When I think of epic fantasy a couple of things come to my mind. Actually there is a pretty big list built in my head. But when I cross reference epic fantasy with video games, one of the greatest on my list is Lunar: Silver Star Story.
Originally Lunar was put out on the Sega Saturn in 1997 and the plot was a little different but remains mostly intact for the playstation version.
This story is epic in every sense of the word. The game starts with a young small town boy named Alex who dreams of one day becoming a Dragonmaster like his hero Dyne, one of the four heroes. He and his childhood friends Ramus and Luna decide to go see if the rumors of a white dragon living in a nearby cave is true. From that point the story is set into full motion and spans their world with a large cast of characters.
The villain (one of my all time favorite video game characters) Ghaleon was one of the four heroes who has decided that he is not happy with an event that he participated in involving Dragonmaster Dyne and the goddess of Lunar, Althena. He sets out to right the wrongs of the world and in the process becomes more of a threat to the world than help. Ghaleon is a complicated villain, one that means well but is going about everything the wrong way. The story suggests that he realizes what he is doing wrong but has gone too far to turn back. Also, he is not only my favorite character but many people around the world. There is a website dedicated to him that has many wonderful fan fictions based on him which can be found here http://www.sabrecat.net/ghaleon/. I recommend the story titled Summons.
The soundtrack to this game has also survived the years with me, one of the few cds that I actually retain the originally copy.
So if you love games and you love fantasy. Pick up Lunar: Silver Star Story Complete on the Playstation if you can find it.
Have Fun,
Kree
Lunar is one of those games that is so good, just experiencing it once isn’t enough. While the gameplay itself is rudimentary by today’s standards it remains a crown jewel of RPGs simply because it has an amazing story with lovable characters that make a memorable adventuring party.
What I like best about the characters of Lunar is that there is some level of romantic involvement going on between everyone. Kyle wants Jessica. Jessica wants Kyle in spite of herself. Nash wants Mia. Mia might want Nash but she’s got too much on her plate because she’s running the Magical City of Vane. Of course the relationship between Alex and Luna is the driving plot for the entire game, but each couple gets plenty of time to shine as the story unfolds.
In spite of its whimsy and sometimes bawdy humor, Lunar is a game that is rich with adult themes. Ambition, and sacrifice, and the power of the human spirit. Alex wishes to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Dyne and become a dragonmaster. Ghaleon wants the power of Althena so that he may bring order to Lunar. Just as Ghaleon is one of the greatest and most tragic villains of videogames, Alex is probably one of the greatest heroes in that he understands the nature of power- that it is only meant to be used when needed, and then laid aside when the threat has passed. He not only achieves his dream of walking the path of Dyne, but he is able to bring the tale of the Dragonmaster full circle when he sacrifices his power to save the woman he loves. Unlike Alex, Ghaleon is unable to believe in humanity. He believes mankind is lost without their god and he wants to make things the way they used to be no matter the cost.
Lunar is a great gaming experience, and a joy from beginning to end. When you finish you kinda wish they had done an anime series on it, and the cut scenes that were created for the PS1 version only fuel that desire.
DS Out.
As a parting gift, I leave you guys with a powerful scene that sums up the themes of this great game.