Has anyone here played the Lunar games?

Bhaalspawn Jr · Post by **Bhaalspawn Jr** » November 30th, 2025, 03:41

There's like a dozen versions of the first game (The Silver Star), and opinions are varied on which is the best one to play.

You've got the og on the Sega CD:

The PS1 'Complete' version:

A Sega Saturn version:

A Game Boy Advance 'retelling':

A PSP remake:

And yet another recently released remaster on PC and modern consoles:

Was just going to dive into the PC one, but reviews say they messed it up by removing content and that it isn't much of a remaster at all.

Seems to be a beloved hidden gem from the 90s. I really want to try it, but ****, all these different versions and arguments for the best one are putting me off.

Post by **Tangerine** » November 30th, 2025, 04:19

I got the special edition of Lunar 2 that came with all sorts of doodads, including a necklace. It didn't make too much of an impression on me, as I don't remember much about it besides it dragging on a bit long, nor do I remember any of the characters besides Ronfar, the womanizing gambler priest.

jdcp · Post by **jdcp** » November 30th, 2025, 04:50

I've only played the ps1 Lunar 1 and the Saturn 2

They're alright, nothing impressive, nothing bad either. Good music like most JRPGs

I've heard the saturn versions are actually remakes, at least the 2 is. Personally I think Saturn got better options to play than Lunar, but they're by no means bad games. I'd say they're good games for a kid, which is probably the intended demographic.

Post by **King Crispy** » December 27th, 2025, 07:27

I thought the 2nd game was quite funny back when I was young. Lots of humour. Story wise it isn't that interesting now but back in the 90s it was enjoyable. The only characters that really stood out was Jean, was the hot gypsy martial artist, and Ronfar (priest), as those characters would interact in ways that got on each other's nerves. Ronfar would say something sexist and Jean would chide him for it x 1000. It was funny back in the day. These days it might be considered illegal humour among a specific crowd.

Post by **Magick** » December 27th, 2025, 23:41

Hm I'd like to try these, but not sure whether to get the Silver Star Story Complete & Eternal Blue Complete versions for my Saturn emulator, or the "Remastered" version for Windows..

Anyone know which is "better"?
Trying to research but mostly finding graphical comparisons.

Cipher · Post by **Cipher** » December 28th, 2025, 00:34

The PSX versions were crazy in terms of how much value they had since Working Designs went out of their way to make them feel special.

I have never been a "collector" of anything, but I am still very happy I got those. The games have great music and a fun battle system with stuff like having to actually move to engage in melee combat and that means you could have a situation with not enough movement speed to reach the target. The cool thing is that this applies to both the Player and the monsters, so positioning played a factor. Skills and magic also work in a specific AoE so a "circle" attack would only hit enemies within that area.

Sure, by today standards it may not seem much, but for JRPGs at the time it was very novel and not done before as far as I can tell. FF had the "front row and back row" but that's it. And sure, the combat screen wasn't that big so its not like it was 'tactical' but it was cool. The story is a very simple hero's journey. The twist is obvious even for me at 13 years old when I played it but its just nice. It's like Star Wars, a simple story executed very well, with great sprite work and music.

I wouldn't call it something impressive but its like Super Mario RPG, a simple game with great production values that is a solid starting point for the genre. Just like Symphony of the Night, for all the faults of the VA at least they cared and put on an effort. The new voices sound bland and without emotion.

I think the Remastered Collection censored some innuendo here and there but I wouldn't call it a deal breaker. I haven't played the remastered collection so I can't say for certain they didn't add woke ******** to it but from what I read they didn't. I assume the character that had most lines changed was Kyle as he has a lot of edge on his lines and I think that edge was filled out which would be a shame as it fits his character. I would say play the originals on Duckstation, they are free so you really can't loose anything trying them out. I don't particularly like some of the effects and filters that they added to the sprite work in the Remastered Collection. But, I say the games are fun if you like JRPGs.

The Sega version is a little more raw and primitive. The sprite work is worst but there are some songs that were changed in the PSX original "remaster" that are only in those versions. Also, there are some minor differences in the story, for example the 1st one ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger that is not resolved until you play Lunar 2. Whereas the PSX versions clearly show the aftermath of the 1st game so the "reveal" in the 2nd about how it all ended is already spoiled. And Xenobia, the Big Bad's top henchwoman works alone in the originals whereas in the following versions she is assisted by her two sisters who did not even exist in the original. Luna also has an expanded role and stays with the party for longer. In the original Sega CD, she only accompanies Alex all the way to the port town and then returns home alone.

The PSP version added some terrible "prologue" to clearly bait a prequel with Dyne as the protagonist but, without delving into heavy spoilers, let's just say the characterization makes little sense compared to what we know of the 4 Heroes in the actual games. The dungeons are shorter and simpler from what I remember and the game is easier. The character models look more detailed, I guess. I wouldn't recommend that version at all.

The GBA version is just a demake of the PSX version so its worst in every aspect than even the SEGA CD original.

To summarize: If you are looking to play it, I believe the best version is the PSX "COMPLETE" versions of Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue. If you want authenticity, go with the SEGA CD originals. If you want "modern" conveniences like widescreen and being able to play it in HD then I guess the Remastered Collection on Steam. Any other versions are not worth your time.

Cipher · Post by **Cipher** » December 28th, 2025, 00:35

BobT wrote: ↑ December 27th, 2025, 23:41
Hm I'd like to try these, but not sure whether to get the Silver Star Story Complete & Eternal Blue Complete versions for my Saturn emulator, or the "Remastered" version for Windows..

Anyone know which is "better"?
Trying to research but mostly finding graphical comparisons.

In my humble opinion, the PSX versions are the best. Then the Sega CD originals for authenticity. I haven't played the Remastered Collection that just released but I don't like the new voices or the filters they added to the graphics. I guess having widescreen is nice, though.

Post by **Magick** » December 28th, 2025, 02:11

Cipher wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 00:35

BobT wrote: ↑ December 27th, 2025, 23:41
Hm I'd like to try these, but not sure whether to get the Silver Star Story Complete & Eternal Blue Complete versions for my Saturn emulator, or the "Remastered" version for Windows..

Anyone know which is "better"?
Trying to research but mostly finding graphical comparisons.
In my humble opinion, the PSX versions are the best. Then the Sega CD originals for authenticity. I haven't played the Remastered Collection that just released but I don't like the new voices or the filters they added to the graphics. I guess having widescreen is nice, though.

By Sega CD, that's the same one as the Saturn version yeah?

Cipher · Post by **Cipher** » December 28th, 2025, 02:54

BobT wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 02:11

Cipher wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 00:35

BobT wrote: ↑ December 27th, 2025, 23:41
Hm I'd like to try these, but not sure whether to get the Silver Star Story Complete & Eternal Blue Complete versions for my Saturn emulator, or the "Remastered" version for Windows..

Anyone know which is "better"?
Trying to research but mostly finding graphical comparisons.
In my humble opinion, the PSX versions are the best. Then the Sega CD originals for authenticity. I haven't played the Remastered Collection that just released but I don't like the new voices or the filters they added to the graphics. I guess having widescreen is nice, though.
By Sega CD, that's the same one as the Saturn version yeah?

No, I mean the Sega CD. The Saturn version, from what I just googled is the same as the PSX version, the Silver Star Story COMPLETE and the Eternal Blue COMPLETE versions. I haven't played those so I wouldn't know how much they differ from the PSX, but I can vouch for the PSX version as the better one, in my opinion.

Post by **Tweed** » December 28th, 2025, 03:48

If I was gonna play these I'd look for a retranslation patch to get rid of the Wrecking Designs unfunny ********.

Post by **Magick** » December 28th, 2025, 03:51

Cipher wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 02:54

BobT wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 02:11

Cipher wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 00:35

In my humble opinion, the PSX versions are the best. Then the Sega CD originals for authenticity. I haven't played the Remastered Collection that just released but I don't like the new voices or the filters they added to the graphics. I guess having widescreen is nice, though.
By Sega CD, that's the same one as the Saturn version yeah?
No, I mean the Sega CD. The Saturn version, from what I just googled is the same as the PSX version, the Silver Star Story COMPLETE and the Eternal Blue COMPLETE versions. I haven't played those so I wouldn't know how much they differ from the PSX, but I can vouch for the PSX version as the better one, in my opinion.

Many are saying the Saturn versions are better (something to do with the graphics / sound?).
Indeed Silver story Complete, and Eternal Blue Complete, and also Mahō Gakuen Lunar (some sort of prequel?).

Let's see if I can find the translations. The pixellated look does look better than the "filtered" version in the remasters.
People are saying don't get the "Working Designs" version because of rebalancing ******** and unfunny "localisation".

Edit: Due to the Saturn needing some sort of hardware peripheral, someone tried to play it using the "Nova" emulator, but it crashes so far in: https://forums.libretro.com/t/lunar-sil ... d/47789/17
Hmm. Was hoping for a simple fully working version and translation patch. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be the case.

Post by **King Crispy** » December 30th, 2025, 15:30

I played and finished all versions of the game (Lunar 1 & 2) except the Saturn version. The later remasters look better but lose the charm. The sprite work is fine on the Sega CD (I emulated it at the time) but the colour palette of the Sega CD version felt like it matched the tone of the story (I don't know why I felt that way). Lunar 2 on the Sega CD was Working Designs best localisation efforts. If you listen to the gags after you finish the game the voice actors had a lot of fun.

Regarding censorship, the sexual innuendo was greater in the Sega CD version, but if you cannot stand the artwork of that version you might find the PSX version better.

Post by **rusty_shackleford** » December 30th, 2025, 15:31

I had the one for playstation, I recall enjoying it at the time but I suspect it probably did not age that well.

Post by **Classix** » December 31st, 2025, 23:17

To this day I recall renting Lunar Silver Star Story: Complete: on Ps1 from a videogame/movie rental place where I used to live before brother was born. I rented it a couple times trying to get through it and the game rental case actually had a cloth map both times I rented it. Surprised it was never taken when I think about it now. I was gifted it recently. Lol yeah I'm sure I'll get to it soon with my work load. Still Wrapped in the plastic. No idea when I'll be able to get to it and know next to nothing about it, but I can look at it now, sitting there, waiting to be played and beaten. I do recall being in some cave near the beginning of the game and fighting 'bee's or insect like enemies and some crystal/white looking Dragon talking to me and 2 other party members. I never look things up about games typically so hopefully I can get around to if before I expire lol.

Bhaalspawn Jr · Post by **Bhaalspawn Jr** » January 7th, 2026, 23:10

BobT wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 03:51

Cipher wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 02:54

BobT wrote: ↑ December 28th, 2025, 02:11

By Sega CD, that's the same one as the Saturn version yeah?
No, I mean the Sega CD. The Saturn version, from what I just googled is the same as the PSX version, the Silver Star Story COMPLETE and the Eternal Blue COMPLETE versions. I haven't played those so I wouldn't know how much they differ from the PSX, but I can vouch for the PSX version as the better one, in my opinion.
Many are saying the Saturn versions are better (something to do with the graphics / sound?).
Indeed Silver story Complete, and Eternal Blue Complete, and also Mahō Gakuen Lunar (some sort of prequel?).

Let's see if I can find the translations. The pixellated look does look better than the "filtered" version in the remasters.
People are saying don't get the "Working Designs" version because of rebalancing ******** and unfunny "localisation".

Edit: Due to the Saturn needing some sort of hardware peripheral, someone tried to play it using the "Nova" emulator, but it crashes so far in: https://forums.libretro.com/t/lunar-sil ... d/47789/17
Hmm. Was hoping for a simple fully working version and translation patch. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be the case.

There's also another interesting hacked Saturn version that uses the audio from the PSP remake.

I'll probably go with @Cipher's recommendation (the PS1 versions for both games). There are hacked versions that remove Working Designs' tampering of the original game.

Post by **Classix** » January 19th, 2026, 00:19

Got tired of looking at the box so I cracked it open and started it up Friday night from 1 am ish to 4 or so as I couldn't sleep. Did a little level grinding as I usually do and kitted everyone out with best gear available: 7.4k silver to spare and just got to Witches Hut trying to get the Sea Charter map for the next story area.

► Show Spoiler

Post by **Classix** » January 21st, 2026, 22:54

Still chugging along...

Fake Dragonmaster; "ZOC" eliminated.

► Show Spoiler

Lunar with the JEW reference...?

► Show Spoiler

Arrive in next town known to be a popular bandit hangout...someone brushes past me, steals my teleport Dragon Staff...on the hunt now to track him down.

► Show Spoiler

Post by **Classix** » February 1st, 2026, 02:17

Lvl 40. At next town. Looking to talk to some Nomads about dealing with one of these evil ******* harassing my party and the Black Dragon Cave location...

► Show Spoiler

Post by **Classix** » February 11th, 2026, 21:20

On the way to The Silver Spire, all Dragon Master items acquired... nearing End Game...

► Show Spoiler

Bhaalspawn Jr · Post by **Bhaalspawn Jr** » February 24th, 2026, 02:37

Classix wrote: ↑ February 11th, 2026, 21:20
On the way to The Silver Spire, all Dragon Master items acquired... nearing End Game...

► Show Spoiler

Did you beat it, bro? I'm thinking of starting after I finish Morrowind.

Post by **Classix** » February 25th, 2026, 22:52

Bhaalspawn Jr wrote: ↑ February 24th, 2026, 02:37

Classix wrote: ↑ February 11th, 2026, 21:20
On the way to The Silver Spire, all Dragon Master items acquired... nearing End Game...

► Show Spoiler

Did you beat it, bro? I'm thinking of starting after I finish Morrowind.

Hidden Content