When Lunar first made its way to North America in 1993, it quickly became a gem in the rapidly growing market for Japanese RPGs in the West. Packed with vividly animated cutscenes, rich voice acting, exquisite music, and a heartfelt storyline brimming with captivating and unforgettable characters, Lunar made a lasting impression on everyone who picked it up. While not the first JRPG on a CD-ROM, it certainly left its mark.
Following its debut, Lunar spawned a sequel, saw two remakes for the PlayStation, ventured onto the PSP, and more, widening its fan base with each release. Now, over 30 years on from its original launch, Lunar and Lunar 2 are set for a grand return on PlayStation, reintroduced as the Lunar Remastered Collection. To delve into what makes the Lunar series special and to rekindle the fond memories of long-time fans, we had a chat with Matthias Pergams, Producer at GungHo Online Entertainment America.
Silver Standard
“Lunar was among the pioneers of JRPGs on CD-ROM, featuring animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme,” Pergams notes. “The series garnered a devoted following both in Japan and internationally, paving the way for the genre. Its historical significance makes it unique.”
The original Lunar has seen a handful of remakes and re-releases across different platforms, with Lunar 2 experiencing the same to a lesser extent. Naturally, we were curious about why the remasters chose the “Complete” PlayStation versions of these games as their foundation. “Every version brings something unique to the table, which made the decision quite challenging,” Pergams explains. “Eventually, we focused on the version that we felt best embodied the essence of the series, which for us, is the PlayStation version.”
Given that this is a “Remaster” rather than a full “Remake,” we wondered if seasoned players of the original games would notice any major changes in gameplay or storyline. “The main narrative and gameplay mechanics are staying true to the original,” Pergams reassured us. “The original holds up well even today, and we wanted to maintain the gameplay as it was initially envisioned by developer GAME ARTS. However, we’ve added several quality-of-life tweaks to enhance the experience, such as an adjustable Battle Speed-Up option, a toggle for a unified inventory system in Lunar 1 to simplify item management, and the ability to customize character AI behavior during battles.”
For those who cherish nostalgia, the Remaster Collection has a Classic Mode, letting fans relive the game with its original dot graphics, complete with a CRT filter for added authenticity.
Remastered Luster
So what new elements and enhancements does this remaster bring? “The most noticeable is the graphical revamp, which spans remastered visuals, in-game effects, UI enhancements, polished cutscenes, bromides (collectible cards), and more,” Pergams describes. One significant change is the aspect ratio, expanded to fit modern screens. These features are part of the “Remastered Mode,” while “Classic Mode” offers the gameplay experience with original graphics.
A popular topic among Lunar enthusiasts is the voice acting. With the remaster featuring an all-new voice cast, Pergams shares insight into the selection process. “We aimed to preserve each character’s identity through their new voices,” he explains. “We envisioned how each character would sound, then matched voice actors accordingly, ensuring they align with our vision. The final output is something we’re proud of.”
A nod to the original game is echoed in the musical corner, with vocal tracks in Lunar 1 and 2 performed by the voice actresses of Luna and Lucia, mirroring the original Japanese version.
“The memorable cutscenes are getting a glow-up too,” Pergams adds. “We’ve carefully updated them for modern appeal while retaining the essence of the originals.”
Throughout this remastering journey, the developer had invaluable guidance from the original team. “GAME ARTS, the original development studio, was heavily consulted during development. Their feedback was crucial,” says Pergams. Even Toshiyuki Kubooka, the renowned character designer, contributed with three brand-new pieces of artwork, delighting fans old and new.
New Frontiers
While widely adored in North America and Japan, Lunar’s footprint in Europe was limited. We asked Pergams about bringing Lunar 1 and 2 Complete to European audiences for the first time and his message to potential new players. “Thank you for considering the Lunar series! Its core spirit is captured by the word ‘Adventure.’ Lunar embodies the quintessential adventure—venturing into unknown realms, making loyal friends, vanquishing evil, and discovering true love. The journey Lunar offers is truly timeless.”
Before wrapping up, Pergams had some advice for newcomers. “Don’t shy away from using items. They can turn the tide in tough battles, particularly recovery items. Try out the Auto Battle system and the new Battle Speed-Up option for smooth gameplay. However you play, we hope you enjoy what Lunar has to offer!”
