Lunar Remastered Collection has just made its debut on Xbox One, and it’s also compatible with the Xbox Series X|S. I had the unique opportunity to chat with GungHo America’s Senior Graphic Designer, Amy Nguyen, about the evolution of the game’s logo and the intriguing history behind it.
To celebrate the launch of Lunar Remastered Collection, I sat down with Amy Nguyen, our Senior Graphic Designer. We delved into her creative journey with this project, discussing the inspiration and thought process that brought the remastered logo to life.
Hi, Amy! Thanks for joining me today. Could you share a bit about your artistic journey and the significant projects you’ve been a part of at GungHo?
Hello! It’s great to be here. At GungHo, I’ve been fortunate to work on diverse projects, from creating assets for national game tournaments to collaborating with globally recognized IPs. My career highlight so far has been leading the creative direction for the Grandia port on consoles, set for 2024.
What were your initial thoughts when tasked with designing the new logo?
I felt a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness. Designing the Lunar logo was a thrilling challenge since it symbolizes the game’s brand identity. I began with a few concepts, and after much feedback and refinement, we finally arrived at the design you see today.
In revamping the logo, did you draw from the original designs?
Absolutely. I started with research, wanting this remastered logo to resonate with long-time fans of Lunar. Using the iconic elements of the original as a base, I sketched numerous concepts. After exploring various iterations, we settled on a design that combines the classic red color of Lunar with gold highlights, reflecting its remastered essence.
It looks like you went through several versions to finalize the logo. Can you talk about what inspired each iteration?
My primary goal was to maintain the nostalgic elements of the original Lunar text while infusing modern touches. Each sketch was an exploration—some played with colors, combining elements from different games, while others tested shapes and accents like the dragon sword and ribbon motifs. Ultimately, a blend of designs one and five shaped the official logo.
Interesting! Are there any specific details in the logo you’re particularly proud of?
I’m fond of how the ‘R’ in “Remastered” pays homage to the original Lunar logo. By emphasizing serifs in select letters, we’ve added depth and character to the brand’s visual language.
I hear that Toshiyuki Kubooka, the original artist, contributed new visuals for the remaster. How did his work influence your approach to the packaging?
Kubooka’s detailed key visuals for each game were absolutely stunning. They added a fresh perspective to Lunar art, with darker tones and a layered composition. They fit the cover almost perfectly, allowing for only minor tweaks. His artwork truly steered my approach to the packaging design.
And the back cover? How did you approach its design, given more freedom?
I wanted to include pixel sprites on the back for their nostalgic appeal. The sprites, paired with screenshots, offer a glimpse into the game’s world. Design-wise, elements from the logo, like the gold color, tie everything together. The background features a gradient, distinguishing the games while unifying the collection’s overall theme.
Lastly, what’s your favorite aspect of the package design?
Collaborating with Mr. Kubooka and our talented teams at GungHo and Game Arts was a dream. It was a collaborative effort across sections, blending various talents and ideas into one cohesive design. I hope players enjoy the box as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Lunar Remastered Collection is now available on Xbox, offering a nostalgic journey through LUNAR: Silver Star Story and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue, both enhanced with modern upgrades. Dive into these timeless JRPG adventures, now with improved graphics, audio, and a choice of languages.
