 "If You Liked The First Lunar, Then You'll Certainly Like The Sequel!" | 2009-06-27 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1IQV6AI7L9NOK |
I really wanted to be objective with this game and not constantly compare it to the original. Unfortunately, playing through Lunar 2 will give you a major sense of déjà vu, which is why I feel it's only right to compare and contrast it to the first Lunar. I'll try to keep this as objective as possible and judge this game on its own merits, while still adding in some comments about the first game. On to the review!
Graphics (score 8/10): Lunar 2 looks good for an older RPG (although still dated-looking), and the anime cutscenes really make the game feel like a newer RPG despite the in-game use of 2-D character sprites. Just to note, the graphics in Lunar 2 are on about the same level as the first Lunar.
Music (score 7/10): The music is decent. It's not really memorable or anything, but it fits the areas/scenes fairly well, and doesn't grate on the ears. The voice acting (during cutscenes) is mostly great, but a few voices irritate me. In particular, the voice of a certain villain really sounds weird to me for some reason. Ruby's voice is annoying too, but thankfully, you don't hear her speak much.
Characters (score 8/10): The characters are likeable enough, but they really do remind you of the people from the first Lunar. It's just that the same personality types seen in the first game seem to pop up again: the rude guy who likes to drink and gamble, the stuck-up member of the magic guild, the sweet, innocent blue-haired girl, the hero who loves adventures, the flying pet cat, etc. Even though they are all a little too familiar, they are still likeable characters. I also have to commend Lunar 2 for breaking with RPG stereotypes and actually making Ronfar have the healing magic instead of some soft-spoken female mage (and he's got a decent attack to boot-proving you can be a healer AND a fighter). I also like the fact that Jean is a female warrior with strong attack power since I get so sick of the female party members in RPG's always being healers or magic users with weak attacks. The only negative point to the characters is that Hiro, your main character, seems to have lack of personality. Overall, though, the characters are good.
Story (score 7/10): This game's storyline will remind you a lot of the first Lunar's. You started out the first Lunar as a boy who loves adventuring and is currently exploring some caves with his flying pet cat that he doesn't have permission to be in. You start off Lunar 2 as a boy who loves adventuring and who is currently exploring some ruins with his flying pet cat that he doesn't have permission to be in. Sounds familiar, yes? In fact the whole storyline of Lunar 2, while being unique still feels very familiar. Part of this is due to the fact that this game is a direct sequel to the first one. It doesn't have the same characters, obviously, but it is set in the same world, but several hundred years in the future. It was interesting to see the changes that took place since the original storyline, but while this makes it feel nostalgic, it also unfortunately lends itself to a lot of been-there, done-that kind of feelings. Aside from all that though, the actual story itself isn't the most exciting. I actually forgot why I was journeying to certain places at times. Thankfully, the characters' witty dialogue keeps you entertained.
Battle System (score 8/10): Battle system used the usual turn-based style. There's an attack command, magic/skills command, item command, etc. Range of movement also plays a role since you can move in battle and must physically move to an enemy to land a blow. Overall, the battle system is good. I only have one complaint, and that's Lucia. She is the only A.I. controlled character, and her A.I. is incredibly stupid. She never attacks when properly, never heals when it's convenient, and occasionally just moves around the battle screen for no reason. In fact, many of my battle strategies consist of using Lucia as bait for the boss's attacks by placing her in front of the other characters. That's really all she's good for.
Gameplay (score 7/10): This is a bit of a catch-all category for me. The gameplay doesn't have any huge problems. The menus are much improved from the first Lunar where you had a separate inventory for each character. Now all the items are shared via the menu like they should be. There is one step back from the previous game though. In the first Lunar enemies appeared on-screen and you could run from them if you tried hard enough. Now, though, you move like molasses in dungeons but run at normal speed in towns. You can dash for a very short amount of time in dungeons, but that's it. I can only surmise that this was done so that running from enemies is more challenging, but it really is quite annoying, especially when you have to back track. My final complaint is related to the end of the game. Once you get there, you can't leave the final dungeon. I wanted to revisit some old towns or do sidequests (are there any sidequests?), but no, you're stuck. So, that kind of sucks. Oh well, other than the things I mentioned, I really don't have any complaints.
Overall (score 7/10): NOTE this score is not an average; it's my subjective overall score. Lunar 2 is a decent game. It's worth having in your collection, but how much one would be willing to pay for this game would vary from person to person, I imagine. It's quite rare and expensive now, and I personally don't think it's worth more than $50. One thing that adds value, though, is the inclusion of a "making-of" disc. I've often wished games came with bonus/"making-of" discs the way that movies do, so the inclusion of this disc in Lunar 2 is a nice touch. Ultimately, if you have the money and are looking for a good older RPG, I would recommend you pick up Lunar 2. |
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 "This game is great" | 2008-07-11 |
| - Reviewed By syntheticpanda |
| I think that Lunar 2 is a great game. Granted its a little dated, but c'mon this game is classic. I remember when I was 16 my boyfriend at the time was playing it on the Sega CD system. Of course I was just a spectator then, but I always loved watching him play. When the original playstation was released I purchased Lunar Silver Star Story and fell in love with the game, just like Lunar 2 the characters are very individual. You learn to love them for their personalities and their character flaws. I'm a true believer that you don't need fancy graphics or difficult controls in order to have a great RPG. In my opinion, what makes a great RPG is a good story. That's why we play them anyway right? |
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| "1 OF THE BEST" | 2008-06-22 |
| - Reviewed By hlittlemom32 |
| we all know this is 1 of the best vidio games ever.everyone already told you that.but 1 reviewer said this game was overated?really?u got a zillion poeple here saying its 1 of the best.i say lunar got its due.great game yes.underated.no,just wanna add that flyin cat or dragon cat the cutest thing around.she loves the main character and cracks you up.wish i had her lol.peace out |
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| "An overlooked gem for the PSX" | 2007-12-01 |
| - Reviewed By cluedo6 |
I got this during summer vacation w/my work money from filming soccer games at High School.
Oh yeah, on with the review:
Graphics: Old-school 16-bit for an RPG
Sound and music: Nicely done with two vocal tracks on the soundtrack
Voice-acting: Crisp and well-done voices by people like Chad Letts, Kelly Weaver, Ned Schuft, John Truitt and T. Owen Smith
Controls: Excellent for an RPG
Plot: The world of Lunar is on the verge of hideous destruction with the eventual forthcoming of the Supreme Master of Treachery and God of Destruction Zophar (Voiced by T. Owen Smith), as a girl from a former world - The Blue Star: Lucia (Voiced by Kelly Weaver) comes forth to prevent the evil entity's return... then comes two denizens of Lunar whom get involved with Lucia's mission - Hiro (Voiced by Chad Letts) (A lovesick, adventurous sixteen-year-old whom falls in love with Lucia) and his pet baby dragon Ruby (Voiced by Jennifer Stigile). As they move through Lunar to stop Zophar from coming back as well as awakening the Goddess of Love and Beauty Althena, they meet several important denizens: Leo (Voiced by Ty Webb) - A powerful magic swordsman, Ronfar (Voiced by Ned Schuft) - A magical gambler with superb healing magic, Jean (Voiced by Jennifer Stigile)- A fan dancer with a mysterious past whom eventually becomes a powerful Martial Artist with Street Fighter-like techniques, Lemina (Voiced by Kathy Ostrander) - A Magic Guild Student with powerful elemental magic and Nall (Voiced by Jonathan Esses) - the Future White Dragon whom assumed the form of a youngster human (Think Luna from Sailor Moon).
Fun Factor: Anime everywhere you go, Anime sequences with CGI included, unique battle system and mechanics, undeniable charm, heartwarming moments, the Omake Box and an Epilogue to continue the adventure!
And so: Grab this RPG gem and get it complete - you'll like all of the extras included in the Omake Box!
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| "Even better than Silver Star Story!" | 2006-06-04 |
| - Reviewed By User: AVQQS62FAC9CS |
| I know I said that Silver Star Story was the best game I had ever played, but Eternal Blue definitely takes the cake. With a climactic storyline, an epic musical score, and even more memorable characters than its predecessor, it makes me wonder HOW the Lunar games aren't sitting in Wal-Mart right now in one of the "BEST BUY!" bins. Seriously, I can't believe such a great video game series fell apart. |
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| "FLAWLESS!!!!!!!!!!" | 2004-08-27 |
| - Reviewed By alexaristorenas |
| This game is really something else. the scheme of the battles are quite tactical and where you really have to think whats going on the the game. its amazing how that characters talk during the cut scenes, you really know what is going on. it exceeded past their first game Lunar: Silver Star Story complete. i cant wait to try thw one for the game boy advance!!!!!!!!!!! |
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