Lunar: Silver Star Story released

[05.27.99] » Believe it or not: most major videogame retailers expect to have Working Designs' Lunar: SSS in stores by tomorrow, while a lucky few have already received the game. Reader reactions included.

   After many months of agonizing delays, tortured waiting, and frantic nail-biting, the GIA is happy to report that the North American PlayStation remake of Lunar: Silver Star Story has finally begun arriving in stores. Those who pre-ordered the game direct from Working Designs have reported the game arrived today, a full 24 hours in advance of the expected retail release. Many traditional retailers such as Electronics Boutique are expecting the game to arrive in stores tomorrow -- May 28th. (Unfortunately, the exception are retail Babbage's stores, which are reporting that due to a shipment problem Lunar won't be available until Tuesday.)

   Lunar: Silver Star Story, of course, is a complete remake of the original Sega CD RPG which received critical acclaim upon its release, albeit in an extremely small market. Countless changes have been made, with numerous additional features, in both the Japanese and American versions. Working Designs, publisher of the North American version, is offering the game in a special packaging collection priced at a hefty $69.99 US. The offer includes two game CDs, a music CD with arranged tracks, a video CD for the PlayStation with an inside look behind the making of the game, a cloth map, and a cloth hardbound instruction manual with over 100 full-color, glossy pages.

   Naturally, RPG fans have been vocal in reacting to Lunar's long-awaited released. We polled a group of fans for comments:

   "Silver Star Story, an epic long in the... remaking. Huzzah for the incessant 'old skool' gamers, and a taste of the past for the newbies. Excellent..." -Eric Kolb

   "I remember I got the original Lunar the same day I got my PSX. I stopped playing it when SSSC was announced for Saturn. It's been a long time since I've explored the world of Lunar (a long, long time), and I'm really looking forward to getting reacquainted with the old gang. " -Michael Kelehan

   "Lunar, didn't I play that one three years ago?" - ift

   "I'm glad that Lunar is finally out, but I swear to god I'll kill myself if it sucks." - Victor Wilson

   "Ooooh...I can't wait to see how cute Mia must be in 32 bits...Mia, I love you..." - Rick Johnstone

   "I am pleased to hear the Lunar is finally released. Man, I thought I was going to be waiting forever!" - Alex Kimbel

   "Damn...it's been a long time since a great RPG has been released on these shores. I'm itching for a new game to play! I'M LITERALLY ITCHING! All I have to say about this game it PLAY IT! I'm a BIG anime fan, and this game feeds my cravings....need.....the........sequels!!!!" - Evapilot

   "Oh. Cool. I forgot why I wanted the game since it's been more than 2 years when I heard of it being remade for the Saturn." - NaughtyNu

   "I'd be rejoicing if my local EB had not said that L:SSS won't arrive until Tuesday." - Tyson Fitch

   "What's a Lunar? No, really, what is it?" - Andrew Turner

   Look for the GIA's comprehensive review of Lunar: Silver Star Story tomorrow.