“Lunar Remastered Collection: Insights on Enhancements and Fresh Features”

A Nostalgic Journey Begins

When Lunar first graced North American shores in 1993, it wasn’t just another video game; it was a revelation. In the burgeoning world of Japanese RPGs, Lunar stood out with its stunning animated cutscenes, impressive voice acting, and a soundtrack that still tugs at the heartstrings. But what truly set it apart was its captivating story, filled with characters that felt as real as your best friends. Fast forward over three decades, and Lunar is making a triumphant return with the Lunar Remastered Collection for Playstation. To dive deeper into what makes these games so special, we chatted with Matthias Pergams, producer at GungHo Online Entertainment America.

The Legacy of Lunar

“Lunar was ,” Pergams tells us. “It was among the first JRPGs to utilize the CD-ROM format, complete with animated cutscenes, in-game voice acting, and even an opening theme song.” This innovative approach helped Lunar carve out a dedicated fanbase, not just in Japan but across the globe. It was a game that didn’t just entertain; it changed the landscape of RPGs forever.

Given its storied past, we were curious why the team chose the PlayStation ‘Complete’ versions as the foundation for the remaster. “Each version has its own charm, and we really debated this,” Pergams admits. “But ultimately, we felt that the PlayStation version best represented the essence of the series.”

Keeping the Heart of the Game Intact

As we delved into the details of the remaster, one question loomed large: would there be significant changes to gameplay or story? Pergams reassured us, “The core story and gameplay will remain faithful to the original. We believe the original still resonates today, and we wanted to honor the vision of GAME ARTS.”

However, it’s not all nostalgia—there are some nifty quality-of-life improvements. Think adjustable battle speed, a unified inventory system in Lunar 1 to streamline item management, and even customizable AI behavior during battles.

And for the purists out there, there’s a Classic Mode. “It’s like stepping back in time,” Pergams says. “You can play with graphics reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 era, complete with a CRT filter for that authentic feel.”

Visuals That Pop

Now, let’s talk about the visuals. “The graphical updates are one of the most noticeable changes,” Pergams explains. “We’ve revamped the graphics, in-game effects, UI, and even the iconic animated cutscenes.” Plus, the new aspect ratio is designed to fit modern TVs, ensuring that the game looks as good as it plays.

Fans have been buzzing about the voice acting, especially since the remaster features an entirely new cast. How did the team approach this? “We focused on preserving the essence of each character,” Pergams shares. “Once we defined how we wanted them to sound, we sought out voice actors who could capture that spirit.”

And it doesn’t stop there. The beloved vocal tracks in Lunar 1 and Lunar 2 have been re-recorded by the new voice actresses for Luna and Lucia, respectively. Plus, there’s a brand-new song, “Looking up at TERRA,” composed by the original game’s composer, which plays on the game selection screen.

A Collaborative Remaster

The remastering process was a labor of love, with the original creators involved every step of the way. “We consulted with GAME ARTS throughout development, incorporating their feedback,” Pergams notes. This collaboration ensured that the remaster stays true to the spirit of the originals.

One of the key figures in this effort is character designer Toshiyuki Kubooka, who was initially uncertain about participating due to his busy schedule. “When we reached out, we weren’t sure if he’d say yes,” Pergams reveals. “But he surprised us by contributing three brand-new art pieces.” Kubooka reflected on the experience, saying, “It felt like reuniting with old friends.”

A New Adventure Awaits

While Lunar has a rich history in North America and Japan, its presence in Europe has been limited—until now. We asked Pergams about the significance of bringing the Lunar series to European players for the first time. “Thank you for considering the Lunar series! At its core, the series embodies the essence of adventure,” he says. “It’s about exploring unknown worlds, forging friendships, battling evil, and discovering love.”

And for newcomers, Pergams has some sage advice: “Don’t hesitate to use items! They can be a game-changer in tough battles.” He also recommends trying out the Auto Battle system alongside the new Battle Speed-Up feature for a smoother experience.

So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, the Lunar Remastered Collection promises to deliver a nostalgic yet refreshed journey. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!