Friday 4 September 2000
Zaboru smiled faintly as he stood inside ZAGE China, where he was still actively guiding Team MYTH. Despite his responsibilities there, his focus had already shifted toward something else—this month's game lineup and, more importantly, the upcoming Smash Bros trailer.
Even while reviewing reports and overseeing development, his thoughts kept returning to the same thing. The timing, the presentation, the impact—everything had to be precise. This wasn't just another trailer. It was something meant to leave an impression.
He leaned back slightly, a quiet confidence forming on his face.
"Let's hope this blows everyone away."
Zaboru planned to release the trailer later that day. However, he wasn't going to reveal everything at once. Instead, he had a different strategy in mind. He would introduce only a few characters initially, carefully building curiosity and anticipation. Each day, more characters would be revealed, gradually expanding interest until the official release on 26 September 2000.
For him, this wasn't just promotion—it was control over attention, pacing the excitement so that it would grow rather than fade.
"As for the other games releasing this month, I think they're fine," Zaboru muttered to himself as he reviewed the lineup once more. There were quite a number of titles launching alongside Smash Bros, but he had already carefully considered their positioning.
Three of them came from TEAM Nexus USA and Japan—Fast and Furious, Soulcalibur 2, and Time Crisis. These were primarily arcade-focused games, and Zaboru understood that arcade players had a different audience compared to console players. Because of that, their releases wouldn't directly clash with Smash Bros, allowing each title to shine within its own space.
The remaining two were sports games—NBA 2K and WE 2000. These titles targeted entirely different fanbases as well, appealing to players who were more interested in competitive sports experiences rather than fighting or arcade action. In Zaboru's view, this diversity actually strengthened the lineup rather than weakening it.
Because of this, there was no need to postpone anything. Each game had its own audience, its own timing, and its own appeal. Instead of delaying releases, Zaboru decided to support them all equally.
He planned to give each ZAGE game its own trailer, ensuring that every title received proper attention throughout the month.
Zaboru knew very well that Smash Bros would leave a strong and lasting impression on the fans. It wasn't just another game—it was something that could shift expectations, something that people would remember long after its release. That understanding alone made him more careful, but also more confident in what he was about to do.
A small smile formed on his face as he finalized his decision.
Without wasting time, he quickly prepared a teaser and uploaded it to the ZAGE YouTube channel. The message was simple, yet effective:
"ZAGE Upcoming September Games! Wait for it tonight!"
It wasn't detailed, but that was the point. He wanted curiosity, speculation, and anticipation to build naturally.
Zaboru leaned back slightly after posting it, a faint grin appearing as he imagined the reactions it would trigger across the community. The excitement, the guesses, the discussions—it would all start from this small teaser.
Satisfied, he stood up and left the office, his focus shifting once again. There was still work to do, and he returned to guiding Team MYTH China, continuing to teach and refine their skills while everything else quietly began to unfold.
Time passed, and meanwhile in Japan, it was already 17:40, leaving only twenty minutes before the trailer would premiere. The ZAGE YouTube channel had already gathered a massive crowd, and the live chat under the teaser video was moving rapidly, filled with excitement and speculation. People kept joining every second, their anticipation growing as the countdown drew closer.
The chat was filled with questions, guesses, and playful arguments.
"What games are releasing this September?"
"ZAGE is always insane in September—are they going to do the same this year!?"
"I heard from a friend in ZAGE—it's definitely Chrono Trigger 2!"
"The guy above me is lying, it's obviously Excitebike 2!"
"I really hope for another Final Fantasy game! Final Fantasy 8 was already great, even better than 7!"
"Above me is delusional! FF7 is the best because my wife Tifa Lockhart is there!"
"My neighbour Albert is eating gyoza right now, I'm so hungry… I can literally smell it from here and it's torture. I should've bought food earlier."
"I'm eating noodles with my wife right now—her name is Chun-Li, and yeah… she's kinda strong. Like, really strong. I'm a bit scared but also proud."
"Above me, you really can't help yourself anymore, can you? Seek help, man. Or at least share the noodles."
"I think my cat just said 'WE LOVE YOU YEAGH!' when the teaser dropped… I might be losing it, but I swear I heard it."
"My dog started barking at the screen too, maybe ZAGE awakened something in animals as well."
"I think my neighbour Tanaka has a weird fetish… he keeps shouting whenever a new game is announced. It's concerning."
"Im Tanaka your neighbour! That's a lie! I'm just passionate about games, okay!?"
"Tanaka-san Hajimemasite"
The conversation continued to escalate, with more people joining in, adding their own theories, jokes, and expectations. Some were serious, trying to predict ZAGE's next move, while others simply enjoyed the chaos of the moment. The energy in the chat kept rising, creating a lively atmosphere even before the trailer had begun.
Time passed quickly, and before long, the clock finally reached 18:00.
The trailer began.
The ZAGE logo appeared on the screen, sharp and commanding, immediately capturing everyone's attention. The music swelled slightly, building anticipation as the familiar symbol filled the screen.
Then, the announcer's voice rang out clearly.
"September! This month, ZAGE will release a total of six games!"
The chat instantly reacted—first with surprise, then quickly shifting into excitement and curiosity as viewers leaned in, eager to see what would come next.
"Most of these are arcade games that will be released in arcade centers, so stay tuned! The first game is… Soul Calibur 2!"
The screen immediately shifted into gameplay footage of Soul Calibur 2. The visuals were striking, far more refined than before, with detailed character models and smooth animations that made every movement feel fluid and impactful. Weapons clashed with satisfying weight, sparks flying as blades collided, while the environments looked vibrant and alive.
The gameplay itself looked fast, stylish, and highly responsive, with each character showcasing unique fighting styles that stood out clearly. From elegant sword techniques to aggressive close-range combat, every exchange felt dynamic and engaging.
The announcer's voice returned, energetic and confident. "Beat your opponent with style and your favorite character, as Soulcalibur returns in Soulcalibur 2!"
As the footage continued, viewers could see glimpses of different fighters, special moves, and dramatic finishes, further emphasizing the game's intensity and variety.
Then the gameplay shifted to a showcase of Time Crisis. The scene immediately became more intense, with fast-paced action unfolding on the screen. Players could be seen taking cover, leaning out to shoot, and reacting quickly to incoming attacks. What stood out the most was the seamless co-op gameplay, where two players worked together fluidly, covering each other and coordinating their movements in real time.
The transitions between action and cover felt smooth, making the experience look both dynamic and immersive. Explosions, gunfire, and enemy waves created a constant sense of urgency, keeping the pace high from start to finish.
Viewers watching the trailer were immediately intrigued by how interactive and engaging the gameplay looked, especially with the emphasis on teamwork. It wasn't just about shooting—it was about coordination, timing, and reacting together under pressure.
The announcer's voice came in with energy, matching the intensity of the footage. "Take down dangerous terrorists with your friend in this new ZAGE shooting arcade experience—Time Crisis!"
As the footage continued, more scenarios were shown, including different environments and escalating challenges, hinting at a variety of missions that would keep players engaged. The co-op aspect remained the highlight, making it clear that this game was designed to be experienced together rather than alone.
Then the tone of the trailer shifted as energetic rap music began to play, immediately changing the atmosphere. The screen transitioned to a high-speed racing scene, showcasing an arcade setup complete with a seat, steering wheel, and gas pedal, emphasizing a more immersive driving experience.
Cars sped through city streets, drifting around corners with style, neon lights reflecting off their polished surfaces. The sense of speed was intense, with camera angles switching dynamically to highlight both the vehicles and the environment.
The announcer spoke with excitement, matching the fast-paced visuals. "Feel the street racing experience like never before with this new arcade—Fast and Furious! Choose from a variety of stylish cars and challenge your friends in high-speed competition!"
The footage then showcased the arcade machine itself, revealing both two-player and four-player versions. Multiple players could race side by side, competing in real time, making the experience feel social and competitive at the same time.
The idea of racing alongside three other friends in a single arcade setup immediately stood out, adding a level of interaction that felt fresh and exciting.
Then the trailer transitioned to showcase NBA 2K and WE 2000, highlighting their updated features, improved gameplay mechanics, and refreshed rosters. The visuals emphasized smoother animations and more realistic player movements, giving both games a more polished and immersive feel. Each title presented its own appeal, reinforcing their position as strong entries for sports fans.
The chat became even more active, filled with excitement as viewers reacted to what they had just seen. Messages flooded in rapidly, each one expressing a different kind of enthusiasm.
"Hey! Fast and Furious looks really interesting! I can finally race properly with three of my friends in the arcade now!?"
"Yeah! Soulcalibur is back! I can't wait to play my queen—IVY!"
"Time Crisis looks really fun, especially the co-op. I'm definitely trying that with my friends."
"Yeah, the new Winning Eleven looks solid. The gameplay looks smoother than before."
"New NBA game and it's called 2K? That's interesting… but honestly, I already love it."
The excitement continued to build as more viewers joined the conversation, each reacting to different parts of the trailer. Some were focused on the arcade experience, imagining themselves playing with friends, while others were already picking their favorite characters or planning which games to try first. The chat was no longer just active—it was fully energized, reflecting the growing anticipation for ZAGE's September lineup.
As the comments continued to grow more lively, the video suddenly cut to black. The screen went completely dark, with no sound or indication of what would come next. For a brief moment, confusion spread across the audience, as if the entire momentum had been abruptly halted.
The chat exploded instantly.
"Hey, that's only five games, right!? There's still one more remaining!?"
"Wait… don't tell me my internet died at THIS moment…"
"NO WAY, DON'T DO THIS TO ME ZAGE!!"
"Is this a bug? Why is the screen just black?"
"Did the stream crash or is this some kind of evil cliffhanger!?"
"Bro my heart dropped I thought my PC broke 💀"
"I refreshed 3 times already, still black… HELP"
"ZAGE really said 'you thought we were done?' and turned off the lights 💀"
"Maybe this is horror game teaser???"
"Above me relax, this is not Resident Evil 😭"
"Plot twist: the last game is just 'Black Screen Simulator'"
"10/10 graphics, very realistic darkness"
"Guys be quiet… I think something BIG is coming…"
Messages flooded in rapidly, overlapping, chaotic, and increasingly unhinged as viewers tried to make sense of what was happening. Some genuinely thought it was a technical issue, while others began to suspect it was intentional—ZAGE building tension in the most dramatic way possible.
The longer the silence lasted, the more intense the anticipation became. Even the jokes started to slow, replaced by a strange collective focus.
Then—without warning—the video resumed.
The black screen slowly faded, and bold text appeared on the screen.
"ZAGE Smash Bros!"
To be continue
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