Ajal.
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Chapter 89 - Launch Lineup Preparation (1)
🕑 Added 2025-09-28 11:36:46 +0000 UTCThe fervor from the mobilization meeting, like a summer afternoon thunderstorm, came quickly and faded fast.
Takuya Nakayama allowed himself no pause, moving swiftly to pull Yuji Suzuki along.
Team leads from each development group were summoned, kicking off a meticulous review of arcade games slated for porting to the new console.
The meeting room’s long table was strewn with game proposals and data.
“Fatal Fury.”
Nakayama’s fingertip tapped the table, his tone carrying unshakable confidence.
“No question—this is a benchmark for fighting games. The new console’s capabilities will perfectly showcase its unique charm.”
Yuji Suzuki nodded slightly, his gaze sharp and focused behind his glasses.
“Agreed. Porting difficulty is low, and its audience is broad.”
“Tetris.”
Nakayama continued, a relaxed smile on his lips.
“A timeless classic, a must-have for any console. It’ll help more families embrace our new machine.”
“Hang-On and Out Run.”
He looked at the leads for these games, his eyes encouraging.
“Our sensory blockbusters—ported to home consoles with a newly designed controller, the experience will be top-tier.”
These titles passed unanimously, without debate.
Optimism lit up everyone’s faces, as if they could already see the console’s launch-day frenzy.
However, as subsequent game demos flashed on the big screen, Nakayama’s relaxed brow subtly furrowed.
The screen showcased a parade of action-packed beat-’em-ups and bullet-heavy shoot-’em-ups.
Visually impressive, with intense explosions and light effects, the combat scenes were thrilling.
But the genres were too uniform—like a concert of only heavy metal, fatiguing over time.
The room’s atmosphere shifted from anticipation to a subtle unease as the demos played.
“Everyone,” Nakayama cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence.
His calm voice carried undeniable weight, instantly drawing all attention.
“These games have performed well in arcades, and their technical prowess is commendable.”
He began with praise, easing the tension.
“But as the launch lineup for our new console, if the screen is all fighting and firepower, it risks making Sega look like we’re just ‘flexing muscles,’ lacking deeper substance or diverse options.”
Some leads for these high-octane games showed faint reluctance.
One fiery-tempered lead couldn’t hold back.
“Executive Nakayama, these games have survived brutal market tests and sparked wild player enthusiasm. Ported to the new console with enhanced performance, the visuals and smoothness will leap forward, grabbing core players’ attention instantly!”
“I understand,” Nakayama said with a gentle smile, his gaze empathetic.
He knew how deeply developers cherished their creations, like their own children.
“Arcade successes are vital, a treasure for us.”
“But we must recognize that home console audiences are far broader than arcade players, with more diverse needs.”
“If we launch with only high-intensity combat games, we might alienate potential casual or family users.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping the room, voice growing earnest.
“I know everyone poured heart and sweat into these projects.”
“Rest assured, this experience and polished tech won’t go to waste.”
“Moving forward, we’ll sit down together to explore how to leverage this tech, blend in fresh ideas, and create games tailored to the home console’s unique traits, fully utilizing our new machine’s power.”
“We’re building a vibrant forest with all kinds of trees, not just one sturdy trunk.”
Yuji Suzuki chimed in, his words laced with technical authority.
“Takuya’s right.”
“The new hardware’s strengths aren’t just faster processing or more on-screen elements.”
“It’s the richer colors, layered audio, and smoother visuals.”
“Different genres can showcase these strengths from various angles, delivering a holistic shock to players.”
Faced with Nakayama’s reasoned analysis, sincere promises, and Suzuki’s authoritative backing, the leads, though reluctant to let go of their projects, nodded in agreement.
They knew Nakayama’s vision was sharp and far-reaching.
Besides, these two titans’ works were pillars of Sega’s game empire, their authority unmatched.
After careful deliberation and heated discussion, Nakayama selected four action and shoot-’em-up titles to complement the lineup.
“Action Fighter,” he announced, tapping a proposal.
“It blends vehicle-switching and varied combat modes, offering rich, playable content.”
“Shinobi.”
His eyes landed on another document.
“This brand has huge potential, and its classic ninja theme resonates globally.”
“Space Harrier.”
“A classic 3D shoot-’em-up, no explanation needed.”
“Bloody Wolf.”
“A gritty military title. Its co-op mode’s camaraderie will shine on the new console.”
Nakayama set down the papers, emphasizing, “Shinobi and Bloody Wolf are still in final arcade development.”
“Per the plan, once arcade versions are complete, start porting to the new console immediately.”
“Ensure port quality and progress—no slacking.”
With the initial port lineup set, the room’s tension eased slightly.
Next came the thrilling part—new, bespoke flagship titles for the console.
This was the true test of Sega’s development strength, the key to the console’s future.
Nakayama’s gaze turned to Yuji Naka, quietly seated in the corner, eyes always glinting with thought.
“Naka-kun,” Nakayama’s voice carried warm encouragement, like a spring breeze over a lake.
“Since joining Sega, you’ve toiled quietly in the home console division, especially on hardware adaptation and early software compatibility testing. You and your team solved critical technical challenges, making invaluable contributions.”
Yuji Naka, named directly, gave a shy smile, adjusting his glasses.
His calm, technical demeanor stood out starkly.
“In our private talks,” Nakayama continued, smiling as if chatting with an old friend, “you often share wild, imaginative ideas about game narratives and crafting compelling worlds, with unique insights.”
“Nintendo’s Dragon Quest series has proven RPGs’ immense potential and draw in the home console market.”
“Now, with a machine far surpassing the Famicom, it’s time to create Sega’s own national RPG.”
He fixed Naka with a gaze full of unreserved trust and eager expectation.
“I know you’ve been quietly gathering ideas and concepts.”
“Now, I want you to systematize those treasures, pour in your talent and passion, and create Sega’s first landmark RPG for our new console.”
“Any resources you need, the company will back you fully, no questions asked.”
Yuji Naka took a deep breath, his code-focused face now alight with uncontainable excitement.
His glasses seemed to tremble with his fervor.
He nodded firmly, voice hoarse with emotion but resolute.
“Executive Nakayama, I… I do have some concepts. I’ll give my all to deliver the best work, and I won’t let you down!”
He knew this was Nakayama’s offer of a historic opportunity, a challenge he’d long craved.
“Excellent!” Nakayama’s smile was radiant.
He saw Naka’s vast potential, the future father of Phantasy Star and Sonic, now standing at the glorious start of his legendary journey.
