Phenixx Gaming

My recent review slate has been an exercise in returning to the classics. First, I covered the Suikoden I and II remasters, and now I’m on to another classic series. Until the Sony State of Play announced the Lunar Remastered Collection back in September 2024, the franchise was dormant. Now we have a beautifully remastered return to two classic RPGs that are likely much different than you’d expect.

The Lunar Remastered Collection consists of remastered versions of Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. These games (developed by Game Arts) are actually remakes of two earlier titles released on the Sega CD. The timeline is a little all over the place, but essentially Lunar: Silver Star Story is the first (of three) remakes of Lunar: The Silver Star, the first game in the series. Lunar: The Silver Star was released in 1993 on the Sega CD, while Silver Star Story Complete was released in 1999 on the Sony PlayStation.

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is a similar situation. Eternal Blue wasn’t released until 1995 on the Sega CD. However, Eternal Blue Complete was released on PlayStation in 2000. Both remakes (Silver Star Story Complete and Eternal Blue Complete) expanded on the story’s cast while improving the FMV anime cutscenes created by Studio Gonzo.

Studio Gonzo may be familiar if you’ve ever watched Trinity Blood, Witchblade, or (strangely) Afro Samurai. The work of Studio Gonzo is what separates the Lunar series from most RPGs of the era. Instead of rendered cutscenes in-engine or in a similar visual style, most cutscenes are hand-drawn anime sequences.

In the Lunar Remastered Collection, you can play both the standard or “Classic” versions of Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue if you so wish. However, the Remastered versions have updated visuals both in the anime cutscenes and the environments and sprite work. Both remastered versions also have voice acting not only in the animated cutscenes but in certain sections of the game as well.

This is a fantastic, immersive element that not only works as an accessibility feature but also enhances the experience in general. If you have epilepsy or visual issues with flashing lights, the Lunar Remastered Collection has sections of flashing lights you should be aware of. There is a warning on each game though, which is nice.

Unlike in the original versions, in the Lunar Remastered Collection you can speed up gameplay, save anywhere, and enjoy updated quality-of-life features such as a combined inventory in Lunar: Silver Star Story. The classic versions have also been updated with new CRT filters, original cutscenes set for a 4:3 format, and more.

As a collection, like the Suikoden I & II HD remasters, the Lunar Remastered Collection is perfect for the classic RPG lover. They’re tough but have a great story and gorgeous visuals, whether you want that classic 4:3 vibe or are interested in the stunning 16:9 revamped artwork. Both games stand out from other RPG franchises not just from their visual design and their story, but their approach to gameplay and combat as well.

Unlike other RPGs from the era, there is no Active Time Battle system here. Instead, you can place characters in a formation and then issue commands. You can take as much time as you want, or you can turn on the Remastered Collection’s auto-battle function to speed things up a bit. Though I will say that neither Lunar nor Lunar 2 are easy experiences. They will test your strategy and JRPG chops.

Speaking of the auto-battle function, instead of it being just a simple “everyone does a regular attack,” you can tailor how the auto-battle works per character. Do you want your healer to reserve MP while you’re just farming trash enemies? You can set it that way. Are you in a tougher area and want to blow things away until you get a few levels under you? That can be adjusted too.

The Lunar Remastered Collection is exactly what I wanted as a fan. Not only are the beautiful stories preserved with new visuals and voice acting, but there are a few quality-of-life elements that enhance things without being too intrusive. While I wouldn’t say that either of these are in my top 5 of all-time RPG stories, they are still wonderful and will be a perfect gift for any RPG fan who wants something modern but with a classic vibe.

If nostalgia for the series is what you are craving, the Lunar Remastered Collection will feed you nicely. If you’re a newcomer looking to dip your toes in, you won’t be disappointed. Now I wonder if we’ll ever see another Lunar game. Hopefully, this remastered collection will drum up interest when it launches on April 18th.

A PC Review Copy of Lunar Remastered Collection was provided by GungHo Online Entertainment America for the purposes of this review.

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Lunar Remastered Collection

$49.99 USD

10

Score

10.0/10

Pros

• Gorgeous Remastered Visuals
• Quality of Life Additions
• Well Done voice acting
• Tough but Engaging combat
• Two Great classics bundled together.