Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is a masterful reimagining of the classic RPG experience originally developed by Game Arts and published by Working Designs for the PlayStation. As a follow-up to the much-celebrated Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete, this title continues to captivate players with its rich storytelling, engaging gameplay, and memorable audiovisuals. In this article, we delve into the intricate details that make Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete a standout in the RPG genre.

Story

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete transports players to the enchanting world of Lunar, a land filled with magic, myth, and adventure. The story follows the journey of Hiro, a young adventurer, and his loyal companion Ruby, a small dragon with a fiery personality. Their adventure begins as they uncover a mysterious shrine and encounter Lucia, a mysterious girl from the Blue Star, who has come to prevent the destruction of Lunar at the hands of the malevolent Zophar.

Main Characters

The game introduces an ensemble of well-rounded characters, each with their own backstory and motivations:

• Hiro: The protagonist, a brave and curious adventurer who is drawn into a quest of epic proportions.
• Lucia: A mysterious girl from the Blue Star, determined to stop Zophar and save Lunar.
• Ruby: Hiro’s loyal dragon companion, providing both comic relief and valuable assistance.
• Ronfar: A charming and roguish priest with a mysterious past.
• Jean: A skilled dancer and martial artist with a dark secret.
• Lemina: An ambitious young magician seeking to restore her family’s former glory.
• Zophar: The primary antagonist, a powerful and ancient evil threatening the world.

Plot Development

The narrative of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is woven with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As Hiro and his companions journey across the world of Lunar, they encounter a tapestry of challenges and adversaries. The plot deepens with unexpected twists, including betrayals and revelations about the true nature of the Blue Star and Zophar’s intentions.

The story’s emotional depth is further enhanced by the development of relationships between characters, creating a strong emotional resonance as players become invested in their fates. The game masterfully balances humor, drama, and action, making it a compelling narrative experience.

Gameplay

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete offers a blend of classic RPG mechanics with innovative twists that enhance the player’s immersion and engagement.

Combat System

The game employs a traditional turn-based combat system with tactical elements. Players can position their characters on a grid-based battlefield, allowing for strategic maneuvering during battles. Each character has unique abilities and magic spells, providing a diverse range of tactics to employ against enemies.

Exploration and Quests

Exploration is a key component of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete. The game features a variety of environments, from lush forests and arid deserts to bustling towns and ancient ruins. Players are encouraged to explore every corner, uncovering hidden secrets, treasures, and side quests that enrich the main storyline.

Character Progression

Character progression is achieved through experience points gained from combat, leveling up characters, and unlocking new abilities and spells. Additionally, the game includes a unique system of collectible Crests that can be equipped to characters, granting them new skills and stat boosts. This customization adds depth to character development and strategic planning.

Graphics and Sound

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete distinguishes itself with its stunning visuals and captivating sound design, both of which contribute significantly to the game’s atmosphere and charm.

Graphics

The game features beautifully hand-drawn 2D sprites and backgrounds, showcasing a level of detail that was groundbreaking at the time of its release. The vibrant color palette and expressive character animations enhance the storytelling, making each scene a visual delight. The animated cutscenes, fully voiced, provide cinematic flair and help to convey key plot points with emotional impact.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is a standout element, composed by Noriyuki Iwadare. The music perfectly complements the game’s mood, with memorable themes that evoke a range of emotions, from the thrill of adventure to the poignancy of character moments. Additionally, the voice acting is notable for its quality, bringing the characters to life with personality and depth.

Legacy and Reception

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete has left an indelible mark on the RPG genre, remembered fondly by fans and critics alike for its storytelling, character development, and engaging gameplay.

Critical Acclaim

Upon its release, the game received widespread acclaim for its captivating narrative and endearing characters. Reviewers praised its visual and audio presentation, with many highlighting the animated cutscenes and voice acting as high points. The depth of the combat system and the strategic elements of gameplay were also lauded.

Influence on RPGs

The game’s emphasis on character-driven storytelling and emotional depth has influenced numerous RPGs that followed. Its approach to blending humor and drama, alongside a richly developed world, set a benchmark for narrative excellence in the genre.

Enduring Fanbase

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete continues to enjoy a dedicated fanbase, with its themes and characters resonating with players years after its initial release. The game’s ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining accessible to new players is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Conclusion

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in video games. With its rich narrative, engaging gameplay, and memorable audiovisual presentation, it remains a beloved classic in the RPG genre. The game’s impact on storytelling and character development has left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of RPGs that followed. Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is not just a game; it is an experience that continues to captivate and inspire players around the world.