Back in 1993, Lunar made a splash when it arrived in North America, quickly becoming a favorite in the budding world of Japanese RPGs in the West. What made it so special? Well, it had everything—dynamic animated scenes, a rich narrative full of memorable characters, plenty of voice acting, and captivating music. Even though it wasn’t the first JRPG on CD-ROM, it was one that left an indelible mark on its players.
The success of Lunar didn’t stop there. A sequel and subsequent remakes for PlayStation, along with a PSP version, expanded its fan base. Now, over thirty years since the series began, Lunar and Lunar 2 are making a return on PlayStation with the Lunar Remastered Collection. To reminisce about what makes these games so beloved and to get the scoop for longtime fans, we chatted with Matthias Pergams, a Producer from GungHo Online Entertainment America.
You might remember that Lunar broke new ground as one of the earliest CD-ROM JRPGs, packed with animated cutscenes, voice acting, and a catchy theme song. Pergams sees these elements as instrumental in paving the way for the genre’s popularity globally, noting the unique place Lunar holds in gaming history.
Given the numerous remakes and platforms it’s been on, we were curious why the PlayStation “Complete” versions were chosen as the foundation for these remasters. Pergams explained that each version has its charm, but they believed the PlayStation editions best embodied what the series is all about.
When it comes to changes, Pergams assures fans that the core story and gameplay remain intact in this remaster, staying true to the original spirit envisioned by GAME ARTS. However, they’ve added quality-of-life improvements like an adjustable Battle Speed-Up feature, a unified inventory system in Lunar 1, and even some cool AI customization for character battles, smoothening the experience for modern gamers.
For those who relish nostalgia, there’s a “Classic Mode” that lets you relive the game with graphics reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 era, complete with a CRT filter—a real throwback for die-hard fans.
Wondering what’s new? The remaster highlights enhanced visuals, updating graphics, in-game effects, UI, cutscenes, and more—all designed to fit today’s widescreen TVs. Aside from “Remastered Mode,” you can switch to “Classic Mode” for the authentic old-school look.
Voice acting always sparks conversation, especially with an all-new cast stepping in. The key was to maintain each character’s essence, ensuring their new voices matched the personalities fans cherish. And yes, the vocal songs are performed by the voice actresses of Luna and Lucia, just like in the original Japanese versions.
Fans will be pleased to know that those iconic cutscenes are getting a facelift, tailored for today’s audiences while respecting their original appeal. This remaster brings these scenes back to life without altering their core essence, thanks to input from the original creators and developers like GAME ARTS, along with composer, scenario writer, and character designer insights.
Character designer Toshiyuki Kubooka was brought back to contribute fresh artwork, despite being initially unsure if he’d be available. His three new art pieces for the game reflect a joyful reunion with old character friends, appreciated by all involved.
The Lunar series holds a special prominence in North America and Japan, but its European journey has been minimal. With these new releases, there’s excitement about introducing Lunar 1 and 2 Complete to European gamers. Pergams extends an invitation to new players, highlighting the timeless adventure spirit that guides Lunar—where you explore unknown worlds, forge friendships, battle evil, and find love.
For those diving in for the first time, Pergams has some tips: don’t shy away from using items. While it might seem better to spend your in-game currency on lasting upgrades like weapons, items often become pivotal in tough battles. And don’t forget to explore features like the Auto Battle system and the new Battle Speed-Up option for a smoother gameplay experience. Whatever your strategy, the hope is that you’ll find joy in the Lunar universe!
