Chapter 186: Longing for the Wind
Upon the release of Pentagon's new game 'Chronos Trigger' at CES, the Japanese reception was hotter than anywhere else in the world. It was to the extent that upon returning to Japan, the Pentagon headquarters were practically paralyzed due to the deluge of inquiries pouring in from magazine companies.
"Ugh... If only it hadn't been appendicitis, I should've been there!"
The day after returning from the U.S., I visited the hospital where Gunpei was admitted with Yuki and placed some simple food on the table before speaking.
"But at least the surgery went well, and apparently, everything's functioning properly. You should rest properly during this time."
I tossed a Laon-themed game cartridge to the grumbling Gunpei.
"What's this?"
"It's a demo of the 'Gift of the Gods' piano part. Play it when you're bored. It might help with your mental relaxation."
However, Gunpei, who was not paying heed to my words, was already inserting the demo cartridge into Laon.
Seeing this, Yuki chuckled in disbelief and shook her head.
"I almost think you're Jun-hyuk's friend."
"He's not my friend."
"No, she's right. They're really close friends."
"."
Even I couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight of Gunpei, now completely engrossed in the game with earphones plugged in.
He was lamenting missing out on the gaming world's biggest event due to an abrupt stomach ache during the airport transfer for CES. I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry considering the discomfort amid the reporters' reactions after their visit to the U.S.
Perhaps due to inadvertently feeling indebted to Gunpei myself, I had been quite worried upon hearing the news from the U.S., but seeing him looking healthy was a relief...
Yet, seeing the guy vigorously playing around, almost as if mocking my unnecessary concern, made me slightly resentful.
After enjoying the demo for a while, Gunpei pulled out the earphones and wore an amazed expression.
"This is amazing! Not just the buttons, but even the directional keys can be used as piano keys..."
"Ueno was in charge of it. He's famous for composing in Final Frontier 6. He really captured a deeply poetic feeling."
Gunpei nodded in agreement with my words.
"The 'Gift of the Gods' in Final Frontier 6. And on top of that, a remake of Dragon Emblem in the next-gen console. You must be incredibly busy."
"Well, truth be told, I'm not that busy. I'm not making all four of those games alone. And both Final Frontier and Gift of the Gods are almost done with development. We even have some leftover manpower."
"Hmm... Still, it's not like Jun-hyuk would just sit around doing nothing, right?"
Perhaps because we've known each other for a long time, Gunpei looked at me with a significant smile.
But deliberately ignoring that, I turned my gaze to Yuki beside me and spoke.
"I'm planning to take a break until Gift of the Gods is released, and soon the baby will be born too..."
Upon that, Yuki, seemingly embarrassed, lowered her head and gently caressed her swollen belly.
"I hope it's a healthy boy resembling Jun-hyuk."
"Ah~ I'd prefer an adorable daughter resembling you."
"I just wish both of you would go somewhere far away."
"."
The moisture in Gunpei's eyes, as he looked at us, had unexpectedly increased.
---
After returning to Japan, Mr. Kawaguchi, along with Mr. Yuuji, selected new development staff for the production of Chronos Trigger.
When legendary directors join hands for the ultimate game, the volunteers for the development staff were also remarkable. Moreover, Yuuji Horii, a freelance writer who used to contribute stories to manga magazines before entering the gaming industry, had composed a mind-blowing storyline based on time travel.
Furthermore, with Mr. Toriyama's name involved in character design, the success of this project was already foreseen.
However, for a project that encompassed the main story, character design, and a unique battle system, sound design was a crucial aspect that couldn't be overlooked.
To avoid any potential disruption to the project's atmosphere, it was somewhat awkward to outsource this part.
But among the recommended individuals was Ueno, who previously worked on the sound design for Gift of the Gods.
After listening to the OST of Gift of the Gods and the opera scene from Final Frontier, the Phoenix development team unanimously supported his addition. Thus, Ueno joined the Chronos Trigger sound development team at Mr. Kawaguchi's suggestion.
And the music born from there was none other than 'Longing for the Wind,' which became one of the standout tracks in RPG gaming history.
For me, the fact that Chronos Trigger, which recorded a double million sales worldwide, was coming out as Laon was an incredibly thrilling moment.
---
November 22, 1994.
During the late autumn, when the wind felt slightly chilly...
Around 500 gamers had gathered in front of an event venue in Akihabara, twisting their bodies back and forth after spending the night there. The queue had been gradually growing since last night, more than I had anticipated.
I was there for market research and met Gunpei, who was at the scene for coverage.
Gunpei, who had undergone an appendectomy recently, had completed his discharge procedure the day after my hospital visit. He seemed completely back to his usual self, considering he had been barely able to move just the other day.
"How's your body holding up?"
"The day before I was discharged, my intestines got a bit twisted thanks to you and Yuki. But it's bearable."
"If you feel that unfair, maybe consider settling down."
"Settle down alone? I need a partner for that!"
"That might be a good idea. Then you won't have to deliver ice cream every time you finish work..."
"Ice cream delivery? What are you talking about?"
"That's a thing. Anyway, how are the users reacting?"
"Not bad. No matter how expensive it is, those who are going to buy it will buy it eventually."
"It's 44,800 yen. That's definitely not a cheap price from a consumer's perspective, right?"
At that, Gunpei touched his nose with his finger and opened his mouth.
"But, from NEGA's perspective, it's not cheap at all. I visited NEGA headquarters for an interview before, and the way they promote their pricing policies is quite something."
"Well, that's because the machine was poorly made from the start..."
"Huh? What did you just say...?"
"Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself."
And a little later, at 11 in the morning.
The world's first 32-bit game console, NEGA Saturn, began its release.
The highly anticipated 3D fighting game, "Real Fighter," was finally released as per the users' desires among the titles simultaneously launched.
However, after almost a year since its release in the arcade centers, the home console version of "Real Fighter" unveiled itself, leaving gamers immensely disappointed.
"What's this...?"
Gunpei, showcasing the Saturn version of "Real Fighter" at the event, couldn't conceal his confusion regarding the graphics.
The sleek 3D graphics shown on the arcade board seemed to have vanished, replaced by a noticeably pixelated staircase effect that furrowed brows and dismayed viewers.
Despite Sega Saturn hastily adding an extra CPU in its final stages due to comparisons with Sony's Gear Station in terms of hardware performance, the actual utilization of two CPUs efficiently was almost non-existent in this era, leading developers to a hellish experience.
Even their leading director, Suzuki, couldn't overcome the barrier of the initially devised dual CPUs, resulting in the Saturn's first installment of "Real Fighter" being released at a devastatingly subpar level.
Having raised high hopes and shelled out a hefty 45,000 yen for the console, users began to grow furious upon witnessing graphics below their expectations.
Already upset that the next-generation console development took several years only to launch with a mere two titles, "Real Fighter" and "Daytona," the racing game, their anger escalated at the appalling quality presented.
Moreover, for a home console game, it was customary to include character-specific stories or suitable ending elements for solo enjoyment. However, "Real Fighter" merely replicated the arcade system itself.
Hence, the available menu options were limited to just 'Arcade Mode' and 'VS Mode'nothing more.
Gunpei, assigning a dismal score of 10 out of 40 in the review of the Saturn version of "Real Fighter," stood firm against the protesting journalists who claimed it was too harsh.
"Geez, honestly, even 10 points seem too generous."
---
One evening after the Saturn's release caused a stir across Japan.
I parked my car in a public parking lot in Tokyo and lit a cigarette.
With "Gift of the Gods" set for release on December 24th and already in the cartridge production stage, I found solace and had been frequenting Harajuku, often referred to as the "Street of Youth."
Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Harajuku centered around a bustling street called Takeshita-dori, attracting many young dreamers aspiring to be musicians.
"I can't pretend to be young forever now..."
At 21 years old, having flown into 1983, I suddenly found myself at the age of 32.
Moreover, I wore a suit today for an important meeting, making me appear even older than usual...
Lost in a bittersweet mood, I flicked the cigarette butt with my portable ashtray and slowly made my way toward the downtown area.
"Will there be any good finds today?"
Muttering to myself, I sought out the spot where indie bands often gathered, my hand in my pocket as I walked along the street.
Currently, in Japan, idol groups were gaining popularity, with the SMEP male idol group, centered around the agency Johnny's and led by Sakai, causing a stir after the chaos they incited as a punk band on the release day of Dragon Warrior 3 and Psych Battle. This incident led Sakai to become the exclusive model for Dragon Warrior, gaining significant popularity among gamers as well.
However, no matter how popular a male idol group might be, they weren't what I needed. What I wanted was a female idol group that would electrify gamers across Japan.
If someone were to ask why I was searching for actual indie bands while making an idol training game, the reason is simple: finding aspiring singers with acknowledged vocal abilities who mutually like each other.
Sure, going for Sakai Izumi, currently topping the Oricon charts, who became the exclusive model after the incident, would make the most sense if following public taste. However, I preferred creating a rookie idol group that could grow alongside the games I made, rather than someone already established, even if less known.
Ideally, someone who could easily transition into a game character. Someone possessing both beauty and vocal talent...
At that moment, a unique female voice reached my ears.
"As the streetlights come on, leaning on your shoulder~ looking up at the sunset-tinted clouds floating above..."
Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, she sang, and I found myself stopping and staring blankly at her.
Her strikingly attractive face, innocent smile, and compelling voice captivated not just me but everyone walking by.
"Wow... she has an amazing voice."
"Who is she? I've never seen her on this street before."
"If she's this good, shouldn't she debut?"
People around, praising her voice, dropped coins into her guitar case. After she finished a song and courteously bowed to the audience, I approached her as she prepared for the next song, offering her my business card.
"Would you consider signing with me and becoming an idol?"
>
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