Today marks the exciting launch of the Lunar Remastered Collection on Xbox One, seamlessly compatible with the Xbox Series X|S. I had the pleasure of diving into conversation with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America, to unravel the story behind the creation of the game’s fresh logo. Our chat took us through her inspirations and the creative journey that led to this design masterpiece.
Hi Amy! Thanks for joining me today. Could you share a bit about your artistic journey and some standout projects you’ve been part of at GungHo?
Hi there! Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve had the fortune to work on a variety of projects, ranging from spearheading design for national tournament assets to collaborating on projects tied to globally recognized IPs. A significant milestone for me was leading the creative front on Grandia’s console port in 2024.
What was your immediate reaction when tasked with creating the new logo?
Tackling the Lunar logo was both thrilling and a tad daunting, given its central role in defining the brand’s identity. I began with multiple variations to explore different creative angles. It was a continuous process of refining and incorporating feedback, which eventually led us to the final design that met everyone’s expectations.
When crafting this new version, did the original logos serve as a reference?
Absolutely. I kicked off the project with some foundational research. Since this is a remaster, it was crucial for the logo to resonate with the cherished memories of the loyal Lunar fans. From there, I unleashed my creativity, sketching out numerous ideas. We toyed with numerous logo interpretations, tweaking everything from subtle changes to bold reimaginings. Ultimately, the design retained the classic Lunar red with a sparkling inner highlight, accentuated with golden hints to symbolize the remastered essence.
It sounds like the logo underwent quite a journey. What influenced the different iterations you designed?
For me, nostalgia was key. I wanted to preserve the original “Lunar” text’s iconic shape and hue while emphasizing its remastered nature. Our sketches ventured through various design paths to identify which elements resonated best. Some versions experimented with color, merging influences from both Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. Others played with accents inspired by elements like the dragon sword and ribbon from the Sega CD logo of Lunar 2. In the end, a fusion of prototypes helped mold the official logo.
Are there any particular features of the final logo that you hold dear?
I have a special fondness for the exaggerated tail in the ‘R’ of “Remastered,” reminiscent of the original Lunar logo. We enhanced the serifs on select letters in “Remastered Collection” to elevate the overall visual language.
Toshiyuki Kubooka, the original Lunar artist, crafted two new key visuals for the remaster. How did his work impact your packaging design approach?
Mr. Kubooka’s intricate detailing was awe-inspiring, particularly his fresh take with a darker backdrop. This made laying out the packaging straightforward, with minor adjustments to ensure all elements fit safely within the cover.
Let’s talk about the back cover. You had more creative leeway here; what guided your design choices?
Incorporating pixel sprites on the back was an early decision, as they exude a timeless charm and personality. This was complemented by game screenshots to give players a visual glimpse into the gameplay. I maintained coherence with the “Remastered” theme through color and font consistency. A gradient helped distinguish yet unite the two distinct games featured, delivering a cohesive collection feel.
What do you love most about the package design project?
It was incredibly fulfilling to collaborate under Mr. Kubooka’s artistic direction. I was fortunate to have robust support from both GungHo’s Marketing and Production teams, as well as the original Game Arts developers. This project epitomizes the fruit of collective contributions, and I truly hope everyone enjoys the final output as much as we did creating it!
The Lunar: Remastered Collection is now live on Xbox, ready to transport you into its enchanting realm. Dive into the classics of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, now enhanced with improved visuals and audio to reignite your passion for these beloved adventures. Whether you’re a longstanding fan or a newcomer, these timeless stories await your exploration!
