Format: Advance
Genre: RPG
Developer: Japan Art Media
Publisher: Media Rings Corporation

In your dreams, magical thoughts, all things are real unless you dream they're not. Welcome to the Lunar series! This is a remake port of the original Lunar game on, the genesis(?) I think. As with many GBA ports, the sound quality can be a bit iffy at times. Lunar is a classic RPG which set itself apart from other world-ending RPGs by offering a different structured story telling schematic. Lunar Legend is the GBA remake incarnation of this classic. Although some of the scenes/music is cut to make it playable on the GBA, it fits quite nicely into the massive library as a solid RPG. I mentioned this already, that lunar sets itself apart from other RPGs, This is due to the way the story unfolds in the game. With most RPGs they focus around some type of "loss - escalation - save the world" type of scenario. With Lunar, it throws that style to the curb and focuses on the relationships between the characters. Almost every single person in the game gets updated dialogue during every event change in the game. That means the entire world is a living/breathing entity that has opinions and views. This is most notable in the fact that many of the characters relationships are always front and center as the main plot. Nash & Mia, Alex & Luna, Kyle & Jessica, all are the center of attention. No matter where in the plot you find yourself, one of these couples will inevietably be the focus of the "whats going on right now". The main story revolves around Alex & Luna, where Luna "loses" to a guy named Dyne, who Alex looks up to. Alex wants to be a DragonMaster, and through a series of opportunities, sets off to become a DragonMaster. As the plot progresses, It's up to Alex & his party to right the wrongs of the past and present, but more importantly, to show how serious he is to Luna. Many of the progress/problems/trials in this game are akin to something like a "test of courage" from japanese culture. Something that I hear couples often do to strengthen their bonds. Well this game is pretty similar in a way in that most of the advancement that takes place often provokes the various relationships in the game to develop more rather than having an overarching plot to "stop the bad guy" or "save the world from a meteor". Without spoiling the plot too much, I'll say that the concept of "becoming a dragonmaster" is more of a euphanism than anything else.. that and a really silly outfit. The graphics of the game are superb for the GBA. One of the more finely tuned games on the device. Every small animation has a unique flavor to it that makes it special. For example, whenever mia casts a spell, her flames underneath her change color depending on the damage type she's doing. It's a small little thing that most people will never even notice, but I appreciate the small details like that. The animations themselves are spot on too. Whether it's alex's sordance attack, the look of luna being poisoned, or mia's double finger-gun magic casting, Everything looks amazing. The music is also something to praise in this game. Although the GBA has never been astounding for music, this game definitely holds a candle to the feet of design. Some of the tracks are pop-hype tones, others remixes of the original (Wings) opening. It's a very stylish game in that way which helps to prove the main point of the game is more about the relationships between the characters than it is about getting to the end of the game. I'm sure if I skipped all the dialogues, I could have halved the time of the game, however, that would have dismissed the entire point of the game. Lunar is very atmospheric and world-centric. Switching gears, the combat is a turn-based side-view affair that really prioritizes graphics over balance. Most fights won't take more than 1 or 2 turns. There's a weird sort of implementation of targetting with magic in this game as well, but it doesn't take away from anything. Credits are after the ending sequence. What would you do, if it was between the World and your Love? If you had to sacrifice one, which would it be?

Hot Tips: Save Often near the end. Final Boss is easier with half-magic rings. Red Chests are worth the backtrack. Alex's "sordance" permanently deals max damage at some point.

All in All, This masterpiece earned a 9.4 for it's extremely detailed storytelling and design. Slow progression, Character specific equipment, Limited accessory slots, & Too-Easy Gameplay.