The eagerly awaited Lunar Remastered Collection is set to launch on April 18, bringing the beloved JRPG classics to a new generation of gamers. Developed by Game Arts and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, this collection will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, with compatibility for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Fans can also look forward to physical editions in select stores across North America and Europe.
The Lunar series, which debuted with Lunar: The Silver Star in 1992 for the Sega CD and followed by Lunar: Eternal Blue in 1994, has been a staple in the JRPG genre. The remastered collection includes updated versions of these iconic games, originally remade for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete. The announcement during a Sony State of Play in 2024 thrilled many fans, eager to revisit these classics with modern enhancements.
The Lunar Remastered Collection promises a host of new features to enhance the gaming experience. Players can enjoy fully voiced dialogue in both Japanese and English, with newly added French and German subtitles. The collection also introduces a classic mode, allowing players to switch to PS1-era graphics for a nostalgic feel. Additionally, the remaster includes widescreen support, renovated pixel art, and high-definition cutscenes, ensuring a visually stunning experience.
In terms of gameplay, the collection offers quality-of-life improvements such as a speed-up command for combat and new strategies for auto-battle, streamlining the experience for modern players. These features align with current trends in JRPG remasters, similar to those seen in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake and the upcoming Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster.
The success of the Lunar Remastered Collection remains to be seen, but the positive reception of the Grandia HD Collection, another collaboration between Game Arts and GungHo Online Entertainment, suggests a promising outlook. As the Lunar series joins the ranks of other classic JRPGs being revitalized for modern platforms, fans and newcomers alike have much to look forward to on April 18.
