To mark the launch of the Lunar Remastered Collection, available today for Xbox One and compatible with Xbox Series X|S, I had an engaging conversation with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America. We delved into the creative journey behind the new logo for this remaster, discussing her inspirations, creative process, and more.
Hi Amy! Thanks for chatting with me. Could you share a bit about your artistic journey and some cool projects at GungHo?
Hi there! Sure thing. I’ve been lucky to work on a diverse range of projects, from designing for major tournaments to teaming up with some world-famous intellectual properties. My first significant project as a creative lead was the Grandia port for consoles, which is hitting the market in 2024.
What were your thoughts when you were handed the task of designing the logo?
I was both thrilled and a tad anxious when I got the chance to work on the Lunar logo, knowing its significance in the game’s brand image. I kicked off with a few variations and, through an iterative process of feedback and refinement, we reached the final design that you’ll see today.
In designing the new logo, how did the originals influence your approach?
My process always starts with some research. Given it’s a remaster, capturing the essence of the historical Lunar brand was crucial—especially for its longtime fans. Using that as a base, I brainstormed a multitude of ideas. We explored various versions, from subtle tweaks to significant overhauls. Ultimately, the final design retained Lunar’s iconic red with a touch of gold to enhance the remastered vibe.
The logo saw numerous iterations. Can you share where your inspiration came from for each version?
I aimed to preserve the nostalgic elements of the original "Lunar" text while embedding the remaster aspect. Experimenting with different design directions helped us identify what worked. Earlier versions played with color blends, while mid versions focused on incorporating elements like the dragon sword and ribbon from Lunar 2. Finally, mixing elements from various iterations gave birth to the official logo.
Is there a detail in the final logo design you especially enjoy?
Absolutely! The extended tail on the ‘R’ in "Remastered" is a personal favorite—it echoes the original Lunar logo’s ‘R’. I also tweaked certain letters in “Remastered Collection” to add a bit more flair and character.
The renowned artist Toshiyuki Kubooka provided new visuals. How did these influence the packaging design?
Kubooka’s detailed art was a visual treat and refreshing with its darker tones and collaged style. The front cover fitted almost seamlessly with the original visual, requiring minimal adjustment to ensure everything stayed within the safe zones.
Turning to the back cover, what was your thought process there?
I wanted to add pixel sprites for their nostalgic appeal, showcasing each character’s personality beautifully despite their simplicity. Paired with screenshots, these elements provided a nice overview of the game. Additionally, I incorporated elements from the logo in the color scheme and font to maintain brand consistency. A gradient was used in the background to distinguish the games while keeping a unified collection feel.
What aspect of the package design stands out to you?
Collaborating with Mr. Kubooka and across various teams was truly enriching. Crafting the design with input from GungHo’s Marketing and Production teams and Game Arts turned this package into a collaborative masterpiece which I hope resonates with everyone who encounters it.
The Lunar Remastered Collection is now ready for exploration on Xbox, bringing together two cherished JRPGs—Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete. With updated graphics, audio, and quality-of-life tweaks, these adventures promise to reignite the magic of 90s gaming nostalgia, now with expanded language support in English, Japanese, French, and German.
