With the highly anticipated release of the Lunar Remastered Collection now available for Xbox One (also playable on Xbox Series X|S), I had a fascinating discussion with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America. We delved into the creation of the remaster’s logo, exploring her inspirations and design journey.
Starting with your background, Amy, and your notable projects at GungHo, could you share some highlights?
Hello there! Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work across a spectrum of projects—from designing assets for national tournaments to working on collaborations with famous IPs. My first major endeavor as the creative lead was the console port of Grandia set for 2024.
What was it like being tasked with redesigning the Lunar logo?
When the project landed on my desk, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation kicked in. The Lunar logo is iconic, crucial to the game’s identity. Initially, I trialed various styles before refining the design through multiple feedback cycles, which gradually shaped the final version.
In redesigning, did you consider the original Lunar logos?
Absolutely. Before diving into sketches, I did some initial research. Given our focus on remastering, it was vital that the logo felt familiar to longtime fans. Building on the legacy, I explored numerous design iterations—from subtle tweaks to bold changes. We ultimately blended the classic red with new gold accents to honor the game’s remastered identity.
Can you talk us through your thought process with the various logo iterations?
My approach was rooted in nostalgia, preserving elements from the original "Lunar" text while acknowledging the remastering. Early sketches tested different color combinations and design accents, like sword motifs and ribbon details from the Sega CD logos. Eventually, a hybrid of several drafts resulted in the logo you see today, melding tradition with new flair.
What unique details were incorporated into the final logo design?
I’m particularly fond of the elongated ‘R’ in "Remastered," echoing the classic design’s charm. For letters in the title, like R, E, and N, I emphasized the serifs for added visual intrigue.
Regarding the packaging, Toshiyuki Kubooka’s art contributions influenced the design. How did you integrate them?
Kubooka’s fresh take on Lunar’s visuals left me spellbound, notably his intricate compositions. Creating the cover was seamless, thanks to his artwork fitting beautifully, requiring only minimal repositioning for a safe layout fit.
On the back cover, you had more flexibility with the layout. What considerations guided your design choices?
One of my early decisions was to incorporate pixel sprites, nostalgic echoes of the game’s history. Combined with game screenshots, they provided a sense of continuity and familiarity. I tied in elements from the “Remastered” logo, using the gold accents and fonts to maintain cohesion. The use of gradients helped demarcate the two games while unifying them under a single collection theme.
What do you love most about the package design for the collection?
Collaborating under Mr. Kubooka’s artistic vision, while being supported by GungHo’s teams and Game Arts, was deeply fulfilling. The package design is truly a testament to collective creativity, and I hope it resonates with everyone who sees it!
The Lunar: Remastered Collection is now ready for adventure on Xbox. Immerse yourself in these timeless journeys with unforgettable tales and characters.
Game enthusiasts and newcomers alike can indulge in this beautifully enhanced trip down memory lane, priced at $49.99. Featuring updated graphics, audio quality, and multilingual support, this collection promises to reignite the nostalgic flame of the beloved JRPG classics, offering the best of both old and new.
