Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lunar: Eternal Blue presents a classic turn-based RPG system that feels both familiar and refreshing. Players control Hiro, a spirited treasure hunter, and build a party of diverse characters, each belonging to a distinct class. The top-down perspective allows for clear tactical positioning during battles, encouraging strategic use of magic, physical attacks, and unique character skills.

Exploration is a core pillar of the experience. From winding caves and ancient ruins to bustling towns and serene forests, every environment invites players to search for hidden treasures, secret passages, and lore-rich artifacts. The pacing of dungeon design strikes a balance between straightforward corridors and more intricate areas that reward curiosity and persistence.

Combat encounters maintain a steady challenge curve, with enemy types becoming more inventive as the story unfolds. Boss battles against formidable guardians demand thoughtful party composition and resource management, ensuring that victory feels earned. The inclusion of anime-style cutscenes between key story beats also helps break up lengthy dungeon crawls, keeping the player emotionally invested in Hiro’s quest.

Graphics

As a product of the 16-bit era, Lunar: Eternal Blue still dazzles with its vibrant color palette and charming pixel art. Character sprites are expressive and detailed, conveying personality through small animations and distinctive designs. The anime-inspired visuals shine during dialogue sequences and story-driven cutscenes, showcasing smooth animation that was groundbreaking at the time.

Environment art ranges from lush forests with swaying trees to eerie subterranean caverns lit by glowing crystals. Each location feels unique and alive, with carefully crafted backgrounds that complement the game’s fantasy setting. Weather effects, subtle shading, and parallax scrolling all contribute to a sense of depth that belies the hardware limitations of the era.

Special effects during spellcasting and limit-party techniques are equally impressive. Sparkling magic animations and colorful explosions enliven battles, while character portraits that appear alongside dialogue provide an extra layer of emotional clarity. Though modern gamers may miss higher resolutions, Eternal Blue’s art direction holds up thanks to its timeless anime aesthetic and attention to detail.

Story

Set a century after the original Lunar, Eternal Blue weaves a narrative that blends classic hero’s-journey tropes with nuanced themes of faith and destiny. Hiro’s meeting with Lucia—the mysterious blue-haired girl from a floating moon—kicks off a tale of interstellar intrigue, ancient prophecies, and the struggle against an ominous dark force named Zophar.

The writing shines when it leans into character interactions. Hiro’s banter with Ruby, the wise-cracking “baby dragon,” adds levity to tense moments, while Lucia’s quiet determination and hidden vulnerabilities offer emotional depth. Side characters, from roguish merchants to pious priests, populate the world with distinct personalities that often lead to memorable subplots and moral dilemmas.

Story pacing is generally strong, alternating between large-scale, universe-spanning revelations and intimate character moments. The inclusion of anime cutscenes at pivotal junctures elevates key plot twists, making climactic battles and romantic beats feel cinematic. Although some late-game twists follow familiar RPG patterns, the compelling mix of humor, drama, and world-building ensures a satisfying narrative arc.

Overall Experience

Lunar: Eternal Blue remains a standout JRPG thanks to its engaging gameplay loop, evocative graphics, and heartfelt storytelling. While rooted in 16-bit design, the game’s balance of exploration, combat, and character development feels modern, offering plenty of surprises even to seasoned players of the genre.

The soundtrack, featuring soaring melodies and atmospheric themes, complements every scene—whether you’re trekking through a misty marsh or confronting a godlike adversary. Voice samples during dialogue add charm, though they may sound quaint to contemporary ears; ultimately, they reinforce the game’s emotional highs and lows.

For fans of classic Japanese RPGs, Eternal Blue is a must-play. Its polished systems, timeless art direction, and memorable cast create an experience that resonates long after the credits roll. Newcomers seeking a gateway into retro RPGs will find that this installment of the Lunar series offers both accessibility and depth, making it an enduring favorite on any platform that supports it.

Retro Replay Score

8/10