The day after the ZEPS 1 closure ad aired, ZAGE made an exciting follow-up announcement: a special farewell event for ZEPS 1 would be held at the ZAGE Event Building (ZEB) in Japan. The moment the news broke, fans across the country were thrilled. Tickets went on sale almost immediately—and just as quickly, they sold out. The event was officially scheduled for September 11, 1996, and anticipation spread like wildfire throughout the gaming community.
Now, it's September 11, 1996, and the ZEB Building in Japan is buzzing with energy. Before the main event even begins, ZAGE has already set up booths filled with exclusive event merchandise—limited edition shirts, collectible pins, posters, and action figures and dolls. As expected, the crowd is ecstatic. Fans line up eagerly, wallets in hand,. The atmosphere is electric, filled with chatter, , and the hum of anticipation. This isn't just a farewell—it's a celebration, and everyone wants a memento to remember it by.
Zaboru was sharply dressed, as always, wearing his signature white suit paired with a bold red shirt—a look strikingly similar to Kazuma Kiryu's style from the Yakuza games in his previous life. The outfit gave him a commanding presence as he stepped confidently onto the stage. Today, he wouldn't just attend the event—he would host it, standing at the center of one of the most important moments in ZAGE history.
"Hello everyone! How are you all feeling today?!" Zaboru called out with enthusiasm. The crowd roared back, "Yeah!" their excitement echoing through the venue. Zaboru chuckled and nodded, pleased with the energy. "Awesome! Today, we're gathered for a short but meaningful event—one that marks the farewell of ZEPS 1."
Zaboru quickly said, "Almost five years ago, on September 19, 1991, ZEPS 1 was officially released." He smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, then continued, "Back then, we didn't have many units. We were just hoping our console and games would sell well—and they did. Better than we could've ever imagined."
Zaboru smiled warmly and began to share a personal story. "ZEPS 1 has always held a special place in my heart. No matter how many consoles come after it in the future, this one will always be different," he said, his tone soft with nostalgia. "You see, I built the very first ZEPS 1 prototype myself—right in my own room. I spent my weekends visiting local electronics shops, piecing together whatever components I could find, hoping I could bring something to life."
He paused, letting the audience absorb his words. Then, with a dramatic gesture, someone brought out a display case onto the stage. Inside it was the very first ZEPS 1 ever created—Zaboru's original handmade prototype. The console looked rugged and uneven, with wires slightly exposed and a casing far from the polished look of the mass-produced version. The controller, too, had a crude, unfinished design. But it had character—it had soul.
"This right here," Zaboru said proudly, gesturing toward the prototype, "is the only one of its kind in the entire world. It's rough, sure. But I made it with my own hands, and it still works. This was the start of everything."
The crowd responded with stunned silence, followed by enthusiastic applause. Zaboru's grin widened. The moment was raw, emotional, and real—a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a legacy that had shaped the childhoods of so many.
The players looked on in awe at the very first ZEPS 1, now encased on stage like a sacred relic of gaming history. The moment was heavy with emotion. Zaboru stepped forward again, his expression solemn yet proud. "ZAGE might have only been around for five years," he began, "but those five years have meant everything to me. They've been long, intense, and unforgettable. And today, we officially end production of ZEPS 1."
A soft murmur passed through the crowd—sadness mixed with respect. Some fans lowered their heads, others looked up at the screen, as if saying goodbye to a childhood friend. Zaboru, sensing the weight of the moment, smiled gently. "But don't be sad," he said. "We made sure ZEPS 1 would go out with a bang! As you all know, ZAGE is releasing 21 brand-new titles for ZEPS 1—our final gift to this incredible console."
The crowd erupted into cheers, some even raising their hands in celebration. Zaboru chuckled, clearly moved. "Now listen," he continued. "Just because we're ending ZEPS 1's production, doesn't mean the 8-bit era is dead. Far from it. 8-bit gaming isn't just a technology—it's an art form, a genre of its own. Its charm, its simplicity, its creativity—they're timeless. And its future is far from over."
He paused and looked out at the crowd. "There's still so much we can do with 8-bit. It's a playground for experimentation, and ZAGE is always open to pushing it further. So while we say goodbye to ZEPS 1 today, we are not closing the door on 8-bit games. If anything, we're opening a new one."
Then he grinned and took a seat on a nearby bench. "Alright! Now it's time for a Q&A session," he announced with a spark in his voice. "I'll answer your questions, so feel free to ask! Just please keep your questions focused on ZEPS 1 or 8-bit games in general—we're here today to celebrate the legacy of ZEPS 1, after all."
Not long after, someone in the audience raised their hand and asked,
"Zaboru-san, you released sequels for both Mega Man and Alex Kidd as part of the ZEPS 1 farewell lineup. Was that your plan all along? It kind of felt like those franchises had been abandoned, and now they suddenly return like this?"
Zaboru smiled.
"Well, I wouldn't say 'abandoned'—that's not the right word. I'd say 'postponed.' At ZAGE, we're always trying to innovate, and sometimes that means our existing IPs get put on hold. It's not that we forget them, but when time and manpower are limited, we have to prioritize. Still, if the opportunity and resources are there in the future, there's always a chance any ZAGE IP could get a sequel."
Then another audience member asked, "Will there be a farewell edition of ZEPS 1 available for sale?"
Zaboru chuckled and replied, "Unfortunately, not yet. I didn't plan for that in advance—but who knows? If enough people want it, maybe we'll make it happen in the future."
Then another audience member raised their hand and asked Zaboru again, "If ZEPS 3 comes out, is there a possibility that we'll be able to play ZEPS 1 8-bit games on it?"
Zaboru let out a thoughtful sigh before responding. "Well, that question touches on ZEPS 3, which isn't the focus of today—but no matter, I'll answer it." He leaned forward with a reassuring nod. "Yes, absolutely. The answer is yes. At ZAGE, we've always treated backward compatibility as a top priority. We believe players should have continued access to the games they've grown up with and love, no matter how many console generations pass."
He continued, "The technology we're developing for future systems will ensure that ZEPS 1 games remain playable, either through built-in support or enhanced re-release options. Preserving the history of gaming isn't just a technical task—it's a responsibility we take seriously. So rest assured, your collection of 8-bit classics won't be left behind when the next generation arrives."
The question and answer session continued for quite some time, with fans asking heartfelt questions about their favorite games, the development journey, and the memories attached to the ZEPS 1 era. Zaboru answered each one with patience, humor, and sincerity, adding stories that made the audience laugh, cheer, and even get emotional.
Eventually, the time came for the event to wrap up. As the final round of applause echoed across the ZAGE Event Building, the farewell to ZEPS 1 was officially complete. There was a quiet sense of fulfillment in the air—an emotional blend of gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement for what would come next. Now, all that remained was the countdown to the official release date on September 19, a date that would mark the end of an era and the beginning of new memories for players everywhere.
To be continue
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