Lunar Remastered Collection

The Lunar Remastered Collection receives widespread praise for its nostalgic, well-crafted storytelling and its adherence to classic RPG tropes. Critics like Cubed3 highlight the focused and engaging narratives of both Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar: Eternal Blue, emphasizing their hero’s journeys, character development, and heartfelt dialogue. Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo World Report commend the games for their epic themes, high writing quality, and animated cutscenes that enhance major story beats, while Inverse and TheSixthAxis note the charm of their focus on friendship, adventure, and timeless JRPG elements. Multiplayer.it and RPG Fan appreciate the emotional depth and memorable characters, with the sequel, Eternal Blue, often lauded for its more mature and compelling narrative. RPG Site and Vandal also praise the games’ worldbuilding and the unique universe centered around the goddess Althena and the god Zophar, which adds a layer of mythic grandeur. These reviews collectively paint the collection as a love letter to 90s RPGs, resonating with fans of the genre through its sincerity and traditional structure. However, several critics point out the outdated and formulaic aspects of the stories, which may not appeal to modern audiences. Gamepressure and COGconnected describe the narratives as cliché, with stereotypical characters and predictable plotlines that feel "stock standard" or "uninspired." CGMagazine and XboxEra note that while the love stories and character connections hold up, the overall plot is "flat" or "boring," particularly in the first game, Silver Star Story, which they argue lacks the depth of its sequel. Gamer.no and This Is Game acknowledge the traditional themes but suggest they feel overly familiar, with XboxEra specifically criticizing the first game’s lack of character development. Even Push Square mentions that the animated cutscenes, while nostalgic, are marred by AI upscaling issues, which detract from the experience. These critiques highlight a divide between the games’ retro appeal and their ability to meet contemporary expectations for originality and complexity. Despite the mixed reception, the overall consensus leans toward appreciation for the collection’s charm and its role in preserving a piece of RPG history. While some critics, like Gamepressure and COGconnected, find the stories dated, many others, including Cubed3, RPG Site, and Siliconera, argue that the emotional resonance, character arcs, and linear storytelling remain engaging, especially for fans of classic JRPGs. The sequel, Eternal Blue, is frequently singled out as a stronger narrative, with Multiplayer.it and Game8 noting its deeper stakes and more developed protagonist. Worth Playing and Gamer.no emphasize the games’ ability to balance humor and seriousness, offering a refreshing take on traditional tropes. Ultimately, the collection is seen as a comforting, if predictable, experience that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern gaming, with its strengths in character-driven storytelling and emotional depth outweighing its dated elements for many reviewers.

The Lunar Remastered Collection receives praise for its adherence to traditional JRPG gameplay, with many critics highlighting its strategic turn-based combat and immersive design. Cubed3 and GamingTrend commend the tactical elements, such as party positioning and resource management, which add depth to battles, while the absence of random encounters and visible enemies enhances narrative flow and immersion. Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis note that the remaster’s quality-of-life improvements—like fast-forward combat, auto-battle options, and streamlined inventory systems—make the experience more accessible without sacrificing core mechanics. Inverse and SpazioGames appreciate the focus on exploration and character development through NPC interactions, emphasizing that the games’ simplicity and lack of excessive grinding keep the pace engaging. Additionally, Shacknews and Vandal acknowledge the balance between classic design and modern conveniences, such as adjustable battle speeds, which ease repetitive tasks while preserving the original charm. These elements collectively suggest the remaster successfully bridges nostalgia with practical enhancements, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers. However, several critics point to the gameplay’s limitations, particularly its reliance on outdated mechanics and repetitive structures. Gamepressure and Noisy Pixel criticize the lack of tutorials and the potential for tedium, while CGMagazine and Push Square note the linear narrative and minimal side content, which may deter modern players seeking open-world variety. Final Weapon and Critical Hits highlight the overuse of grinding and backtracking, with the latter pointing to slow boss fights and uneven difficulty spikes. COGconnected and XboxEra also express concerns about auto-battle making combat feel like an afterthought, and INVEN and RPG Site mention the absence of modern RPG depth, such as complex customization or dynamic world-building. The repetitive nature of dungeon crawling and the simplistic battle system, as noted by Game8 and GameBlast, further underscore a sense of stagnation, with some reviewers feeling the remaster fails to address these flaws despite its updates. These critiques reveal a divide between appreciation for the game’s classic structure and frustration with its lack of innovation. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Lunar Remastered Collection is a nostalgic, if somewhat dated, experience that balances traditional JRPG elements with modernized conveniences. While many praise its strategic combat, accessibility features, and focus on story-driven progression (as highlighted by Cubed3, GamingTrend, and Inverse), others like Gamepressure and Final Weapon feel it lacks the depth and variety expected today. The remaster’s quality-of-life improvements—such as battle speed toggles and auto-battle options—are seen as positive but not transformative, with some noting they only partially mitigate the game’s inherent repetitiveness (e.g., Push Square, COGconnected). Despite these mixed reactions, the collection is generally viewed as a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, with its charm and simplicity offering a unique, if unrefined, journey. As Digital Chumps and Tech-Gaming observe, the gameplay’s straightforward design and rewarding progression systems still hold appeal, even if it falls short of modern standards.

The Lunar Remastered Collection receives widespread praise for its faithful preservation of the original pixel art style and its enhanced visual presentation. Critics like Cubed3 highlight the "high-quality pixel art and expressive sprite animations," with Eternal Blue standing out for its "exceptional background pixel art and extensive anime cutscenes" that showcase impressive detail. Digitally Downloaded and Gamepressure commend the "HD re-drawn art" and "stunning visual upgrades," noting how the remaster retains the original's "painterly quality" and "beautiful hand-drawn animated cutscenes" that remain "stunning even by today's standards." Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport emphasize the dual options for Classic and Remastered modes, which allow players to enjoy the game's charm while adapting to modern screens. CGMagazine and RPG Fan specifically praise the "cleaned-up" anime cutscenes and "nostalgic full motion video," which evoke the "endearing quality" of 80s and 90s anime, while Digital Chumps and Game8 appreciate the "vibrant colors" and "beautifully realized pixel art" that maintain the original's aesthetic without losing its identity. These reviews collectively underscore the remaster’s success in balancing nostalgia with modernized clarity and detail. However, some critics point to limitations in the visual upgrades and technical inconsistencies. GamingTrend notes that while the remaster includes "higher resolutions and widescreen support," "post-processing effects were found to be distracting" and that "visual issues on the Switch" detract from the experience. Multiplayer.it argues the "visual design is considered outdated," with minimalistic sprites and pixelated backgrounds that "lack significant enhancements" despite minor improvements like "higher resolution anime cutscenes." Nintendo Insider mentions that character portraits in Remastered mode can have "too high contrast," while Shacknews criticizes "upscaled cutscenes" and "minor textures" that "detract from the overall experience." SpazioGames and INVEN describe the upgrades as "modest" and "subtle," with GameBlast pointing to "artifacts" in some cutscenes and Push Square noting "AI upscaling sometimes detracts from the experience with odd linework." These critiques suggest that while the remaster is visually appealing, its enhancements are not universally transformative. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Lunar Remastered Collection strikes a respectful balance between nostalgia and modernization. Most agree that the remaster "maintains the charm of the original games" (as highlighted by Inverse and RPG Site) while offering "options for both classic and remastered graphics" (per RPG Fan and Worth Playing). However, there is a split on the magnitude of improvements: some view the upgrades as "subtle but appreciated" (e.g., Gamer.no and Vandal), while others feel they are "modest" or "barely noticeable" (e.g., SpazioGames and INVEN). Despite technical hiccups on certain platforms, the collection is largely seen as a successful tribute to its 90s roots, with its hand-drawn art and anime cutscenes remaining its strongest assets. While not a groundbreaking visual overhaul, the remaster appeals to fans seeking a polished yet authentic experience, with its dual graphical modes providing flexibility for different tastes.

The Sound Design and Music of the Lunar Remastered Collection received widespread praise for their nostalgic resonance and technical improvements. Critics like Multiplayer.it highlighted that the remaster "retains the charm of the original while updating the audio quality," emphasizing how Noriyuki Iwadare’s compositions "shine" with enhanced clarity. Nintendo Insider and Shacknews both celebrated the "beautiful music" and "catchy" tracks that align with the 90s JRPG aesthetic, while Gamepressure and SpazioGames noted that new voice acting and hand-drawn cutscenes "enhance the storytelling" and "add emotional weight." Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis praised the soundtrack’s "charming musical performances" and "nostalgic feel," respectively, with RPG Site affirming that the original PS1 music "maintains energetic battle themes and character calls." These reviews collectively underscore the remaster’s success in preserving the series’ iconic audio while modernizing its presentation for contemporary audiences. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings, particularly regarding repetition and consistency. CGMagazine and Final Weapon criticized the music for being "short and reused," with the latter calling it "mostly forgettable" despite re-recorded tracks. COGconnected noted that while the voice acting "captures the essence of 90s anime," the music lacked standout moments, and Forbes mentioned that "some voice lines can become repetitive during combat." Gaming Age observed that the "original PS1 music remains largely unchanged," but the new voiceovers introduced "noticeable differences" that some players found jarring. Vandal and ZTGD also expressed concerns about the new English voice acting, with the former stating it "may not appeal to original fans" and the latter calling the voice cast a "mixed bag." These critiques suggest that while the remaster elevated audio quality, it didn’t fully address the original’s limitations in musical variety or voice acting consistency. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most reviewers acknowledging the remaster’s efforts to enhance audio without losing its core identity. The improved sound quality, new voice acting, and faithful recreation of Iwadare’s scores are frequently highlighted as strengths, even if some critics like RPG Fan and Siliconera noted that the "naturalistic" voice acting "lacks the charm of original performances." While there’s agreement that the music and sound design contribute to the game’s nostalgic appeal, the mixed reception to voice acting and repetitive tracks indicates that the remaster isn’t without flaws. Tech-Gaming and GameBlast praised the "renovated" soundtracks and "quality re-dubbing," respectively, but the critiques from CGMagazine and COGconnected reveal that not all enhancements met expectations. Ultimately, the remaster is seen as a respectful update that balances modernization with reverence for the original, though its audio elements remain a point of both celebration and contention.

The voice acting in the Lunar Remastered Collection has been widely praised for its quality, modernization, and ability to enhance the game’s storytelling and aesthetic. Critics like Cubed3 highlighted the preservation of the original’s witty dialogue and crass humor, emphasizing that the remaster maintains the spirit of the classic localization. Digitally Downloaded noted that the original voice acting, though dated, was significant for its time, while Gamepressure commended the hand-drawn cutscenes’ well-executed voice work. GamingTrend and Inverse both celebrated the new voice acting for its grounded performances and seamless integration with the game’s anime-inspired style, respectively. Nintendo Insider and SpazioGames praised the modern cast for breathing new life into characters and modernizing the tone, while RPG Fan and RPG Site highlighted the revamped English dub as a standout feature that enriches the experience. Multiplayer.it and Shacknews also appreciated the new cast’s ability to honor the original’s essence, offering a fresh yet familiar feel. These reviews collectively underscore the effort to elevate the voice acting without losing the core charm of the series. However, several critics pointed out inconsistencies and drawbacks in the remastered voice acting. Nintendo Life noted that some characters in Eternal Blue felt wooden or miscast, while ZTGD criticized the new cast for being inconsistent, with Eternal Blue’s performances falling flat compared to Silver Star Story. GamingTrend mentioned that some humor was lost in the new dub, and NintendoWorldReport and PSX Brasil expressed concerns about the absence of the original voice actors, which could disappoint long-time fans. Vandal and Tech-Gaming acknowledged the good quality of the English dub but felt it paled in comparison to the nostalgic value of the originals. Game8 pointed out that the English dub varied in quality, with some lines sounding awkward, and Critical Hits noted the lack of Portuguese subtitles as a notable flaw. These critiques reveal that while the remaster improved technical aspects, it struggled to match the original’s unique charm in certain areas. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a balance between appreciation for the remastered voice acting and lingering nostalgia for the original performances. Many praised the new cast for their commitment and modernization, as seen in TheSixthAxis’s emphasis on energetic and lifelike delivery, while others, like Gamer.no, acknowledged the effort to improve voice acting through re-recording all dialogue. However, the replacement of original voice actors remains a contentious point, with NintendoWorldReport and PSX Brasil suggesting that fans might prefer the option to toggle between the two. Worth Playing and CGMagazine highlighted that while some performances were improvements, the absence of the original cast complicated reception. Despite these criticisms, the remaster’s voice acting is generally seen as a positive step forward, though not without its flaws. The reviews collectively indicate that while the new dub enhances accessibility and clarity for modern audiences, it also risks alienating purists who cherish the original’s quirks and charm.

The technical performance of Lunar Remastered Collection receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable stability and quality-of-life improvements. On the Nintendo Switch, reviewers like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Insider highlight smooth gameplay with no major issues, while NintendoWorldReport praises the ability to switch between original and remastered versions seamlessly. PS4 critics, including CGMagazine, RPG Fan, and Vandal, emphasize smooth performance and modern hardware benefits, such as faster loading times (Critical Hits) and improved inventory systems (PSX Brasil). For PC, Digital Chumps, INVEN, and Tech-Gaming commend the stability, modernized features like battle speed options, and shared save files. Xbox One sees minimal criticism, with Gamer.no noting a lack of technical issues and ZTGD acknowledging smooth performance despite unchanged movement mechanics. Overall, the remaster is seen as technically sound, with most platforms offering a polished experience. However, some technical shortcomings are evident. On the Switch, GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it point to visual issues like shimmering, pixel artifacts, and inconsistent font quality, while Shacknews mentions a distracting blur effect. Noisy Pixel criticizes the outdated UI and item management, and SpazioGames notes the absence of significant technical upgrades. For PS4, Final Weapon highlights crashes and frame drops in Eternal Blue, which detract from the experience, and RPG Site acknowledges minor design frustrations persisting. On PC, GameBlast criticizes the launcher dependency for mode switching, and This Is Game points to the lack of auto-save as a flaw. Siliconera also notes that original PlayStation-era issues like shimmering remain unresolved. These issues, while not catastrophic, suggest uneven optimization across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Lunar Remastered Collection is technically stable, with most platforms delivering a smooth experience. The Switch and PS4 versions are praised for their reliability, though the Switch faces some visual and UI critiques, while the PS4 has isolated issues like crashes. The PC version is lauded for its modernized features and stability, though minor UI and launcher drawbacks are noted. Xbox One appears to be the most consistent, with few reported issues. While critics like GamingTrend and Final Weapon highlight specific technical flaws, the majority agree that the remaster successfully addresses core performance concerns, making it a solid release across all platforms. The mixed feedback underscores that while the game is technically competent, it still carries some legacy quirks that may affect player satisfaction depending on the platform.

The Lunar Remastered Collection receives praise for its replay value, particularly from critics who highlight its dual-format approach and nostalgic appeal. Cubed3 emphasizes the "substantial content" of the two JRPGs, suggesting varied adventures keep the experience fresh, while Digitally Downloaded and Shacknews commend the ability to compare original and remastered versions, offering a unique layer of engagement for fans. Inverse and RPG Fan note that the games’ focus on exploration, NPC interactions, and character development encourages discovery, with players able to revisit stories and dialogue for deeper insights. Additionally, the inclusion of both remastered and classic modes, as mentioned by Shacknews and GameBlast, allows for flexible playstyles, and the collection’s 80–100+ hours of gameplay, as cited by Game8, positions it as a worthwhile investment for those seeking extended playtime. For retro RPG enthusiasts, the charm of the original titles and the accessibility of the remaster create a compelling reason to revisit the series. However, several critics point to limitations that may hinder replay value, especially for newcomers or modern gamers. Gamepressure and Noisy Pixel argue that the dated gameplay and linear structure feel outdated compared to contemporary RPGs, while CGMagazine and Push Square criticize the "grindy" combat and lack of side quests, which could deter repeated playthroughs. The absence of significant new content or features, highlighted by Multiplayer.it, Nintendo World Report, and Critical Hits, is another recurring concern, with some noting that the collection lacks depth for players seeking innovation. Additionally, the inability to switch between modes mid-game, as pointed out by TheSixthAxis, and the lack of difficulty options (per Vandal) may frustrate purists or newer audiences. Critics like Forbes and RPG Site acknowledge quality-of-life improvements, but others, such as GamingTrend and Vandal, suggest these are insufficient to overcome the games’ inherent limitations for those unfamiliar with the series. The overall consensus among critics is that the Lunar Remastered Collection caters primarily to existing fans and retro RPG aficionados, with its replay value hinging on nostalgia and the dual-mode experience. While outlets like Cubed3, Inverse, and GameBlast praise its ability to attract both veterans and newcomers through accessibility and charm, many caution that the lack of substantial updates or new content may reduce long-term appeal for those outside the target audience. For instance, Nintendo Life and GamingTrend stress that nostalgia is the key driver, whereas Gamepressure and Final Weapon suggest it may not resonate with players seeking modern innovations. Despite mixed perspectives, the collection’s inclusion of both remastered and original versions, along with its historical significance, is seen as a strong selling point for dedicated fans, even if it falls short in offering fresh incentives for others. The balance between preserving the original spirit and addressing modern expectations remains a central debate in its replayability.