Creating the Lunar Remastered Collection: The Story Behind Its Stellar Logo and Packaging Design

To mark the launch of the Lunar Remastered Collection on Xbox One (which also works on the Xbox Series X|S), I had a chance to have a nice chat with Amy Nguyen, our Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America, to get the scoop on the creation of this remaster’s logo. It was fascinating to discuss her sources of inspiration, her approach to design, and more.

Hi Amy! I appreciate you making time in your schedule to talk with me. Could you share a bit about your background in art and some standout projects you’ve tackled at GungHo?

Hey there! Absolutely. I’ve been involved in a diverse array of projects, ranging from asset design for national tournaments of one of our games to collaborations with famous IPs. My first major undertaking as the creative lead was the console port of Grandia, scheduled for release in 2024.

What went through your mind when you got the task of designing the Lunar logo?

I was thrilled albeit a tad apprehensive when handed this project. The Lunar logo is integral to the game’s branding, so I started with multiple variations. Once I got a clearer vision of the direction I wanted to take, feedback was key in refining the final design.

During the design process for the logo, did you draw upon the original logos at all?

Oh, definitely. My initial step is always some thorough research. Given that this is a remaster, we wanted the core design to echo the Lunar brand that fans cherish. From this starting point, I brainstormed and sketched a multitude of ideas. Several iterations later, we settled on this design: the iconic red of Lunar, with a radiant internal sheen and fresh gold accents to highlight the games’ remastered features.

It sounds like the logo saw quite a few transformations before finalizing. What inspired your various designs?

The nostalgia surrounding the original “Lunar” text and colors was my primary compass, alongside the fact that this is a remaster. We explored diverse design paths to determine what resonated. For instance, some variations explored color, blending elements from both Lunar games. Others emphasized different accents, like the dragon sword and ribbon from Lunar 2, alongside visual nuances like a blue star. Eventually, merging elements from designs one and five gave birth to the official logo.

Are there particular elements in the finalized logo that you’re particularly fond of?

I have a soft spot for the exaggerated tail on the ‘R’ in “Remastered”, which harks back to the original Lunar logo. For some letters in “Remastered Collection”, like R, E, and N, I played with the serifs to add a bit more flair and intrigue to the overall aesthetic.

The original Lunar artist, Toshiyuki Kubooka, added two new visuals for this remaster. What were your impressions, and how did they guide your package design approach?

Mr. Kubooka’s attention to detail in the compositions was truly captivating. His pieces brought a fresh yet familiar twist to Lunar’s artistry, with a darker background and collaged composition. The key visual fit almost seamlessly onto the front packaging with only minor adjustments for safety zone compliance.

Turning our attention to the back cover, I understand you had a bit more creative freedom there. How did you approach the design?

I wanted to incorporate pixel sprites on the back, as their nostalgic charm effortlessly conveys character despite their simplicity. To complement these, I included screenshots that provide a glimpse of the game’s content. I ensured the design tied into the remastered elements, like the gold color scheme, to maintain brand consistency. Differentiating the games visually while giving the unified feel of a collection, I opted for a gradient transition in the background. The culmination of these elements became our final layout.

What design aspect of the package do you love most?

It was a pleasure to collaborate with Mr. Kubooka, guided by his art direction, and to work alongside teams from Marketing, Production, and Game Arts. This package design is a product of everyone’s passion and dedication. I really hope it’s something that fans out there will cherish!

Lunar: Remastered Collection is out now on Xbox, waiting for you to explore its enchanting worlds.

The collection invites you into the magical realms of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, two timeless JRPGs that have earned a special place in the hearts of many gamers.

In LUNAR: Silver Star Story, you join Alex, an aspiring Dragonmaster, on his adventurous quest to vanquish the Magic Emperor alongside his friends. Then, in LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue, set a millennium later, you’ll follow Hiro and his allies, including the mysterious Lucia, as they combat threats from foes like Borgan and White Knight Leo.

This definitive remaster offers enhanced graphics, audio, and improvements that heighten the nostalgic experience of these beloved titles. Experience these legendary adventures anew, available in multiple languages such as English, Japanese, French, and German.