The Lunar Remastered Collection has just hit the shelves for Xbox One, and it’s also ready for play on the Xbox Series X|S. To dive deeper into this launch, I had the pleasure of catching up with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America. We chatted about the fascinating journey involved in creating the new logo, including the inspiration and design process that went into it.
So, Amy, it’s great to have you here for a chat. Let’s start with your artistic journey and some of the exciting projects you’ve tackled at GungHo.
Hello there! It’s been an exciting ride here, working on different projects. I’ve been fortunate to handle everything from designing assets for our national tournaments to teaming up with international IPs. My big break as a creative lead came with the console port of Grandia in 2024.
How did you feel when you were tasked with designing the logo for this remaster?
I was both thrilled and a bit anxious. The Lunar logo is crucial for the game’s brand identity. Initially, I tried a variety of concepts, seeking a clear direction for the design. It was a continuous loop of feedback and revision until we finally nailed it down.
When creating the new logo, did you look back at the original designs for inspiration?
Absolutely. I began with some initial research. Given that we are releasing a remaster, I wanted the new logo to reflect the cherished brand image of Lunar. I brainstormed numerous ideas, made many sketches, and explored different variations. The outcome is a blend of the classic Lunar’s red with an inner shine, augmented by new gold accents to represent the remaster’s enhancements.
What inspired the various iterations of the logo during its development?
I aimed to preserve the nostalgic form and colors of the original Lunar text while highlighting that this version is a remaster. I experimented with different designs to pinpoint what resonated with us. We played around with color combinations from Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue, while integrating iconic elements like the dragon sword and the ribbon from Lunar 2’s Sega CD logo. Eventually, a fusion of concepts from different variations became the finalized logo.
Is there a particular detail in the final logo that stands out to you?
I’m quite fond of the extended tail in the ‘R’ of “Remastered." It mirrors the ‘R’ in the original Lunar logo. I also slightly exaggerated the serifs on certain letters to enhance the overall design.
Original Lunar artist Toshiyuki Kubooka contributed to this remaster with two new key visuals. How did these influence your packaging design process?
Mr. Kubooka’s detailed compositions were stunning. The fresh, darker backgrounds with collaged elements provided a unique take on previous Lunar art. As for the cover, the art fit seamlessly, requiring only minor adjustments to ensure everything was aligned correctly.
When it came to designing the back cover, what thought process guided your choices?
I wanted to incorporate pixel sprites for their nostalgic appeal, alongside gameplay screenshots to give players a visual taste of the content. The design tied together elements from the “Remastered” logo, using similar gold coloring and fonts. To showcase the two games while maintaining a cohesive feel, I utilized a gradient transition for the background.
What do you love most about the package design?
Collaborating under Mr. Kubooka’s artistic vision was a highlight, and the teamwork across different departments, including marketing and production, was immensely rewarding. The package design represents collective efforts, and I hope it brings joy to those who experience it.
Lunar: Remastered Collection is available right now on Xbox, inviting players to relive the nostalgia of classics like LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete. Embark on unforgettable adventures with refreshed graphics, improved audio, and added language support. Dive into these iconic JRPGs and savor the remastered essence of their epic tales.
