Lunar Remastered: Classic RPGs Get a Widescreen, Voice, and Battle Speed Boost!

Summary

Lunar Remastered Collection features enhanced versions of Lunar Silver Star Complete and Lunar Eternal Blue.
Visual improvements include widescreen, reworked voice cast, better audio, and increased battle speed.
Inventory improvements, more accessibility settings, and customizable auto battle parameters enhance the gaming experience.

This collection, titled “Lunar Remastered Collection,” offers improved editions of “Lunar Silver Star Complete” and “Lunar Eternal Blue.” These versions are upgraded adaptations from their original releases on the Sega CD in 1993. Although there have been multiple adaptations and updates for the first game, this is the initial time that the full version of “Lunar Eternal Blue” has been ported since its launch on the PS1.

Due to this, enthusiasts of classic and contemporary JRPGs can now obtain both Lunar games in a single comprehensive set, without having to spend exorbitant prices on auction sites for the PS1 originals. The remastered editions offer numerous upgrades that improve the overall experience for fans of the original series, while also incorporating modern gaming features to make it more user-friendly. This article will detail the various improvements this collection offers compared to the PS1 versions.

1. Visual Improvements

Higher Resolution And Widescreen

In essence, while there are noticeable improvements in the frame rate and environment detail between the original PlayStation 1 versions of Lunar: Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue, and their remastered counterparts, these changes are generally subtle rather than significant. The original games still retain a certain charm, especially in the design of their towns, which remains captivating in its simplicity. Altering too much might detract from this charm and potentially stir controversy among fans of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs).

In their refined versions, the scenes will be displayed in accurate wide-screen format, while the animated sequences now shine brighter in enhanced resolution. For those who prefer the classic feel, a mode can be chosen at the beginning that recreates the original aesthetic.

2. Reworked Voice Cast

Better In Most Places, But Some Fans Will Miss The Original

In this game update, all voiceovers have undergone a total overhaul with a fresh cast. Though the current acting is generally improved, many old-school fans might find the switch away from the PS1 versions’ voice acting by Working Designs contentious. It would have been delightful to preserve the classic Working Designs voices in the retro mode rather than solely using the new ones.

In contrast, characters such as Alex, Luna, Ramus, and even Alex’s pet Nall seem to have been refined more effectively, and the dialogue appears to be closer to the original script. The criticism often leveled at the Working Designs version was its inclusion of numerous Western pop culture references that were absent from the Japanese original. However, in this updated version, many of these ’90s references appear to have been removed, leaving only the outstanding script behind.

3. Improved Audio

The Music And Voice Acting Have More Clarity

As the original musical notes stay unchanged, the upgraded audio quality is notably improved. Now, the background music and vocal performances offer a more immersive listening experience. This remaster surpasses the audio limitations of the PlayStation 1’s rudimentary stereo technology, providing greater depth and clarity when played on contemporary systems.

On a TV equipped with top-notch audio systems like a soundbar or surround sound setup, the soundtrack becomes more enjoyable and seems to reach its best possible quality. In contrast to the PS1 versions that were frequently criticized for their lackluster, tinny sound.

4. Battle Speed

Increase The Speed Of Combat

In the Lunar Remastered Collection, players can look forward to a more convenient quality-of-life enhancement: accelerated AI-controlled battles. Previously, strategizing with AI companions after arranging party formations and tactics was a favorite aspect when traversing sprawling dungeons teeming with adversaries. Nevertheless, the new functionality that allows you to triple the combat speed will expedite leveling up and make dungeon exploration less tedious.

A subtle yet valuable aspect of the combat system is the slight vibration felt by controller users when enemies detect Alex and his companions, allowing players a brief moment to decide whether to flee or ready themselves with healing items prior to engagement in battle.

5. Inventory Improvements

Weapons And Armor Are Automatically Assigned

In the game’s configuration, users can toggle between the original Classic mode and an updated Remastered one when managing their items. Although the enhancements in the Remastered version might seem minor, they offer substantial improvements over the original.

Now, players can automatically assign appropriate items such as weapons and armor to characters without manually doing so. This minor change significantly reduces the hassle associated with inventory management.

6. More Accessibility Settings

Controller Mapping And Subtitles

In their PlayStation 1 versions, both Lunar Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar Eternal Blue Complete were rather basic in terms of settings and options. One significant feature missing was the ability to turn on subtitles; they were nonexistent during cutscenes and spoken dialogues, which were a part of the original games. This lack is quite surprising for a Role-Playing Game (RPG), especially on the PS1, given that most dialogue is presented as text outside of spoken scenes.

Thankfully, the problem has been resolved in the Lunar Remastered Collection, offering additional features like subtitles and adjustable controls. This means players can now personalize the gameplay by customizing their controller buttons according to their preference.

7. Customize Auto Battle Parameters

Set The Party’s Combat Behavior

Apart from automating battle sequences, players can customize the battle settings for each party member by designating three distinct strategies per character. In the games Lunar Silver Star Story and Lunar Eternal Blue, players are allowed to assign unique tactics to every party member during AI-controlled battles. These can include choosing a weapon for attack, casting particular magic spells, shielding up for defense, or utilizing specific items when the party encounters difficulty.

The game isn’t as intricate as, for instance, “Final Fantasy 12,” but it certainly introduces a further dimension to the autonomous battles, allowing players greater control over how their team engages during combat.

2025-04-19 01:06