Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

One of the most striking changes in Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is the removal of random battles. Instead of surprise encounters, enemies now appear visibly on the field, allowing players to plan their approach and avoid unnecessary skirmishes. This system gives a welcome sense of agency, letting you sneak past weaker monsters or engage only when you want to test your party’s strength. The elimination of random world-map encounters further streamlines exploration, making backtracking feel less tedious.

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Dungeon layouts have been simplified compared to the original SEGA CD version, trading some of the old maze-like complexity for clearer pathways and more focused puzzles. A few dungeons from the classic release are absent, but new areas have been added to balance the overall playtime. While purists might lament the loss of certain side passages, newcomers will appreciate the tighter design and more direct progression through each cavern and ruin.

Combat itself retains the turn-based tradition, but with a few modern touches. The battle menu is more responsive, and character animations during spells and special attacks are smoother thanks to the 32-bit engine. Boss encounters, although visually redesigned, feel suitably challenging. A handful of battle themes have been remixed, adding fresh energy without losing the nostalgic melodies that longtime fans cherish.

Graphics

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete delivers a full 32-bit graphical overhaul, replacing the pixel art of the SEGA CD era with richly detailed backgrounds and character sprites. Environments radiate life through vibrant color palettes and dynamic lighting effects. From moonlit beaches to snow-capped mountains, each area feels more atmospheric and polished than ever before.

The anime-style cutscenes have been completely reanimated, transforming static illustrations into flowing, cinematic sequences. While some of the original scenes were removed, many remaining cutscenes have been expanded with additional dialogue and new camera angles. These movie sequences help to heighten emotional beats, whether you’re witnessing a tense confrontation or a heartfelt moment between the protagonists.

Monster and boss designs have also been refreshed, offering fans new artistic interpretations of classic creatures. Some longtime players may miss the charm of the original sprites, but the modern artwork brings a level of sophistication that aligns with contemporary JRPG standards. Character portraits in dialogue scenes are crisp and expressive, making each narrative exchange visually engaging.

Story

The narrative of Lunar 2: Eternal Blue has always centered on themes of destiny, friendship, and the power of dreams, and the Complete remake stays true to that core. You follow Hiro and his companion Lucia on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Blue Star and avert a looming cosmic threat. The pacing benefits from the updated cutscenes, as emotional moments land with more impact.

Several story sequences have been expanded, offering deeper insights into supporting characters such as Ghaleon and the guardians. These additions flesh out motivations and create more compelling character arcs. Although some minor scenes were excised, the overall narrative remains coherent and often feels tighter than the original, removing filler to focus on pivotal story beats.

Dialogue has been lightly updated to sound more natural in English, resolving some of the awkward phrasing that dated earlier translations. Humor, drama, and character interactions all come across more vividly. Fans of classic JRPG storytelling will appreciate the blend of whimsical quips and earnest drama, while newcomers will find the plot accessible and engaging from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Lunar 2: Eternal Blue Complete is a fine example of how to modernize a beloved classic while respecting its roots. The removal of random battles and world-map encounters streamlines gameplay, the refreshed graphics and cutscenes elevate presentation, and the expanded narrative moments deepen emotional engagement. Even with a few missing dungeons and trimmed scenes, the total package feels more cohesive and polished than ever.

New players to the series can dive in without worrying about archaic mechanics or jarring presentation, while veterans will enjoy revisiting favorite locations through a beautifully revamped lens. The balance between nostalgia and modernization is handled deftly, making this remake suitable for a broad audience of JRPG enthusiasts.

Whether you’re seeking a heartfelt epic with memorable characters or simply a more accessible way to experience Lunar’s unique world, Eternal Blue Complete delivers. It stands out as a remake that enhances rather than merely replicates, offering a journey that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore one of the genre’s enduring classics.

Retro Replay Score

8/10