Lunar ... The mere mention of such a title usually takes gamers back into their childhoods. Or, perhaps more accurately, it takes folks into a special place. Back in its heyday, the original Lunar did not look much. But darn it! The game had such strong presentation that its charm was undeniable. What was a cliched adventure was transformed into something much greater. And it was with nostalgia perfectly intact that I played Lunar: Silver Star Harmony for the PSP.
As you might already know, Lunar: Silver Star Harmony follows a young man named Alex who dreams of being the next dragon master. People who have earned such a title have visited the four dragons and are thus deemed protectors of both the people and the Goddess Athena. She created the world and is reborn after so many years. Anyway, him, his girlfriend Luna and their friend began an adventure to obtain a dragon diamond. From there begins one of the most loved love stories of all time.
Part of the problem some gamers might have is how easily the plot is predicted. It’s easy to tell which stops and what order you need to make them. But as noted earlier, the presentation is what truly sets this game apart from its brethren of yore and his younger counterparts. The game has fun with plot and various jokes. The archetypes that are so well-known by today’s and yesteryear’s standards have their origin here. However, the difference here is that their personalities are given the chance to truly shine. The big-boned business owner, the womanizing bandit, a tomboy priestess, the “flying-kitty,” an arrogant magician and the quiet bookworm. Here they are, portraying their roles for all they’re worth.
Graphically, the game is bright and colorful. This is a huge step forward from the small and pixelated feel of yesteryear. Everything is larger and full of details. Waterways, dark forests, cities, backwater towns, temples, caves and a field all feel unique. Monsters and characters move around the combat screen smoothly and look unique. The menus are cleanly laid out, and it is easy to tell things apart.
Gameplay wise, this is about as traditional as one can get. Your party explores a town, figures out where they need to go next, purchases equipment and explores the dungeon. Rinse, lather and then repeat. Combat is turn-based as the fastest character goes first. You input commands at the beginning of each round. These commands range from simple “attack this monster” to spells to item usage to a special move that is available whenever a character sustains or inflicts enough damage. However, a monster must be in a character’s range in order for a physical attack to be implemented. Thankfully, the same is true for monsters.
There is some strategy involved, but if you know what you are doing, it’s a cake walk. Overall, the game is not that challenging. Of course, I have been playing role-playing games for years. However, you do see whom the attack effects, and there are not many abilities to fiddle around with in combat. So there is not much experimentation to figure out the best method to inflict maximum damage. Furthermore, your allies are restored to full health whenever they level up.
Sound wise, everything is pleasant on the ears. Yes, some of the songs can be heard in its sequel. Yes, it is familiar. But it still sounds good. It still emphasizes what is going on in combat and on the field. I am a bit sad there is not much voice acting on the disc. Instead of a character voicing every line of dialogue, it is reserved for major plot points. Not everyone is going to appreciate the presentation choice as it lends the game an old-school feel. The one problem I have with the voice acting is that the gentleman, John Truitt, who voiced Ghaleon has been replaced with someone new. Although the new guy does a good job, I cannot help but think of Truitt. He will always be the voice of Ghaleon in my mind.
So is Lunar: Silvar Star Harmony worth your time? The answer is rather simple if you are paying attention. It is worth the energy to indulge in something that is still enjoyable and continues to show the influence of older games. Lunar has influenced a generation of gamers. Before the original, high-end presentation that we take for granted today did not exist. Silver Star Harmony continues the rich tradition the original started all those years.
Yes, certain plot points have changed a little. But the traditional RPG goodness that made it a hit to Sega CD fans is still present. Perhaps nostalgia is getting the best of me. As such, I cannot help but recommend this game. If you are a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to experience it. Presentation is enough to set this game apart from the pack ... and turn me into a real state agent. Games made with the care of this game are rare these days. So let’s go to the moon.
