Behind the Design: Crafting the Stellar Logo and Packaging for the Lunar Remastered Collection

The Lunar Remastered Collection makes its grand entrance on Xbox One today, fully compatible with the Xbox Series X|S. To mark this exciting launch, I had a chance to catch up with Amy Nguyen, the Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America, to chat about the creative journey behind the logo revamp. Amy shared insights into what sparked her creativity and walked us through the fascinating design process.

Hi Amy! Really appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. Could you share a bit about your artistic journey and any standout projects during your time at GungHo?

Hi there! Throughout my career here, I’ve worked on a variety of projects—designing assets for national tournaments and collaborating with globally recognized IPs. My first major stint as a creative lead was the 2024 console port of Grandia, which was a huge milestone for me.

What were your initial thoughts when the task of redesigning the Lunar logo was handed to you?

The prospect was both thrilling and a tad nerve-wracking! Lunar’s logo is pivotal to its brand essence, so I felt a great responsibility to get it just right. I started with multiple drafts, gradually honing in on a design direction through rounds of feedback until we nailed the final version.

In shaping the new logo, how did the previous designs influence your approach?

I always kick off with deep-diving into some research. Since this is a remaster, it was crucial to resonate with the long-time fans’ memories of Lunar’s branding. Using that nostalgia as a compass, I brainstormed an array of ideas—ranging from subtle adjustments to bold overhauls. Our choice? The timeless red of Lunar, with its iconic inner glow, complemented by fresh gold touches, crystalizing the remastered essence.

The logo went through several revisions. What was your creative inspiration for each variation?

Preserving Lunar’s famed text style and color was my primary focus, while weaving in the remaster’s flair. Most design sketches aimed at testing different paths, narrowing down likes and dislikes. For instance, designs two and three played with color blends—melding the red from Lunar: Silver Star Story with the blue from Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. Others, like sketches six through eleven and 17-18, explored accents, introducing elements such as the blue star and dragon sword. Ultimately, it was a fusion of sketches one and five that made it to the final design!

Are there certain features of the new logo you particularly cherish?

I especially adore the elongated tail on the ‘R’ in "Remastered," echoing the original Lunar script. We refined the serifs in letters like R, E, and N to enhance their visual interest.

Original Lunar artist Toshiyuki Kubooka added new visuals for the remaster. How did his work influence your packaging design?

Mr. Kubooka’s artistry left me in awe, especially with the darker, collaged visuals that offered a fresh twist on classic Lunar art. For the package’s front, the layout was a breeze since his artwork was nearly a perfect fit. Just a few tweaks were needed to ensure everything sat comfortably within the safe design zone.

Turning to the back cover design, you had a bit more freedom. How did you decide on the elements and layout?

I was eager to incorporate pixel sprites on the back—these graphics boast a nostalgic charm and unique character expression despite their simple nature. Paired with gameplay screenshots, they paint a comprehensive picture of the game’s essence. Weaving in elements like the logo’s gold hues and font ensured cohesive branding. To differentiate the distinct games while underlining the collection’s unity, I applied a subtle gradient background transition. This led to the final, harmonious layout you see today.

What was the highlight of the packaging design process for you?

Collaborating with Mr. Kubooka was truly a privilege, and the teamwork from GungHo’s Marketing and Production teams was invaluable. Working hand-in-hand with the original developers at Game Arts enriched the process further. This design reflects collective passion and dedication, and I truly hope everyone enjoys the finished product!

The Lunar Remastered Collection is now up for grabs on Xbox, inviting you to dive into its captivating realm.

Explore the enchanting tales of LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete, two timeless JRPGs cherished by generations. Step into LUNAR: Silver Star Story and join Alex on his quest to thwart the Magic Emperor’s dark ambitions, or journey through LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue, set a millennium after, where Hiro and his crew, including the mysterious Lucia, face formidable foes. This definitive edition brings enhanced graphics, audio, plus cool quality-of-life improvements, all sprinkled with the nostalgia of the 90s. Now available with language options in English, Japanese, French, and German, this remaster reimagines these beloved adventures with refreshed excitement!