longtime fans, we spoke with Matthias Pergams, Producer at GungHo Online Entertainment America.
As Pergams explains, “LUNAR was among the first JRPGs to utilize the CD-ROM format, featuring animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme song. The series has garnered a devoted following both in Japan and internationally, helping to pave the way for the genre overall. It’s a title with unique historical significance.”
The original Lunar has seen several remakes and re-releases across multiple platforms, along with Lunar 2 to a lesser extent. Our curiosity was piqued as to why the PlayStation “Complete” versions were chosen as the foundation for these remasters. “Each version brings something distinct and valuable, which made the decision challenging. Ultimately, we chose the PlayStation version because it encapsulated the essence of the series the best.”
Since this is more of a “Remaster” than a “Remake,” we wondered if there were any noticeable changes to the story or gameplay that veteran players might pick up on. Pergams reassured us, “The story and gameplay remain faithful to the original. We believe the original holds its ground, and aimed to preserve the gameplay envisioned by GAME ARTS. However, we have included a range of quality-of-life enhancements to enhance the experience. Features like an adjustable Battle Speed-Up option in both games, a unified inventory system in Lunar 1 for easier item management, and customizable AI behavior during battles are among the additions.”
One of the standout aspects here is the introduction of Classic Mode. “In the Remaster Collection, we’ve created a Classic Mode for those wanting to enjoy the game with its original pixelated charm, akin to the PlayStation 2 era visuals. We’ve also incorporated a CRT filter in this mode, which we encourage fans to explore,” Pergams reveals.
Speaking of the improvements, what’s fresh in this remaster? “The most immediately noticeable changes are in the visuals. We’ve remastered the graphics, in-game effects, UI, animated cutscenes, and bromides (collectible card items). Additionally, we’ve adjusted the screen’s aspect ratio to suit modern TVs. These changes feature in the ‘Remastered Mode’, while ‘Classic Mode’ retains the original PlayStation graphics.”
A hot topic among fans is the recasting of voice actors. The announcement stirred excitement and curiosity about the voice selections. “Our focus was to preserve each character’s identity with their new voices. We envisioned how each character should sound, and chose voice actors who could capture that essence effectively. The result is something we’re proud to deliver,” said Pergams.
He also pointed out, “In both Lunar 1 and 2, all vocal songs are performed by the voice actresses of Luna and Lucia, a nod to the original Japanese version.”
The animated cutscenes, a key feature of Lunar, have been delicately enhanced. “We handled the cutscenes with special care during remastering. While they still hold up, our goal was to polish them for today’s audiences without altering the content itself. We believe the results are impressive!”
These updates were guided by input from the original team. “GAME ARTS, the studio behind the original games, consulted with us throughout development, offering invaluable feedback,” Pergams states. “We also liaised with other original staff, including the composer, scenario writer, and character designer.”
In a delightful twist, eminent character designer Toshiyuki Kubooka returned to craft three new art pieces. “Though busy, Kubooka-sensei agreed to contribute, feeling it was like reuniting with old friends,” Pergams shares.
Reflecting on Lunar’s presence in North America and Japan, it missed a European entry, save for the PSP release. Pergams comments on its European debut, “We’re thrilled to introduce Lunar Complete to Europe finally. If you’re new to Lunar, thank you for considering it! The series embodies the spirit of ‘Adventure’, capturing the timeless essence of embarking on a journey into the unknown, forging friendships, overcoming evil, and finding love.”
As advice for newcomers, Pergams emphasizes, “Don’t shy away from using items! They can tip the scales in challenging battles. Embrace the Auto Battle feature and the new Battle Speed-Up option for a fluid experience. Ultimately, enjoy your adventure in Lunar!”
