Lunar: The Silver Star

[Cyric]

Just posting a poll with this for the sake of curiousity. (I voted in favour of the SegaCD version because I've seen what they did to it for the PSX version)

I'm playing through the original SegaCD version right now, and I'm utterly blown away by how rich the story is. I'm really beginning to think the fact that it was the best selling game of all-time for the SegaCD, is an insult to the game because of how quickly the console died. I've only just made it to the Nanza Barrier, and I am getting the feeling that the game is only going to keep getting better. Not to mention the soundtrack is EPIC! Especially the 'new' overworld music, it kind of reminds me of the theme from FFIV

My only problem with the game is I'm STILL trying to figure out the mechanics to changing the party's order rather than just selecting random people until it's in the order I want.

If you've never played this game, and you like the Final Fantasy franchise, I IMPLORE you to play it!

[Wolf Kanno]

Lunar is one of my favorite RPGs and the game blew me away when I finally got the chance to play it. I've only played the PSX version but must say that most of the changes seem to be for the best and Working Design did a fine job with it.

Its sequel is pretty awesome as well. I haven't tried the new one but bad reviews have me wary of it as well.

I need to bust this game out and play it again.

[Cyric]

Lunar is one of my favorite RPGs and the game blew me away when I finally got the chance to play it. I've only played the PSX version but must say that most of the changes seem to be for the best and Working Design did a fine job with it.

The thing that really killed the PSX version for me, is that the moment you meet Ghaleon, he LOOKS evil which completely gets rid of the shock of when he kills Quark. Sometimes too much animation in a remake can ruin the mood that the story creates. IMO that is. Maybe when I officially beat the original, I may try to stomach the PSX remake to see the pros and cons of each.

Here's the opinion of someone that appears to have played both the SegaCD and PSX versions.

So... is the music really that good? - Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete Message Board for PlayStation - GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/genmessage.php?board=197808&topic=48601469)


The difference is much more pronounced in the remake of Lunar 1 than it is in the sequel, and it's not only because the Lunar 2 remake uses most of the same music as the original (though yes, that does contribute to it a great deal). The Sega CD version of Lunar: The Silver Star is all-around much darker than the remake, in pretty much every definition of the word "darker." The storyline takes much darker turns in a few places, the music is less cheerful, and the color palette is even darker than the remake.

To compare and contrast, here are the opening cinematics for the two games.

Original: YouTube - Attract Mode - Lunar The Silver Star (Sega-CD) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1BNr1UVLAo)
Remake: YouTube - Lunar Silver Star Story Complete English Intro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEIURTJKek0)

As you can see, the remake's tone is generally a lot lighter. With the sequel, however, the remake is much more faithful to the original in nearly every regard, with only a few tweaks here and there to the story and the gameplay, and mostly the same music.

And if you want to experience just how dark it is, feel free to watch-along with the video walkthrough I doing of it on YouTube.

YouTube - Lunar: The Silver Star [SegaCD] (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C3D5B088239662D7)

[Wolf Kanno]

Ghaleon looks plain evil imo. I understand where you're coming from. Though I feel the change of letting Luna travel longer with Alex makes her kidnapping more emotionally charged cause you got to spend more time with her and she grew on you more. It also made the final scene in the game much more powerful. I don't understand why games don't use that trick as often.

Her boat scene is also one of the highlights of the PSX version. I feel the PSX version gave Luna more chances to grow on the character and expand her beyond simple "childhood friend with a secret". For new fans, they might feel cheated out of that particular plot twist but I feel the game more than makes up for it with strengthening the games awesome characters.

EDIT:

The amusing thing about the different openings is how each represents a different part of the game. The original focuses on the second half while the remake focuses on the first half (with a slight hint of the second.)

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

The remake is one of my favorite games of all time. I'm aware of all the plot holes it introduces by changing around Ghaleon's motivations and other parts of the plot, and I definitely prefer some of the music from the Sega CD version; on the other hand, I think prefer just as many of the changes. And it's just beautiful.

[Cyric]

Ghaleon looks plain evil imo.

When I first met Ghaleon in the original, I seriously thought he would end up being like Auron from FFX.

[Wolf Kanno]

When I first saw him in a magazine ad back in 92 or 93, I felt he looked like an atypical evil chancellor leading the good king astray. When I finally played the game, I wasn't terribly surprised he was the villain but then again, I can't say there was much in this game that wasn't somewhat predictable. I feel I would have felt the same had I played the original first.

I feel most games have a hard time creating a villain that disguises themselves as a good guy, but to their defense, I'm a paranoid misanthrope who's waiting for the day your mute main character reveals at the end he's actually the evil mastermind.

[KentaRawr!]

I remember playing a Lunar game on the GBA. I really, really, REALLY liked that game! Whenever someone would ask what I was playing, I'd reply "Oh, nothing, just the best game ever!"

Little did I know I was playing what is commonly hailed as the absolute worst version of that game. :roll2

[Heath]

I remember playing a Lunar game on the GBA. I really, really, REALLY liked that game! Whenever someone would ask what I was playing, I'd reply "Oh, nothing, just the best game ever!"

Little did I know I was playing what is commonly hailed as the absolute worst version of that game. :roll2

Lunar Legend is still playable though. And better than not playing it at all!

I've not played the SegaCD version, only the PSX and GBA. I prefer the PSX version of the two.

As far as Ghaleon goes, I was initially quite surprised when he turned out to be evil. I didn't get the impression that he looked evil, just that he looks quite mage-y. Perhaps that could be put down to my then relative inexperience with RPGs though.

[Carl the Llama]

Lunar is without a doubt my all time favorite RPG, and as to which version I prefer? the PSX version ofc, there is just so much more character development, and every time something happens in the game all the npc's across the world have something new to say.

On a side note, its strange that you should make this thread, I only just started playig the game again a few days ago lol. Oh and whats the deal with Nall, is it a girl or a guy flying cat? with the voice iv always assumed it was female but meh.

[KentaRawr!]

Lunar is without a doubt my all time favorite RPG, and as to which version I prefer? the PSX version ofc, there is just so much more character development, and every time something happens in the game all the npc's across the world have something new to say.

On a side note, its strange that you should make this thread, I only just started playig the game again a few days ago lol. Oh and whats the deal with Nall, is it a girl or a guy flying cat? with the voice iv always assumed it was female but meh.

I'm pretty positive it's a male.

[Araciel]

I like SSSC but it's the only one i've played.

[theundeadhero]

I played through the PSX version around eight years ago and it wasn't until after I beat the game that I realized how much I didn't like the game. It's the only game I can remember where I was glad to be over with instead of somewhat mellow the adventure was over. What got to me the most was the repetitiveness of the combat. Oh, here's a blue blob on the map. When I touch it I'm going to fight this, this, and this every single time. In that fight every character did the exact same thing they did the last time they fought that monster set. It drove me crazy by the end.

Maybe I'll find a rom of the SegaCD version.

[Moon Rabbits]

And it's just beautiful.

I love the PSX version for that. And everything else. I couldn't dig the SegaCD version ... I don't know why.




On a side note, its strange that you should make this thread, I only just started playig the game again a few days ago lol. Oh and whats the deal with Nall, is it a girl or a guy flying cat? with the voice iv always assumed it was female but meh.

I'm pretty positive it's a male.

Nall is male. Play Eternal Blue, you'll see~

[Carl the Llama]

but why oh why did he have such a girly voice... bad choice of voice actor im thinking... prolly was a girl who did it.

[Wolf Kanno]

Guys can't really do kid voices and most child stars don't bother with VA work. They want to star in cereal commercials :roll2

Like 90% of all kid voices are done by women, both in Japan and the U.S. Hell, women even play adult male voices like Son Goku in the Japanese version of DBZ. Naruto is played by a girl in both the Japanese and English versions. Its a weird industry...

[Roogle]

This is one of my favorite games of all time. I chose Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete over Lunar: The Silver Star.

Like Kawaii Ryûkishi, I prefer the music and the darker tone of the original over the music and lighter tone of the remake, but I think that the remake made a few changes that helped involve the player emotionally. Allowing Luna to stay in the party was a good decision, and this is the type of change that I look for in a remake. As someone who played the original a few times in childhood, I always imagined that Luna would have reservations about staying behind and that made the scene where she changes her mind at the last minute instead all the more worthwhile.

I wish that the remake of Lunar: Eternal Blue was altered in a similar manner as I found it a little too similar to the original for my liking. In one case, a scenario where Ghaleon attacks and crystallizes Hiro leaves the player in control of Lucia as the party splits up. I thought this was a good scenario, but it was left out of the remake.

[Ultima Shadow]

This, as well as Lunar 2: Eternal Blue, will always have a special place in my heart. Both games are absolutely amazing and two of my all time fav RPGs. Ghaleon is just plain awesome in both as well, and one of my fav game villains.

...and I prefere the PSX version, since that's the only one I've played. :greenie:

[Tempest]

I've only ever played the Sega CD version but, it's a great game. I still hum the song Luna sings sometimes.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Well, this thread was timely.

Remake time (http://i40.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/dm8q46.jpg).

[Shoeberto]

I remember playing a Lunar game on the GBA. I really, really, REALLY liked that game! Whenever someone would ask what I was playing, I'd reply "Oh, nothing, just the best game ever!"

Little did I know I was playing what is commonly hailed as the absolute worst version of that game. :roll2
Until I read this thread, I had totally forgotten that I own and had nearly beaten this version at some point. I enjoyed it a lot at the time, but the fact that it was so immediately forgettable (compared to a thread full of fond memories) seems to speak volumes about its quality compared to the original.

[Roogle]

Well, this thread was timely.

Remake time (http://i40.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/dm8q46.jpg).

Yes, I read about that on another site. I have not seen a translation for the article and I wonder about what storyline changes this one will have over the original. The good thing about the remakes of this game is that they always tweak slight details about the storyline. For example, where will Nash first join the party this time?

[Cyric]

Well, this thread was timely.

Remake time (http://i40.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/dm8q46.jpg).

methinks it's about time I bought myself a PSP. LOL

First Dissidia, now this...

I gotta admit though, I'm REALLY getting pulled into the story at the end, I'm actually getting emotionally charged for the final battle(s) after Ghaleon uses Luna/Althena to blow Vane from the sky.

[theundeadhero]

I've played up to the Nanza barrier on the SegaCD version now and I have to admit I'm enjoying it a lot. The darker music and feel of the game suits me much more than the PSX remake.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

More media from Famitsu (http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/1224128_1407.html). It actually looks all right, considering you'd think they'd just be trying to bleed some sales from an old game with minimal effort, as with Square's Final Fantasy ports.

[Roogle]

RPGFan (http://rpgfan.com/news/2009/198.html) is reporting that this variation of the game will have updated graphics, cutscenes, and sound and a new scenario highlighting past events. This might be a scenario played from the perspective of Dyne or Ghaleon. Please remember this thread if you come across any new information regarding this upcoming game.

[RedPouch]

Man, I liked Silver Star Story Complete, but the music in that game just pissed me off. It honestly sounded like some kid's show or something. Now I want to listen to the soundtrack for the original Sega CD version. Based on how you guys described it, I'm intrigued!

[Magixion]

1up.com had an article up for a short time with some actual images of the remake for PSP coming up, and I must say, I like it. I will see if I can scrounge up the images on the net and share them on here for you all to see.

[Kawaii Ryûkishi]

Man, I liked Silver Star Story Complete, but the music in that game just pissed me off. It honestly sounded like some kid's show or something. Now I want to listen to the soundtrack for the original Sega CD version. Based on how you guys described it, I'm intrigued!

Check these out! </Nash>



Burg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeXw19m_1-Y&fmt=18)

Lively Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQVtfye4aJA&fmt=18)

Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDp4cUAZ7M&fmt=18)

Boss Battle 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB-eNpSrgN8&fmt=18)

Overworld Theme 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYXxCPZV4I&fmt=18)

[Cyric]

Man, I liked Silver Star Story Complete, but the music in that game just pissed me off. It honestly sounded like some kid's show or something. Now I want to listen to the soundtrack for the original Sega CD version. Based on how you guys described it, I'm intrigued!

Check these out! </Nash>



Burg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeXw19m_1-Y&fmt=18)

Lively Village (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQVtfye4aJA&fmt=18)

Battle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDp4cUAZ7M&fmt=18)

Boss Battle 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB-eNpSrgN8&fmt=18)

Overworld Theme 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYXxCPZV4I&fmt=18)

Don't forget the original Sad Theme...well composed, really tugs the heartstrings...

Sad Theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L9_UnhzeVE)

[RedPouch]

Yeah, out of curiosity I decided to get the soundtrack so I could listen to it myself. It seems so much different than the Playstation version does...

Honestly, the Playstation version of this game has a horrible soundtrack. It's along the lines of what they did to ruin my favourite musics from FF IV in the DS remake.

[Roogle]

Honestly, the Playstation version of this game has a horrible soundtrack. It's along the lines of what they did to ruin my favourite musics from FF IV in the DS remake.

To be fair, the Nintendo DS version of the game suffered from instrumentation and sound issues rather than having a majority of the soundtrack replaced with more lighthearted songs.

My favorite video game music composer is Noriyuki Iwadare. I love the original soundtrack a lot more than the remade soundtrack, but I appreciate both because they both have his style that I have come to know and love.

[Dreddz]

Nothing beats those Yamaha sound chips used for the Sega CD version. When it comes to retro games, always pick the version on a Sega system.

[Magixion]

RPGFan Pictures - Lunar: Harmony of Silver Star - Screen Shots (http://www.rpgfan.com/pics/Lunar_Harmony_of_Silver_Star/index.html)

Screen shots of the new PSP remake coming out. What does everyone think?

[Ultima Shadow]

Well, this thread was timely.

Remake time (http://i40.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/dm8q46.jpg).

OH YES, GOD YESSS!!!

[Dignified Pauper]

I don't know if I like this remake's look.

[Zeromus_X]

This is one of those games I've always heard about but never played. I'm glad it's getting remade (again) so that it'll be more available.