Tuesday 4 January 1997.
As of today, the Sonaya Game Station 32-bit console has been on the market for five days. Reviews have been quite positive overall, with many praising the console's capabilities and game lineup. However, because of how expensive it is sales remain stable—not skyrocketing, but holding steady. Despite this, the higher-ups at Sonaya aren't too concerned. They believe players are simply waiting for the right moment to make their purchases, and expect momentum to build gradually over the coming weeks.
Aside from that, ZAGE's newest arcade game, Nightstalker, was officially released on December 31, 1996, and it's been receiving widespread acclaim from fighting game communities across the country. What makes Nightstalker stand out is its bold departure from traditional fighting game tropes—there are no martial artists, ninjas, or warriors here. Instead, the fighters are iconic monsters inspired by classic American horror films, giving the game a uniquely eerie and cinematic feel.
For Japanese players, the game feels fresh and innovative, offering a new aesthetic and style rarely seen in domestic titles. One character in particular, Morrigan Aensland, has quickly become a fan favorite. Her striking design, charismatic personality, and fluid animations have sparked a wave of "fan art" Japan. Many players have praised how responsive the controls are and how the game successfully blends horror themes with fast-paced, competitive gameplay.
The cabinet design itself features glowing LED lighting and spine-chilling sound effects, making it a spectacle in arcades. Some arcade owners reported that Nightstalker machines were attracting long lines of curious players, even during late-night hours.
Meanwhile, ZAGE Japan has now officially moved both its Osaka and Tokyo branches into the newly constructed ZAGE Tower. Today marked the first full day of operations in the new headquarters, and employee reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Many staff members were thoroughly impressed by the top-tier office amenities: high-end ergonomic chairs, spacious desks, and modern, well-ventilated rooms outfitted with powerful air conditioning systems.
Each employee is equipped with a dedicated personal computer, tailored for both administrative and development work, ensuring high productivity and seamless workflow. Outside of workspaces, the facility boasts equally impressive comforts. Clean and well-maintained restrooms, a full-service cafeteria offering a wide range of meals and snacks—many of them free of charge—and even a designated smoking area all contribute to a work environment that feels almost luxurious.
What truly sets the ZAGE Tower apart, however, are the additional perks scattered throughout its multiple floors. There's a fully furnished gaming room complete with the latest consoles and arcade cabinets, allowing employees to unwind or find creative inspiration. Adjacent to that, there's a napping room equipped with comfortable recliners and ambient lighting for those who need a short rest during long workdays. These features make the new ZAGE Tower feel less like a conventional office and more like a futuristic tech haven—designed not just for productivity, but for fostering creativity, collaboration, and overall well-being.
Zaboru was now in the meeting room, surrounded by ZAGE's senior staff and lead developers. He stood at the head of the table, ready to delegate the next wave of tasks to the teams under his command.
"Okay," he began, addressing the group with confidence, "as you all know, we now have three fully-formed development teams: Team NOVA, Team IZAN, and Team NIWA."
Everyone nodded in acknowledgment, focused and ready to hear what came next.
"Each of these teams is focused on specific projects," Zaboru explained. "Today, Team NOVA is dedicated to developing ZEPS 3 and all its related games. Team IZAN is concentrating on tasks assigned to the Tokyo branch, including preparations ahead of Final Fantasy V's release in January and Final Fantasy VI in February. Meanwhile, Team NIWA is handling Osaka's assignments, with their biggest focus right now being the launch of Bloody Roar, scheduled for release later this month."
Everyone nodded in understanding as Zaboru smiled and continued the briefing.
"Starting tomorrow and continuing through next week, each team will be receiving several new members. There will be quite a few of them, and while they're still new to our systems, I hope they'll quickly adapt to their roles," Zaboru said. "I'd like everyone here to observe how they work and support them where possible. We shouldn't apply too much pressure on new hires—but at the same time, being too lenient isn't productive either. Let's help them find the right balance."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"And so, I'm assigning new tasks specifically to the IZAN and NIWA teams," Zaboru announced, tapping the table gently for emphasis. "Team NOVA is already deep in development with the future titles for ZEPS 3 and ZEPS 3 itself, so their hands are full. That means we're relying on the other two teams to help shoulder these new projects."
He gestured toward the stack of folders in front of him and continued. "The best way to learn is by doing—and that's exactly what these assignments are meant for. These new projects will serve as both a test and an introduction for the new recruits joining us this week. Through active development, they'll learn firsthand how ZAGE operates—our process, our pace, and our expectations."
Zaboru began passing folders around the table, one to each team lead. "The two titles we're assigning are Castlevania 3 and Megaman 7." His grin widened as he said the names. "These were some of our most beloved franchises back in the 8-bit ZEPS 1 era. Fans have been waiting a long time for proper sequels, and now the timing is perfect."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice turning sharp but encouraging. "I won't tolerate anything half-baked. This is a chance for the newcomers to see what we stand for at ZAGE. Teach them the standard—our standard. But remember, they're still new, so be open-minded and guide them. Let them grow into our culture."
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement and began opening the folders to review the project briefs inside. The energy in the room shifted—focused, determined. The weight of responsibility was clear, but so was the excitement.
Zaboru then said, "I expect both of these games to be ready by March. Any problems with that?"
Everyone shook their heads in quiet confidence. The ZAGE Japan team was composed of experienced professionals, and projects of this scale were well within their capabilities. Their calm response spoke volumes about their readiness and the trust they had in their workflows.
With that, the meeting wrapped up. Zaboru left the conference room and returned to his private space on the 51st floor. As he entered, he took a moment to walk toward the wide window overlooking the city. The skyline shimmered under the evening lights, and for a brief second, he allowed himself to pause, reflect, and smile.
He chuckled to himself and muttered, "I can't believe my ability is evolved." Ever since he began working in the ZAGE Tower, something inside him had changed—his powers had evolved.
Previously, his 'Aura of Influence' allowed him to boost people's focus and instill a strong work ethic simply by being near them. It was a subtle, passive ability that quietly elevated those around him. But now, something was different. The aura had upgraded.
Inside the ZAGE Tower, Zaboru could now sense the exact number of people present in the building at any given moment. He could feel them as if they were part of an invisible network, each presence lighting up in his awareness like stars in a constellation and he can hear what they talk if he focused. More impressively, if he chose to activate it, he could enhance their skills, motivation, and even unlock latent potential—an ability that felt downright overpowered.
However, the upgrade had a catch. This enhanced version of the Aura only worked within the ZAGE Tower. Outside of it, the ability returned to its original state—useful, but far more limited.
Still, Zaboru was fascinated. The scope of what he could do was evolving, and the implications were massive.
"Hehehe... so they can evolve?" Zaboru chuckled to himself. "And I can feel it—this isn't the limit of the Aura of Influence. There's more to unlock."
He leaned back in his chair, allowing his body to relax for the first time in hours. The buzz of energy from the tower seemed to flow around him, feeding a quiet confidence deep within. With a slow breath, he stood up and walked toward his desk.
Unlike the other twelve upcoming ZEPS 3 titles being handled by his teams, this next game would be different. It would be his solo project—crafted from scratch, driven entirely by his vision and creativity. As he powered on his PC, the screen flickered to life with a familiar hum.
"This one's mine," he chuckled.
To be continue
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