After the release of Pokemon Crystal, the rest of January of ZAGE went well too.
First of all, player reactions to Pokémon Crystal have been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans were thrilled to discover that after completing the Johto region, the game unlocked the entire Kanto region from the original Pokémon games. This surprise feature allowed players to revisit familiar towns, explore new paths, and challenge the Kanto gym leaders once again. The sense of nostalgia mixed with the thrill of new content made the game feel like two adventures in one.
Additionally, Pokémon Crystal impressed players with its updated battle animations and refined sprites, which added more life and energy to each fight. The game also introduced five new legendary Pokémon—Ho-Oh, Lugia, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune—each with their own lore and challenges, keeping trainers motivated to hunt, battle, and capture them all.
But what truly stunned players was the post-game boss battle at Mt. Silver. There, standing as the ultimate challenge, was a silent and powerful trainer named Red. His team was on a whole different level, featuring a level 85 Pikachu and his signature Pokémon—a level 89 Charizard that hit like a freight train. Red was no pushover; most players found themselves outmatched on the first try. The battle quickly gained legendary status, prompting players to grind, level up, and return again and again until they finally earned their victory.
Then players realized something that made the experience even more special—Red was actually the same character they had played as in the original Pokémon Red and Green games. This subtle revelation added an emotional weight to the battle, as players were now facing their own past selves, the very champion they once guided to greatness. It delighted fans and deepened the story in a way that felt both nostalgic and epic.
To add even more excitement, Zabo-man, was included as a secret Gym Leader hidden deep within the game. His team featured a fearsome Articuno and a massively strong Gyarados, making him a favorite among players who stumbled upon his gym. Defeating Zabo-man became a badge of honor in the community.
Overall, Pokémon Crystal not only met expectations but far exceeded them. From the expanded regions and legendary battles to the secret boss fights and evolved mechanics, it offered a rich, rewarding experience. For many fans, it became an fan favorite and a highlight of ZAGE's growing legacy in gaming.
Next came Duke Nukem, and this game quickly became a smash hit. Zaboru was responsible for creating the first Duke Nukem in this world, launching the franchise with the groundbreaking Duke Nukem 3D from Zaboru previous life.
Duke Nukem 3D pushed boundaries by introducing a fully voiced, wisecracking protagonist—Duke, a cigar-chomping, muscle-bound action hero modeled after exaggerated movie stereotypes. His over-the-top personality gave the game both humor and a distinct identity, making players feel like they were starring in their own gritty, chaotic action blockbuster.
Players also loved the game's interactive environments, which elevated immersion to a whole new level. You could shoot out lights to darken rooms, blow up toilets just for fun, use mirrors to spot enemies, and even tip strippers in sleazy nightclubs—small details that added a playful, rebellious edge. Levels weren't just simple corridors—they were destructible, nonlinear spaces based on real-world locations like gritty movie theaters, grimy subway stations, and bustling city streets. These environments encouraged exploration and experimentation, giving the game a grounded yet chaotic feel. Players loved uncovering hidden rooms, alternate routes, and environmental traps that made each playthrough feel fresh and unpredictable.
Combat was fast-paced, explosive, and brimming with variety, keeping players constantly on edge. The weapons lineup was anything but ordinary—from the satisfying blast of the classic shotgun to the sheer devastation of the rocket launcher. But what really set Duke Nukem 3D apart were the imaginative weapons like the Shrink Ray, which let you miniaturize enemies and squash them underfoot, and the Freeze Thrower, capable of encasing foes in ice before shattering them to pieces or The nine-barreled shotgun, resembling the snarling heads of Cerberus, stood out as one of the most brutal and the weapon with most burst damage. It packed incredible firepower but came with a steep tradeoff—it took a frustratingly long time to reload, often leaving players vulnerable in the middle of chaotic firefights. Still, when fully loaded, it delivered pure devastation, shredding through enemies in a blaze of fury.
The enemy design was unforgettable, featuring everything from mutated alien cops to grotesque pig soldiers and hulking sci-fi bosses. Each enemy brought a distinct challenge, forcing players to switch up tactics and stay alert. Their wild designs and chaotic behavior made every encounter feel like a mini action movie scene, packed with tension, adrenaline, and over-the-top fun.
Multiplayer was another huge reason players loved the game. Its "Duke Match" mode was an absolute blast, allowing friends to face off in fast-paced, chaotic maps loaded with traps, explosives, and environmental hazards. The unpredictable nature of the matches often led to hilarious and unforgettable moments, turning simple skirmishes into memorable showdowns.
Overall, the game was a massive success among PC gamers. Its blend of edgy humor, explosive gameplay, and competitive multiplayer made it a standout title of its time. In particular, Duke Nukem quickly gained a strong following in the USA, where the character's brash, rebellious personality resonated with American audiences and helped cement his place as a cultural icon.
Meanwhile, ZAGE USA was already deep into development on their next big project—an ambitious historical strategy game titled Civilization. Progress was moving steadily, with early builds showing promising depth and complexity. The team was confident it could become a cornerstone title for PC gamers who craved intellectual challenge and grand-scale gameplay.
At the end of January, Zaboru was contacted by Time magazine with exciting news—they wanted to feature him as one of their People of the Year for 1994. They requested his consent for the feature, and Zaboru, both surprised and honored, gladly agreed. The issue was scheduled to hit shelves in mid-February, marking another major milestone in his growing public recognition.
As February began, Zaboru prepared to move forward with a potential deal involving Walt Disney. Disney had officially reached out, requesting a meeting between Zaboru and several of their top representatives and the meeting places are Disney family home In LA. The invitation marked a significant step toward what could become a landmark partnership.
To be continue
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