Throughout May, 86 - eighty-six officially entered its operational phase, preparing for its launch.
The advertising campaign was ubiquitous.
Many people, upon seeing the advertisements, couldn't help but praise how good the female protagonist looked.
The game still needed some time for preheating, which would be just right before the release in June.
Countless players expressed great anticipation.
"Honestly, I have never seen Pokeni develop a strategy game before. You can tell it looks fun just from the PV."
"Whether it's fun is hard to say, but I noticed one thing: this time, Pokeni's strategy game is actually in 3D!"
"Really? Isn't it 2D in the PV? The character design for the heroine, Lena, doesn't look three-dimensional at all to me."
"Idiot, that's a character illustration. Do you understand what a character illustration is? The cutscenes, character portraits, and illustrations all use the Japanese anime production style. It's actually to cater to the players' visual experience, since current 3D technology is just like that. Model precision can't be improved much, and it's really too hard to make 3D models look good. But if you use illustrations, you can make them look very pretty. Anyway, I don't have high expectations for the models themselves; I think the game's illustrations are quite pretty, and that's enough."
"So the combat is in 3D, right?"
"Yeah, the combat is 3D, but I see that Pokeni's 3D strategy game is actually similar to the 2D mode—it's just moving on a grid on the map and attacking after reaching a certain distance. There's almost no design on the Z-axis. 3D is just a pure visual presentation, at least that's what it looks like from the PV."
"But even if it's just a pure 3D presentation, it's already crushing the strategy games currently on the market. I personally really like this kind of mecha being made into 3D models. It's a bit like the situation where I bought a bunch of Gundam models and took them home to play battles with my younger brother. Thinking back, it's really nostalgic."
"Hahahaha, mecha is a romance fused into the blood of men. But then again, I think the mecha in the PV are quite ugly, one uglier than the next. Sometimes I can't even tell who is the enemy and who are the protagonists."
"That's true, but I always feel like Pokeni designed it that way on purpose. Maybe it's quite crude in the early stages, but the mecha will slowly become gorgeous as the level increases, right?"
"Speaking of mecha combat, it reminds me of the super robot wars series. I have a bit of an urge to go back and play it again now."
super robot wars is a strategy role-playing game published by BANPRESTO Co., Ltd. The first title, super robot wars, was released on the game Boy platform on April 20, 1991.
In the years that followed, works were released on various home console and handheld platforms.
It has now been developed to the fifth generation, super robot wars F.
In a sense, 86 - eighty-six is actually a bit like it.
"Anyway, let's look forward to it. When Pokeni's new game is released, I'll still buy a copy. I want to experience what makes Pokeni's strategy game different from other strategy games."
"Yeah, I'm also looking forward to it. Pokeni has always been capable in terms of innovation, and they can always crush games of the same type in unexpected ways. For 86 - eighty-six mecha strategy, I also hope to experience more exciting strategy gameplay."
...
However, there were also quite a few people who expressed that they were unwilling, or to be precise, afraid to blindly purchase the game 86 - eighty-six:
"Ah, seeing the name Old Thief Furuhara makes me hesitate a bit. No matter how you look at it, this game seems like it's going to break hearts."
"Yeah, the atmosphere created in the PV is really too oppressive, and it makes people feel incomparably heavy and desperate. War, fate, and so on..."
"In the past, he would still pretend a little, but I feel like this PV didn't even bother to pretend. It clearly tells you that this game is very cruel, very ruthless, that there will be death, and it will break hearts. Under these circumstances, it's better to wait and see. If Old Thief Furuhara's game is good enough, I will summon the courage to buy a copy then."
"Ah... so conflicted. I personally really like Old Thief Furuhara's games; his plots are always able to touch me. Although many times I really want to kill this bastard Old Thief Furuhara, my heart hurts so much, and I feel so uncomfortable that I want to scold people. But, I really love the games he makes. I originally wanted to buy a copy, but who knew this game would be a strategy game? Ahhhhh! I'm not the target audience for strategy games at all, okay? How good would it be if it weren't a strategy game? It's too hard to choose between hating strategy games and liking Furuhara Tsubaki."
...
At the end of April, Maeda Jun had already written the script for the new my robot girlfriend, and after two revisions based on the president's suggestions, it was handed over to Moon River.
Moon River's screenwriter, Hisanaga Kumi, adapted the script into a film script, and after a script discussion meeting, it was finalized.
What Aoki Haruhi didn't expect was that the scriptwriter Tsuda hired from DUN was actually a girl.
"Good grief, isn't your company a blue industry company? How come there are so many girls on the staff?"
Nao Tsuda replied: "You don't understand this. Sometimes women understand men better than men do. And only girls can bring out that beautiful and delicate feeling in blue films. This is also what makes DUN unique. It is precisely because of this unique temperament that DUN can carve out a bloody path in a market full of strong competitors."
After Nao Tsuda's reminder, Aoki Haruhi re-examined Hisanaga's script and couldn't help but praise it.
"Oh my!"
It really was like that. The content written by a female screenwriter was truly delicate and rich, completely changing Aoki Haruhi's stereotypes.
Some scenes and plots were quite beautiful, though it felt a bit of a waste to use them on a robot.
But that was fine too.
Since the script discussion was over, the film production process could naturally begin.
For this, Aoki Haruhi, Nao Tsuda, and Ichihashi Fumie held a short meeting together.
"There shouldn't be any problem with Ichihashi taking on the role of chief producer this time."
"Yeah." Aoki Haruhi nodded in agreement.
The producer definitely had to be someone from their own company. Neither he nor Nao Tsuda had the time, so naturally, it was handed over to the chief steward, Ichihashi Fumie.
Ichihashi Fumie frowned, implying that the couple was treating her like a brick—moving her wherever she was needed.
She had never encountered a company founder who was a completely hands-off manager.
During this period, Ichihashi had been busy running around, flying between Japan and the US, finding connections, pulling strings, making acquisitions, and finally having to negotiate with Dentsu. After that was settled, she had to talk to the two founders again before it could be finalized.
Besides that, she had to squeeze out time for meetings to discuss the company's future development plans with them. And now, she had to be the producer. Did they think she was too young and were just working her to death?
Aoki Haruhi and Nao Tsuda indicated that it wasn't that they didn't want to participate, nor were they too lazy; it was mainly because they really had more responsibilities and busier work to do. Many emergencies at Pokeni and DUN required the president to handle them.
However, in a sense, letting Ichihashi do these things wasn't it also because they trusted her and valued her?
Ichihashi Fumie replied: "Thanks, you guys."
But then again... on the other hand, having such founders was actually quite good; Ichihashi could exert her maximum subjective initiative.
The most critical thing was that both founders were people who listened to advice. As long as Ichihashi's proposal was presented and was convincing enough, Nao Tsuda and Aoki Haruhi wouldn't object.
Being able to trust someone so completely and entrust such a large company to Ichihashi Fumie was actually quite touching.
What was this called?
Aoki Haruhi said:
"Liu Bei visited the thatched cottage three times; after that, it would be up to the Prime Minister to handle the work."
Now, after the Longzhong Plan, the development plan for Moon River was basically following the plan Ichihashi Fumie had envisioned at the beginning, and the speed was not slow at all. Although the company only had the proposal daisakusen TV series for now, Aoki Haruhi had already seen the shining future.
Ichihashi Fumie herself actually had her own ideals and ambitions. Now, she could be considered to have met a wise master. Entrusted by Nao Tsuda and Aoki Haruhi, she could go all out without any worries.
So, in a sense, although it was a bit busy, Ichihashi Fumie herself was enjoying it.
"Okay, President, then I will take on the role of producer."
Ichihashi Fumie seemed to have long anticipated the arrangements of the two founders, which was why she was able to take out the prepared materials from the bag under the table.
"So, regarding the general director for 'my robot girlfriend', do you two have any suggestions or requirements?" Ichihashi Fumie opened her pen cap, ready to take meeting minutes.
Aoki Haruhi frowned, thinking to himself, does the company lack a secretary?
"I don't have any special requirements for the general director. Aoki-san, what about you?" Nao Tsuda cast her gaze toward Aoki Haruhi.
"Neither do I." Aoki Haruhi crossed his arms.
Good grief, you two really are hands-off bosses, aren't you?
"Since that's the case, I propose that we continue to have Director Iwai Shunji serve as the general director for the new film," Ichihashi Fumie said. "He has sufficient ability, is young, has an active mind, and is particularly skilled at filming romance themes. So, my recommendation is Director Iwai Shunji."
"Good."
Nao Tsuda smiled with relief.
In reality, she hadn't offered an opinion because she wanted to see how Ichihashi Fumie would choose—whether she would return the favor, or find an even more suitable director.
Ichihashi Fumie had been recommended to them by Iwai Shunji, so logically, Director Iwai Shunji had the grace of introducing her.
Now, by recommending him, Ichihashi Fumie could be considered as repaying that kindness.
Furthermore, to some extent, choosing Iwai Shunji was actually quite appropriate. He was already very skilled at filming romance movies, and having previously served as the general director for 'proposal daisakusen', everyone was familiar with his style. Plus, his ability was up to the task, so there was really no need to look for anyone else.
In fact, before Ichihashi proposed it, Nao Tsuda had already been thinking of Iwai Shunji; she just wanted to hear the name from her mouth.
However…
She tilted her head to look at Aoki Haruhi, wondering if this guy had thought the same thing as her.
In reality, Aoki Haruhi didn't have that many convoluted schemes; he was simply too lazy to use his brain. More importantly, I'm not familiar with directors!
He only knew Iwai Shunji because of Kashiwabara Takashi.
"Then, regarding the candidates for the male protagonist, do you have any requirements, or should I hold auditions later? Or perhaps leave the power of selection to Director Iwai Shunji?" Ichihashi Fumie asked.
This was essentially just giving the bosses face, akin to a waiter handing over a menu in a restaurant, letting you check off what you want to eat and what you don't. If the bosses didn't have any special requests, the rest was just letting the chef do as he pleased.
"Aoki-san, do you have any suggestions?" Nao Tsuda still prioritized asking for Aoki Haruhi's opinion.
The games produced by their Pokeni surely had a general image. Although there was a significant difference between 2D and 3D, Aoki Haruhi must at least have some requirements.
"Are there any candidates?" Aoki Haruhi asked.
"How about we let Kimura Takuya play the male protagonist?" Ichihashi Fumie pulled two photos and the corresponding materials from the folder and placed them in front of Aoki Haruhi and Nao Tsuda.
"Kimura has been quite popular these past few years, his fame is very high, and he has a good relationship with Aoki-san. If he were to star in it, it should guarantee a very high box office."
Aoki Haruhi looked at the photo, frowned, and shook his head. "No, Kimura is clearly not suitable. In 'my robot girlfriend', the male protagonist Jiro is a shut-in; he is usually shy and an honest person, roughly looking like this. No matter how you look at it, Kimura doesn't fit Jiro at all."
Hmm…
The two beauties didn't speak, thinking carefully, and it seemed that was really the case. Kimura Takuya's overall image gave people the impression of a playboy; at the very least, he didn't belong to the 'honest person' type, yet Jiro in the game was an honest person.
It wasn't that he couldn't act it, but it would require more acting effort. Given Kimura's current seniority and his appearance, it would be a bit of a disadvantage.
Furthermore, in the movie, such a guy probably wouldn't lack girls around him, right?
The two thought about it briefly and let it go.
Otherwise, Kimura's popularity and appeal were currently top-tier.
"How about using Kashiwabara Takashi?" Ichihashi Fumie continued. "He became famous from 'Love Letter', and then gained growth in 'proposal daisakusen'. Now, Kashiwabara Takashi's popularity is no lower than Kimura Takuya's. He is chased by countless audiences, especially some housewives, who particularly like Kashiwabara Takashi. He can be said to be an unparalleled handsome man. Plus, Kashiwabara Takashi is quite suitable for that slightly shy and timid image."
Most importantly, Kashiwabara Takashi also owed his success to Moon River, and one could even say he owed it to Aoki Haruhi. There was some sentiment involved, and he was already an old acquaintance with Director Iwai Shunji. If they invited Kashiwabara Takashi, the collaboration should go more smoothly.
"Kashiwabara Takashi, huh… It's not impossible, but I feel he's a bit too delicate," Aoki Haruhi said. "He counts as the prince type; he's definitely the kind who is very popular with girls at school."
Nao Tsuda glanced over. Are you the same way?
Aoki Haruhi felt a chill down his back and indicated that he didn't remember anymore.
Middle school days were all about being young and ignorant; how could that compare to choosing for yourself after truly maturing?
Nao Tsuda withdrew her gaze.
This time, Ichihashi Fumie simply flipped the folder over, rested her chin on her hands while looking at Aoki Haruhi, and asked directly, "Then, Aoki-san, do you have any better suggestions? Or, do you have someone in mind?"
"I…"
Aoki Haruhi frowned, thinking carefully. In this era, who else could shoulder this responsibility? Someone who wasn't greasy, didn't have so much of a 'prince' aura, and could play an honest person?
Just then, a name popped into his mind.
"Um, I want Masato Sakai to play the male protagonist," Aoki Haruhi said emphatically.
Don't look at the fact that Masato Sakai later played psychos like Komikado or exaggerated protagonists in power fantasies like Hanzawa Naoki; in reality, when Uncle Masato debuted, he mostly played honest people.
In 'Key of Life' and 'My SO Has Got Depression', he actually played similar characters. Masato Sakai is a very versatile actor; not only can he play psychos, he can also play ordinary corporate slaves, and he can vividly portray the repression, despair, frustration, and depression within the hearts of corporate slaves.
In 'Key of Life', what Masato Sakai played was a loser otaku with no prospects.
Thinking about it carefully, Aoki Haruhi was truly amazed by his own choice. It was too perfect—Masato Sakai.
Moreover, Masato Sakai seemed to be very young now, and it didn't look like he had many achievements in his career. If they hired him to film at the very beginning, the salary should be relatively cheap.
However, after Aoki Haruhi finished saying the name, Nao Tsuda and Ichihashi Fumie both looked at him as if he were a monster.
"Masato Sakai? Who is this person?"
…
Good grief, in '97, was Masato Sakai really that unknown?
"Ichihashi, why don't you just go look him up?" Aoki Haruhi didn't dare to say too much; if he accidentally mentioned a TV show or movie name that didn't exist yet, that would be terrible.
"Okay, I'll record it first." The blonde Ichihashi Fumie nodded and wrote down the characters for Masato Sakai in kana on her notebook. Mainly because she really didn't know how to write the kanji.
"Then what about the female lead?" Ichihashi Fumie asked.
"For the female lead, we need a female character who can play a robot, can look cool, and at the same time can act sweet," Aoki Haruhi said.
"Then that means we need a girl with some facial contours who is also good-looking," Ichihashi Fumie recorded Aoki Haruhi's requirements.
Ichihashi Fumie took out several candidates from the folder and placed them in front of Aoki Haruhi and Nao Tsuda. After some discussion, Aoki Haruhi selected [Matsutakako].
"Will this person not meet Pokeni's requirements in terms of figure?" Ichihashi Fumie asked with some concern. "After all, I saw that it was written in the script that the robot female lead possesses a stunning figure."
Matsutakako had a good figure, but it was just a bit small. Aoki Haruhi crossed his arms and thought for a while.
"If you stuff it a bit, there will always be something."
"Huh?"
Disdainful gazes came from Nao Tsuda and Ichihashi Fumie beside him. Aoki Haruhi couldn't help but tense up. Did I say something wrong?
…
After finalizing the director and the leads, Aoki Haruhi had no desire to participate in the remaining matters. This was enough; the rest could be left to Ichihashi Fumie. One had to leave some power to the producer, and also to the director.
Honestly, after selecting the male and female leads, Aoki Haruhi couldn't help but look forward to it. What kind of effect would 'my robot girlfriend' starring Masato Sakai and Matsutakako have? It was really something to look forward to.
Please Support me by becoming my Patreon member and get 20+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon