Lunar Remastered Collection: Release Date Revealed

The eagerly awaited Lunar Remastered Collection is set to launch on April 18, bringing a nostalgic journey back to fans across PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, with compatibility extended to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Game Arts and published by GungHo Online Entertainment, this collection revives the beloved first two Lunar games with updated graphics, re-recorded soundtracks, and a host of quality-of-life enhancements.

The announcement of the Lunar Remastered Collection during the 2024 Sony State of Play came as a delightful surprise to JRPG enthusiasts. Originally launched in 1992 with Lunar: The Silver Star for the Sega CD, followed by Lunar: Eternal Blue in 1994, the series has a storied history. These titles were later remade for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn as Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete, respectively. The Lunar series holds a special place in the hearts of many as one of the premier RPGs on the Sega Saturn, making the remastered collection a much-anticipated release.

GungHo Online Entertainment has confirmed that the Lunar Remastered Collection will be available both digitally and in physical editions in select stores across North America and Europe. The remaster brings modern enhancements such as widescreen support, renovated pixel art, and high-definition cutscenes. For those who cherish the original aesthetic, a classic mode will be available, allowing players to experience the game with PS1-era graphics.

Lunar Remastered Collection Release Date

The collection will also feature fully voiced dialogue in both Japanese and English, alongside newly added French and German subtitles, enhancing the immersive experience. In terms of gameplay, players can look forward to a speed-up command for combat and new strategies for auto-battle, ensuring that the gameplay feels fresh and streamlined. These quality-of-life features, such as combat acceleration, have become a staple in modern remasters of classic JRPGs, as seen in titles like Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake and the upcoming Suikoden 1 & 2 HD Remaster.

The Lunar series exemplifies the trend of revitalizing classic JRPGs for today's platforms. While the commercial success of the Lunar Remastered Collection remains to be seen, the positive reception of the Grandia HD Collection, a previous collaboration between Game Arts and GungHo Online Entertainment, suggests promising outcomes for this latest endeavor.