Lunar Remastered Collection: The Creation of Its Stunning Logo and Packaging Design

With the launch of the Lunar Remastered Collection now available on Xbox One and compatible with Xbox Series X|S, I took the opportunity to have a conversation with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America. Our discussion focused on how the design of the new remaster’s logo came about, exploring her inspirations, design methodologies, and more.

Hello Amy! I’m thrilled to chat with you today. Can you share some details about your artistic journey and maybe mention some notable projects you’ve been involved with during your time at GungHo?

Hi there! It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve worked on a variety of projects—everything from designing assets for national gaming tournaments to creating collaborations with iconic intellectual properties. A significant milestone for me was taking on the role of creative lead for the Grandia port on consoles in 2024.

How did you feel about the task of designing the new Lunar logo?

When the project was first presented to me, I felt both excited and a little nervous! The Lunar logo is essential in encapsulating the brand’s identity, so it was quite the responsibility. I kicked off by exploring several variations and went through a cycle of receiving and implementing feedback until we settled on the final design.

Did the original logos influence your design process for this remastered version?

Absolutely, my process began with extensive research. Since this is a remaster, it was important for the logo to echo the original Lunar brand that fans have cherished. I sketched numerous ideas, testing variations that ranged from subtle tweaks to distinct changes. The final design retains Lunar’s nostalgic red hue, complemented by gold accents to highlight the remastered quality.

Where did you draw your inspiration while developing different iterations of the logo?

The key was to preserve the nostalgic look and feel of the original “Lunar” design while highlighting the remastered aspect. We played around with multiple sketches to pinpoint what resonated best. For instance, some variations blended colors from “Lunar: Silver Star Story” and “Lunar 2: Eternal Blue,” while others incorporated elements like the dragon sword and blue star from the Sega CD era. Ultimately, we merged several ideas into the final logo.

Is there anything specific you’d like to highlight about the finalized logo design?

I love the elongated ‘R’ in “Remastered,” which subtly mirrors the ‘R’ in the original logo. We amplified the serifs on letters like R, E, and N in “Remastered Collection” to refine the logo’s shape and add appeal.

I hear Toshiyuki Kubooka, the original Lunar artist, contributed new visuals for the remaster. How did that influence your packaging design approach?

Mr. Kubooka’s attention to detail blew me away! His approach to incorporating a darker background with a collage composition was refreshing. For the front packaging, it was almost seamless, adjusting only slightly to fit the cover’s safety parameters.

Discussing the back cover, I understand you had more creative freedom. What guided your choices there?

I wanted to infuse the back cover with the nostalgic charm of pixel sprites because they convey so much character. Complemented by screenshots, these elements give players a glimpse of the game. We also ensured the elements tied back to the remastered logo by integrating gold hues and consistent font.

Can you point out what part of the package design you’re most fond of?

Collaborating with Mr. Kubooka and the entire team was a highlight. The project brought together various departments at GungHo, as well as Game Arts. This effort resulted in a package design that’s truly a product of collective dedication. I hope it resonates as well with gamers as it did with us while creating it!

Lunar: Remastered Collection is now live on Xbox. Dive into these captivating JRPG adventures and experience them like never before, thanks to enhanced graphics and an array of quality-of-life improvements that elevate these beloved classics. Enjoy exploring the worlds of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, now available in multiple languages including English, Japanese, French, and German.