Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Sunday, 30 March 1994

Today marks a historic moment—not just for ZAGE, but for gamers all across Japan. Why? Because this is the official release day of ZEPS 2, the most anticipated console of the decade. It's barely 06:00 in the morning, but fans are already flooding the streets, forming massive lines outside every ZAGE-affiliated store. The excitement is electric.

One of the most crowded spots is ZAGE-U, ZAGE's official chain of retail shops. The original store in Shibuya is managed by Hinoko Utsunomiya, a close friend of Zaboru and Renkonan household neighbour. After Zaboru acquired her family's struggling shop and rebranded it under the ZAGE banner, Hinoko's life changed drastically. Her family, once facing daily financial uncertainty, now enjoys stability, education, and opportunity. Thanks to ZAGE's success and Zaboru's generosity with bonuses, Hinoko and her staff have thrived—and today is their biggest test yet.

The line outside ZAGE-U has already become a full-blown spectacle. Some fans showed up the night before, bundled in sleeping bags and thermal blankets. One especially enthusiastic buyer pitched an entire camping tent, complete with a portable heater and instant ramen stash. The crowd buzzes with chatter, laughter, and handheld gaming consoles flickering in the early morning light. Though the doors won't open until 08:00, the line has already stretched several blocks, snaking around corners and spilling into side alleys. And this is just one location—across Japan, any store displaying the "ZEPS 2 Available Here" brochures is facing the same scenario. Queues have overtaken shopping districts, train station sidewalks, and public parks. Some cities have even deployed staff and barricades to help manage the flood of eager buyers.

News outlets have taken notice. TV Asahi's own reporter, Maya Kisaragi, is broadcasting live outside the original ZAGE-U location in Shibuya. Clad in a light grey jacket with the station's logo on her lapel and holding a branded mic, she maintains an energetic, practiced smile as she speaks directly into the camera, her voice cutting crisply through the morning buzz of the crowd behind her.

"Good morning, Japan! We're coming to you live from the vibrant streets outside ZAGE-U here in Shibuya, and as you can see behind me, the energy is absolutely electric. It's yet another legendary ZAGE launch day—devoted fans braving the early morning chill, some even camping overnight, all in hopes of being among the first to experience the highly anticipated ZEPS 2. The enthusiasm is off the charts, and the community spirit here is something truly special. Let's speak with one of the fans now and hear what this moment means to them."

The camera pans to a young man bundled in a hoodie, sipping canned coffee next to his half-collapsed tent.

"Excuse me, I'm Maya Kisaragi from TV Asahi. Would you mind answering a few questions?"

The man nods. "Sure, go ahead."

"And your name is…?"

"Kazuki."

"Kazuki-san, how long have you been waiting here?"

"Since midnight," he says with a tired grin.

Maya blinks in surprise. "That's over six hours! Aren't you exhausted?"

Kazuki shrugs. "Maybe. But if I didn't come early, there's a good chance I'd miss out. I have to play ZEPS 2 on launch day—especially with all eight launch titles dropping. It's not just about playing the games, it's about being part of the moment. Day one memories hit different."

Maya smiles, slightly amused. "Couldn't you just wait a few days until the lines calm down?"

Kazuki looks at her like she's lost her mind. "Wait? While ZEPS 2 is already out? That's unthinkable! It's not just a console—it's an experience. I need to feel it the moment it drops. Missing that would feel like missing a once-in-a-lifetime heartbeat."

Maya chuckle continues, "But Sonaya's Titan Drive is already out, and it's also a 16-bit console. Isn't it similar?"

Kazuki laughs. "Not even close. Titan Drive is decent, sure, but ZAGE is on a whole different level. They don't just release a console—they craft an entire experience around it. From the design to the games, to the music, packaging, even the ads—everything feels like it was made by people who actually love games. They always deliver something incredible. It's like they care about their fans, and it shows. You can feel that love when you hold a ZAGE controller or boot up one of their titles. It's personal, nostalgic, and exciting all at once. Titan Drive? It's fine and great. But ZAGE? ZAGE is ZAGE "You Are very cool!"." Kazuki said while grinning.

Maya nods thoughtfully. "So you trust ZAGE that much? And would you say you're a diehard fan?"

Kazuki beams with pride. "Absolutely! They've never let their fans down. Most of their games, and all their consoles or arcades—they're always pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming. They raise the bar every single time, and that kind of dedication is seriously inspiring."

Maya nods and asks, "What about Zaboru Renkonan? Are you a fan of his too?"

Kazuki's eyes lit up with exaggerated admiration. "Are you kidding? If Zaboru were standing here right now, I'd give him the biggest kiss of gratitude! I'm not just a fan—I'm his number one fan! The guy is a legend. He's always credited on ZAGE games, whether it's as the lead developer, sound composer or executive producer. He's not just some behind-the-scenes figure—he's the creative genius and the driving force behind everything ZAGE does. I mean, who else can balance being a game developer and a company president and still manage to consistently blow people's minds with every project? He's like the rockstar of the gaming world. Honestly, I think he's the greatest game creator and business leader in existence! and always be!"

Then the others who were queuing nearby, overhearing Kazuki's passionate declaration, chimed in with cheers and laughter. "Yeah! Zaboru, we love you!" shouted one fan, waving a homemade ZAGE banner. Another added, "You're the coolest, Zaboru! Keep making history! You Are Very Cool!" The spontaneous chorus of support created a ripple of energy through the line, as more fans joined in, clapping and echoing the sentiment with wide grins and raised fists.

Maya chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. This guy wasn't just a die-hard fan—he was the embodiment of ZAGE devotion. You couldn't fabricate that kind of passion and Zaboru truly has that many fans—his popularity is undeniable. It's hard to find someone who dislikes him, unless you're a die-hard Sonaya fan still bitter about the rivalry.

"Well then, thank you, Kazuki-san, for the interview! We hope you manage to grab your ZEPS 2 today!"

Kazuki gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"Thanks! I'll be sprinting home to plug it in the second I get it. No detours—straight to my TV!"

The camera cut back to Maya, still standing among the bustling, energetic crowd behind her. She adjusted her mic and turned slightly toward the lens.

"As you can see, the passion is real and absolutely contagious. ZAGE isn't just launching a console—they're launching a movement. With fans like Kazuki and so many others lining the streets, it's clear ZAGE continues to set new standards not only in gaming but in cultural influence. Stay tuned throughout the day for more live updates, interviews, and celebrations from launch sites across Japan."

Meanwhile, several other news stations also began live coverage. NHK calls it "the largest console launch day in Japanese history." Reporters in cities from Osaka to Sapporo are showing similar scenes—crowds stretching down alleyways, fans sharing snacks and stories, parents holding spots for their children, and even rare elderly gamers showing up in ZAGE-themed jackets.

Overall the release really made a scene.

To be continue

Please give me your power stone and if you want to support me and get minimum 10 advance chapter for 3 bucks considering subscribe to my patreon patreon.com/Zaborn_1997 

Also Join my discord if you want https://discord.gg/jB8x6TUByc