The Inside Scoop on Gaming

"Lunar: SSSC" is Working Designs' remake of the original Sega Saturn 'Lunar' game.

I say 'remake' rather than 'translation' or 'localization', because there has been a lot added to this presentation that was not originally present. Plot changes, added items and powers, better-quality video clips, and a number of voice clips were all inserted.

As I have not played the original, I can't comment on the effect of the changes; but overall, it's an amusing game. It's relatively easy and doesn't require the tedious leveling-up and item quests of many other RPGs--though it's got enough storyline that it'll still take you about twenty hours. (at least that's how long I recall it took me.) The storyline, while not particularly deep, is engaging; and there is enough humor in the game to keep you amused. This is good, because there aren't really any surprises for people who've read enough fantasy and look at the box art.

Gameplay and graphics are at about the 'Final Fantasy 3' level (yes, we know that it was really FF6) and are rendered quite nicely by the PSX. (There is support for the Dual Shock, but all it really does is buzz occasionally when spells are being cast.) The game world would fit right into a D&D campaign, with lost dragons and ancient heroes figuring largely in the plot.

Overall, it's a worthy addition to your RPG library; and if you prefer your RPGs short and humorous to lengthy and angst-ridden, get this one. Michael Powers

Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete
Item type: game Review by: Michael Powers Product Name: Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete Author: V. Ireland + others Company/Publisher: Working Designs Line: SKU: Cost: $60.00 Page count: n/a ISBN: Ratings: Style: 5 (Excellent!) Substance: 4 (Meaty) Review type: Capsule Review Genre tags: Fantasy,Comedy,Anime	"Lunar: SSSC" is Working Designs' remake of the original Sega Saturn 'Lunar' game. I say 'remake' rather than 'translation' or 'localization', because there has been a lot added to this presentation that was not originally present. Plot changes, added items and powers, better-quality video clips, and a number of voice clips were all inserted. As I have not played the original, I can't comment on the effect of the changes; but overall, it's an amusing game. It's relatively easy and doesn't require the tedious leveling-up and item quests of many other RPGs--though it's got enough storyline that it'll still take you about twenty hours. (at least that's how long I recall it took me.) The storyline, while not particularly deep, is engaging; and there is enough humor in the game to keep you amused. This is good, because there aren't really any surprises for people who've read enough fantasy and look at the box art. Gameplay and graphics are at about the 'Final Fantasy 3' level (yes, we know that it was really FF6) and are rendered quite nicely by the PSX. (There is support for the Dual Shock, but all it really does is buzz occasionally when spells are being cast.) The game world would fit right into a D&D campaign, with lost dragons and ancient heroes figuring largely in the plot. Overall, it's a worthy addition to your RPG library; and if you prefer your RPGs short and humorous to lengthy and angst-ridden, get this one. Michael Powers

Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete