Lunar Remastered Collection hit my desk like an unexpected blast from the past. I’ve always loved classic JRPGs, and these twin adventures—Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete—deliver a nostalgic mix of charm and challenge. Yet, like a game with too many modern tweaks, it delights and frustrates in equal measure.
Overall Impressions
I’ve played plenty of remastered classics over the years, and Lunar Remastered Collection reads like a love letter to 90s JRPGs with a modern polish. The remaster accelerates combat and streamlines encounters, addressing criticisms about sluggish battle pace in the originals. However, not every element shines: the new voice cast misses the mark for some fans, and developers reworked certain story beats in ways that may split long-time enthusiasts. In a genre that reveres its past, these changes feel both necessary and a bit sacrilegious.
Gameplay Mechanics
This remaster truly shines in gameplay. Speeding up battle sequences breathes fresh life into the formula. Now I tackle epic battles without getting bogged down by repetitive grind. Combat flows smoothly, rescuing the pacing that once dragged. Revamping the inventory system also pays off: managing items feels engaging, not like ticking off a tedious checklist.
That said, some players still gripe about high encounter rates. Although the remaster fixes major bugs from early console versions, random battles still appear too frequently. In Lunar 2’s dungeons, I often navigated carefully and relied on standard attacks and healing spells. Since smart resource use proved vital. The difficulty spike in Lunar 2’s epilogue leaves little room for error. If you prefer a gentle learning curve, prepare for a steep dive when you stray from optimal play.
Story and Characters
A JRPG lives and dies by its narrative, and Lunar’s story remains its beating heart. I guided Alex and Hiro on epic quests to save their worlds from foes like the Magic Emperor and the God of Destruction. World-building still enchants, blending mystical lore with quirky humor and heartfelt moments. Yet developers sanitized some dialogue—classic, memorable lines now strike me as watered-down.
Modernizing the voice cast sparks interesting debate. Some fans miss the original actors’ nostalgic tones. While I understand that, I also appreciate how clearer, more consistent voice production can appeal to new players. These updates might help onboard fresh audiences, but they risk alienating those who grew up with the originals.
Visuals and Graphics
Graphically, the remaster delivers both wins and losses. Improved resolution and cleaned-up animations polish the experience—pixel art looks sharper, and jittery sequences vanish. I loved seeing how much effort went into refreshing the visuals while preserving that retro vibe. Still, the missing PSP opening for Silver Star Story feels like a jarring omission. In reassembling these classics, developers made tough calls; most benefit the package, but I wish they’d preserved more original flourishes.
Sound and Music
Sound design in a role-playing game can elevate the entire experience, and Lunar Remastered Collection excels in several areas. The soundtrack remains atmospheric and fitting, with compositions that stir both nostalgia and excitement. Often, the music guides you through moments of triumph or tension with impeccable timing. However, the voice acting, as mentioned earlier, presents a divisive element. Some players feel that the new voices lack the gravitas of the original cast. I find that while the soundtrack and battle effects are beautifully executed, a few changes to classic audio hits leave a bittersweet taste. Yet, when it comes to preserving core musical themes, the remaster delivers adequately.
Difficulty and Replayability
These games were built during an era when challenge was expected. The Lunar remasters do not shy away from that heritage. Encounter rates and resource management demand thoughtful strategy, particularly in Lunar 2’s more challenging encounters. New players might find the learning curve steep compared to modern JRPGs, but the rewarding gameplay loop keeps you engaged. For veterans, the nostalgic complexity and improved mechanics can offer a fruitful revisiting of a beloved franchise. The combined 40-plus hours of gameplay present ample content for repeated playthroughs, especially for those willing to navigate the more demanding dungeons and boss battles.
I was particularly impressed by the expanded battle mechanics, which help maintain balance while upping the challenge. However, some quality-of-life features like encounter toggles or EXP/money multipliers would have made the experience even more accessible. These adjustments would have provided a smoother experience for both returning and new players. In the end, the game positions itself well as a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts who value both nostalgia and refined gameplay.
Conclusion
Lunar Remastered Collection is a testament to the longevity and passion behind classic JRPGs. It strides the line between preserving cherished traditions and modernizing gameplay for a new audience. The refined battle sequences, improved management systems, and updated visuals keep the games relevant. Yet, it’s not without its hiccups: fan-favorite voice performances and key narrative elements have been altered in ways that might disappoint purists.
I approach these remastered adventures as both a returning fan and a curious newcomer. The tension between old and new is palpable throughout, making it a fascinating study in evolution. It may not capture every nuance of its former self, but it delivers a robust, engaging experience that honors its roots.
After spending a good number of hours battling alongside Alex and Hiro, I award Lunar Remastered Collection 3.5 out of 5 stars. Returning players may feel a slight pang at the changes in voice talent and dialogue, while new players will likely enjoy a well-polished journey through classic JRPG storytelling.
In the end, Lunar Remastered Collection is a commendable effort by ASHIBI Co., Ltd. and the team at GungHo Online Entertainment America. Their work revives the magic of an era where games dared to be both epic and quirky. It isn’t a perfect restoration, but it is a worthy invitation to experience golden JRPG adventures with a modern twist—if you can overlook the occasional modernization misstep.
