Lunar Remastered Collection has officially landed on Xbox One and is compatible with Xbox Series X|S. As part of the celebration for this release, I had the pleasure of chatting with Amy Nguyen, our talented Senior Graphic Designer at GungHo America, about how the game’s new logo came to life. We delved into her inspirations, her unique design approach, and more aspects of her creative journey!
I greeted Amy by expressing my gratitude for her time. “Amy, you have a fascinating creative background. Could you tell us a little about your past experiences and some standout projects you’ve worked on at GungHo?”
Amy replied, “Thanks so much! I’ve worked on a variety of projects, everything from designing assets for national tournaments to engaging in collaborations with esteemed IPs. For instance, my role as the creative lead on the recent Grandia port to consoles in 2024 was a significant milestone for me.”
Curious about her reaction to this latest challenge, I asked, “What went through your mind when you first got the assignment to design the logo for Lunar?”
“It was a blend of excitement and nerves, honestly,” she admitted. “Crafting the Lunar logo felt pivotal, as it encapsulates the essence of the game’s brand. I played around with multiple ideas initially. Once I honed in on a direction, it was vital to keep refining with feedback until we nailed the final version.”
Intrigued by her design methodology, I inquired further, “Did the original logos influence your process for crafting the new version?”
“Definitely,” she explained. “I always kick off with some initial research, especially for a remaster like this one, where the original brand image is etched in the memories of fans. Using these themes as my starting point, I brainstormed various concepts, iterating between minor tweaks to major reimaginations. Eventually, the choice was clear: we embraced the classic Lunar red with an inner glow and introduced gold accents to signal the updated, remastered touch.”
As we continued our discussion, Amy shared imagery showcasing the evolution of the logo. With multiple iterations refining shape and color inspired by older elements such as the dragon sword and iconic colors, the final design emerged as a harmonious blend of old and new.
We further explored her inspirations, and I asked, “What drove you through the many stages of this logo iteration?”
Amy mentioned that her goal was to retain the original’s nostalgic elements while highlighting this as a remastered version. By experimenting with shapes and accents from the series, eventually, a hybrid of early concepts became the official logo, maintaining that familiar yet fresh look.
Admiring the finished work, I queried, “Are there specific details in the final logo that stand out to you?”
Amy was quick to point out, “I’m particularly fond of the extended tail of the ‘R’ in ‘Remastered,’ echoing the classic look. I also tweaked some serifs to give it a distinct flair.”
Turning to the packaging art, I was keen to hear her thoughts on the contributions from original Lunar artist Toshiyuki Kubooka. Amy expressed her admiration, “His key visuals breathe new life into the game. The darker backgrounds with intricate compositions inspired the cover designs. It was mostly about fitting them carefully, ensuring nothing important was lost.”
Discussing the back cover design, I asked about the freedom and choices she made. Amy revealed her nostalgic approach by integrating pixel sprites and screenshots that provide snapshots of in-game magic. She also ensured the design echoed the logo’s gold hues and typography. A thoughtful gradient transition helped unite the collection visually.
When prompted about her favorite aspect of the packaging, Amy graciously acknowledged the collaborative effort it represented. Her joy in working alongside Mr. Kubooka and receiving input from multiple teams underscored the passion behind the project.
To all classic JRPG fans, Lunar Remastered Collection is now available on Xbox, offering an even richer experience enhanced graphics and smoother gameplay while retaining that beloved 90s nostalgia. Dive into the adventures of Alex and Hiro in these timeless stories, now more immersive than ever!
