In the early 1990s, the North American gaming market was still finding its footing with Japanese role-playing games (RPGs). Among the few titles that managed to capture the imagination of players was Lunar: The Silver Star, introduced to this audience in 1993. The game distinguished itself with its animated cinematic cutscenes, extensive voice acting, and high-quality music. However, what truly set it apart was its compelling narrative, filled with engaging and unforgettable characters. Although it wasn’t the premier CD-ROM-based Japanese RPG, it left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who played it.
Fast forward over three decades, and the beloved Lunar series is making a triumphant return to the PlayStation platform with the Lunar Remastered Collection. This nostalgic revival has been carefully orchestrated to cater to both longtime fans and newcomers. We had the opportunity to discuss the significance of the Lunar games with Matthias Pergams, a producer at GungHo Online Entertainment America, to gain insight into what makes these games special.
The Silver Standard in Gaming
Pergams shares that "Lunar was one of the first Japanese RPGs to utilize the CD-ROM format, incorporating animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme song." This innovation helped the series cultivate a dedicated following both within Japan and internationally. The Lunar games played a pivotal role in paving the way for future titles in the genre, earning a place of historical significance in gaming history.
Over the years, the original Lunar game has been remade and re-released on multiple platforms, including a sequel and various remakes for the PlayStation and PSP. So why choose the PlayStation "Complete" versions as the foundation for the remasters? Pergams explains, "Each iteration of the game offers unique qualities and strengths, which made the decision challenging. Ultimately, we chose the PlayStation versions because we felt they best represented the essence of the series."
Staying True to the Original Experience
For those wondering if the remasters would introduce significant gameplay or story changes, Pergams reassures that the core elements remain intact. "The overall story and gameplay will remain faithful to the original release," he says. "We believe the original still holds its own today, and our goal was to preserve the gameplay as envisioned by the original developers, GAME ARTS."
However, the remaster does include quality-of-life enhancements to improve the gaming experience. These include an adjustable Battle Speed-Up option in both games, a unified inventory system in Lunar 1 to simplify item management, and customizable character AI behavior during battles.
Fans of the original will be pleased to know that a Classic Mode is available, allowing them to experience the game with graphics reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 era. An optional CRT filter is included to enhance the nostalgic experience further.
Enhancements and New Additions
So, what new features can players look forward to in the remastered collection? The most noticeable improvement is in the graphics, which have been updated to include remastered visuals, in-game effects, user interface, and animated cutscenes. The remaster also introduces a new aspect ratio to fit modern television screens. Players can choose between "Remastered Mode" and "Classic Mode," the latter offering the original PlayStation graphics.
One of the major changes involves the voice acting. When the remastered collection was announced on the PlayStation Blog, it was revealed that an all-new cast would be voicing the characters. Pergams explains that the team prioritized preserving the identity of each character when selecting new voice actors. "We considered how we wanted each character to sound and selected voice actors who closely matched our vision," he notes.
In addition to the new voice cast, the vocal songs in Lunar 1 and 2 will be performed by the voice actresses of Luna and Lucia, respectively, drawing inspiration from the original Japanese version of the game.
A Touch of Nostalgia
The remastered collection doesn’t stop at voice acting. The iconic cutscenes have also received a touch-up. "The animated cutscenes are a key feature of Lunar, so we focused on enhancing them for modern audiences while maintaining their original charm," says Pergams. These updates were made with the input and blessing of the original staff, including the development team at GAME ARTS and the original composer, scenario writer, and character designer.
Noteworthy among those revisiting the Lunar series is Toshiyuki Kubooka, the famed character designer. Despite his busy schedule, Kubooka contributed three new art pieces for the remaster, much to the delight of fans and the development team.
Kubooka himself expressed his enthusiasm: "It had been a long time since I worked on anything related to Lunar, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to draw the characters again. It felt like reuniting with old friends."
Reaching New Audiences
While the Lunar series enjoyed popularity in North America and Japan, its reach was limited in Europe. This remaster marks the first time Lunar 1 and 2 Complete will be available to European audiences. Pergams extends a warm welcome to new players, highlighting the series’ core theme of adventure. "The Lunar series captures the essence of a classic adventure, where you embark on an unknown journey, forge friendships, combat evil, and discover true love," he explains.
For newcomers to the series, Pergams offers some advice: "Don’t hesitate to use items during your adventure. While it might seem more prudent to spend money on permanent upgrades, items—especially recovery ones—can be invaluable in challenging boss fights. We also encourage players to try the Auto Battle system along with the new Battle Speed-Up option for a smoother experience."
The Lunar Remastered Collection is poised to invite a new generation of players into its world while reigniting the passion of longtime fans. As the series embarks on this new chapter, it continues to embody the spirit of adventure and exploration that has made it a beloved classic in the gaming world.
For more information on the Lunar Remastered Collection, visit the official PlayStation Store page here.
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