Today marks an exciting moment for fans of the classic RPGs as the “Lunar Remastered Collection” officially launches on Xbox One, also compatible with Xbox Series X|S. I had the pleasure of speaking with Amy Nguyen, a Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America, to delve into the creative journey behind the updated logo and packaging.
As we sat down, I was eager to learn about Amy’s artistic journey and her impressive portfolio at GungHo. She shared, “I’ve had a hand in a variety of projects, from crafting assets for our national tournaments to partnering with notable IPs. Leading the creative charge for the console port of ‘Grandia’ in 2024 was a major milestone for me.”
I was curious about her thoughts when tasked with reimagining the Lunar logo, a symbol deeply woven into the game’s identity. Amy reflected, “I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Crafting the logo required balancing creativity with respect for its legacy. It involved numerous drafts, careful consideration, and feedback loops before we settled on the finalized design.”
Delving deeper, I asked about her approach and whether she leaned on the original logos for inspiration. “Absolutely,” she replied. “Remastering a classic, it was crucial to pay homage to the original design beloved by longtime fans. My process began with extensive research, which led to brainstorming and multiple sketches. We experimented with various iterations, focusing on everything from minor tweaks to significant overhauls. Ultimately, the design we chose brings together the classic Lunar red with a new gold shine, echoing the enhanced qualities of the remaster.”
When discussing the iterative logo design process, Amy shared insights on her sources of inspiration, saying, “Preserving the nostalgic essence while integrating the remaster theme was central. We explored a wide range of design options, like blending colors from ‘Lunar: Silver Star Story’ and ‘Lunar 2: Eternal Blue,’ and infusing elements like the dragon sword and ribbon. The final logo emerged from blending specific versions, maintaining the classic feel yet distinguishably new.”
Looking closely at the logo, I asked Amy to highlight special details. She mentioned her fondness for the extended ‘R’ in “Remastered,” mirroring the original logo’s distinctive feature. “Enhancing specific serifs adds flair and elevates the overall aesthetic,” she explained.
The conversation then turned to the packaging, where original Lunar artist Toshiyuki Kubooka’s contributions came into play. “Kubooka’s intricate compositions added a fresh dimension with darker, collaged visuals. The front packaging fell into place effortlessly, as the new key visual fitted beautifully.”
On the back cover’s design freedom, Amy elaborated, “Incorporating nostalgic pixel sprites was a must, to capture the games’ charm. Screenshots provided an engaging overview, while golden hues and the logo’s font maintained brand consistency. I opted for a gradient background, unifying the games while highlighting their unique stories.”
Finally, I asked about her favorite part of the package design. She beamed, “Collaborating with Mr. Kubooka and across teams, combining collective efforts, was immensely gratifying. This design celebrates everyone’s dedication and passion. We hope it rekindles the love for Lunar in all who experience it.”
“Lunar: Remastered Collection” is available now on Xbox. Dive into the timeless adventures of “LUNAR: Silver Star Story” and “LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue,” now remastered with vibrant graphics, enhanced audio, and a comforting wave of 90s nostalgia. Immerse yourself in these beloved JRPGs with updated language support, bringing their magical worlds to new and old fans alike.
