Launch Lineup Preparations (1)

The fervor of the mobilization meeting, like a summer afternoon thunderstorm, came and went quickly.

Takuya didn't give himself a chance to catch his breath; he moved with lightning speed and immediately pulled Yu Suzuki along.

The team leaders were also summoned, and a detailed review of the arcade games to be ported to the new consoles began.

On the long table in the conference room, game plans and data were spread out.

"The Fatal Fury"

Takuya tapped his fingertip lightly and spoke first, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty.

"No problem. It's a benchmark title in fighting games, and the new console's capabilities will perfectly showcase its unique charm."

Yu Suzuki nodded slightly, his gaze behind his glasses sharp and focused.

"Yes, the transplantation isn't difficult. The key is that the target audience is very broad."

"Tetris."

Takuya continued, a relaxed smile playing on his lips.

"Classic games never go out of style, essential games for any PC, making our new console more accessible to home users."

"Hang-On and Out Run."

He looked at the team leader in charge of the two games, his eyes filled with encouragement.

"Our motion-sensing masterpiece, ported to home consoles, will offer an absolutely top-notch experience if paired with a newly designed controller."

These works were approved almost unanimously, without any suspense.

Everyone's faces were filled with optimism, as if they could already see the overwhelming success of the new console's launch.

However, as the subsequent game presentations were shown one by one on the big screen, Takuya's previously relaxed brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

The games shown on the screen were almost exclusively action-packed platformers or bullet-hell shooters.

The visual effects are indeed impressive; the interplay of explosions and light and shadow is intense enough, and the battle scenes are exhilarating.

However, the game genre is far too monotonous, like a concert featuring only heavy metal music; after listening to it for a while, it inevitably becomes tiring.

The atmosphere in the conference room, along with the flickering images, gradually shifted from initial anticipation to a somewhat subtle shift.

"Gentlemen."

Takuya cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence.

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable power, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

"These games have achieved considerable success in the arcade market, and their technical capabilities are commendable."

He first offered affirmation, thus easing the tension.

"However, as the launch lineup for our new console, if the screen is filled with fighting and gunfire, it would seem that Sega is only 'flexing its muscles' and lacks deeper content and more diverse options."

Several development team leaders responsible for these visually stunning games clearly showed a hint of resentment on their faces.

One of the team leaders, whose personality was somewhat impatient, couldn't help but speak up in defense.

"General Manager Nakayama, these games have all been rigorously tested by the market, and the player response has been extremely enthusiastic. Porting them to the new consoles, with their enhanced capabilities, will result in a qualitative leap in graphics and smoothness, definitely attracting the attention of core gamers immediately!"

I understand what you mean.

Takuya smiled gently, looking at the team leader with understanding.

He was acutely aware of the deep affection these developers had for the works they had created, treating them like their own children.

"The success of arcade games is very important to us; it's a valuable asset."

"But we must recognize that the user base for home consoles is far broader than that of arcade players, and their needs are much more diverse."

"If the game starts with all high-intensity competitive gameplay, it might scare away some potential casual users, or even family users."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd again, his tone becoming even more sincere.

"I know that everyone has poured countless hours and sweat into these projects."

"Please rest assured, all the valuable experience we have accumulated and the excellent techniques we have honed will not be wasted."

"Going forward, I will sit down with everyone to discuss in detail how to make the best use of these existing technologies, and combine them with some brand-new ideas, to develop new games that are more suitable for the characteristics of home console platforms and can better fully utilize the powerful capabilities of our new consoles."

"What we want to create is a vibrant forest with all kinds of trees, not just a single, seemingly strong tree."

Yu Suzuki chimed in at the opportune moment, his words always carrying a technical rigor and authority.

"Takuya makes a lot of sense."

"The advantages of the new hardware are not just the faster processing speed and the ability to display more moving elements on the screen simultaneously."

"It also boasts more refined color reproduction, richer sound effects, and smoother dynamic visuals."

"Different types of games can better showcase the comprehensive strengths of the new console from different perspectives, bringing players a comprehensive and stunning experience."

Faced with Takuya's insightful analysis and sincere promise, as well as the clear endorsement from Yu Suzuki, a technical authority within the company, the development team leaders, despite feeling somewhat reluctant to part with their own creation, could only nod in agreement.

They all understood that Nakayama Yat-sen's vision was always unique and far-sighted.

Moreover, the works of these two masters are the cornerstones of Sega's gaming empire, and their influence is unmatched.

Ultimately, after careful consideration and heated discussions, Takuya selected four action-adventure and flight shooting games to supplement his existing lineup and add them to the initial porting list.

"<Action Fighter>"

Takuya announced, tapping his finger lightly on the proposal.

"This game combines multiple vehicle switching options with different combat modes, offering relatively rich content and good replayability."

"<Shinobi>"

His gaze fell on another document.

"This brand has enormous potential, and the classic ninja theme itself is very popular with players worldwide."

"<Space Harrier>"

"A classic 3D flight shooting game, needs no further explanation."

"<Bloody Wolf / Battle Rangers>" (Bloody Wolf)

"This is a hardcore military-themed game, and the fun of fighting side-by-side in the two-player cooperative mode can be perfectly experienced on the new console."

Takuya put down the documents in his hand and added his emphasis.

"The arcade versions of ' Shinobi ' and ' Bloody Wolf / Battle Rangers ' are currently in the final stages of development."

"As planned, once the arcade version is successfully completed, we will immediately begin porting the game to the new console version."

"We must ensure the quality of the porting and the progress of development; there can be no slackening."

With the initial list of games to be ported finalized, the atmosphere in the meeting room relaxed slightly.

However, what followed was an even more exciting part—a brand-new original launch title tailor-made for the new console.

This is the real test of Sega's development capabilities and the key to determining the future of the new console.

Takuya's gaze first fell on Yuji Naka, who was sitting in the corner of the conference table, remaining relatively quiet, but with a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

"Zhongjun."

Takuya's voice carried a gentle encouragement, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake.

"Since joining Sega, you have been working diligently in the home console division, especially in the hardware adaptation of our new console and the very early software compatibility testing. You and your team made tremendous efforts and helped us solve many key technical problems. Your contributions are truly invaluable."

Yuji Naka was called upon, he smiled shyly and habitually adjusted his glasses.

His calm demeanor, typical of a technician, stood out particularly at this moment.

"When we talk in private,"

Takuya continued with a smile, his tone as warm as if he were catching up with an old friend.

"You often come up with some really imaginative and wonderful ideas, and you also have a lot of unique insights into the storytelling of games and how to build a captivating world."

"Nintendo's Dragon Quest series has proven with facts just how enormous the potential and appeal of the RPG genre is in the home console market."

"Now that we have a powerful machine that far surpasses the FC in performance, it's time to create our Sega Sega-level national RPG."

He gazed at Yuji Naka, his eyes filled with undisguised trust and eager expectation.

"I know you've been quietly accumulating various inspirations and ideas."

"Now, I hope you can systematically organize these valuable ideas, and dedicate your talent and passion to developing Sega's first landmark RPG for our new console."

"Whatever resources you need, the entire company will fully support you without hesitation."

Yuji Naka took a deep breath, and his face, which was usually focused on code and technical details, now shone with an irrepressible excitement.

His glasses seemed to tremble slightly with excitement.

He nodded heavily, his voice slightly hoarse with excitement, yet exceptionally firm.

"General Manager Nakayama, I... I do have some ideas in mind. I will do my best to produce the best work and will never let you down!"

He knew perfectly well that this was a golden opportunity given to him by Nakayama Takuya to make history, and also a tremendous challenge that he had always longed to face deep in his heart.

"Very good!"

Takuya smiled with satisfaction, a bright and cheerful smile.

He was well aware of the Yuji Naka, the future father of the Phantasy Star and Sonic series, who was now standing at the glorious starting point of his own legendary story.