Independent Video Games

Suzuki and Tora had hoped and prayed that KiShin's new video games wouldn't succeed. 

Their prayers seemed to be answered by the Most High when one of KiShin's released games, 'Kid Icarus,' faced heavy criticism not only in Tokyo but also in various parts of Japan.

[Tokyo, Japan]

In different corners of Tokyo, the KiShin video game 'Kid Icarus' received harsh criticism.

In a particular arcade, several players gathered to discuss their thoughts.

"I can accept that 'Metroid' was challenging, but at least it was consistently playable. 'Kid Icarus' was insanely difficult," one player said with disappointment.

Another player nodded in agreement, adding, "I've always admired the work of the 'Young Founder' so far, but 'Kid Icarus' took difficulty to a whole new level."

The 'Young Founder' was the title earned by Shinro Suzuki.

As the popularity of video games continued to rise, whether it was KiShin, Tora, or Suzuki fans, it was undeniable that many people were eager to uncover his true identity.

-In a particular bar-

A gathering of Yakuza underlings engaged in a discussion, with one burly man exclaiming in frustration as an attractive woman stood by his side, "Damn it! I broke my FamiCom because of how insanely difficult it is!"

"Hahaha!!!"

"You can't be serious!"

Saito Nakamura chuckled and added, "If the higher-ups find out about your sins, they might just cut off your finger!"

"Hahaha!!!"

The laughter in the room grew even louder.

---

Meanwhile, amidst the dominance of KiShin's video games in the public eye, in a specific studio, Kinoshi Yoshi and his team had finally completed their independent video game.

This time, Kinoshita Yoshi refrained from incorporating excessive dark elements and instead created a video game inspired by zombie films.

Indeed, his video game was named 'Zombie Slayer.'

It revolved around a character who dispatched zombies with a firearm. Players could acquire various equipment or upgrade their firearms by collecting red orbs or essence.

The in-game character sported a green armored suit, and the gameplay paid homage to the classics that paved the way, such as 'Super Mario Bros.'

At this point, Kinoshita Yoshi and his friends had already visited the KiShin Headquarters to submit their video game.

They all wore confident expressions, firmly believing that their video game would sail through the approval process without any suspense.

And indeed, after a thorough review by the team of assessors, it was given the green light. Even Shin, who had learned about the game's style from his employees, couldn't help but smile. It was proof that there were promising independent video game developers out there.

Upon receiving the approval, Kinoshita Yoshi and his friend were elatedly surprised, despite their initial confidence in acceptance.

They decided to christen their company 'Kuma Games,' with 'Kuma' translating to 'bear' in English. Kinoshita Yoshi chose this name deliberately, as the bear symbolized strength and power, surpassing even the tiger or 'Tora' in Japanese. This choice was their way of seeking retribution against Tora Corporation.

Following the approval of the video game 'Zombie Slayer,' discussions ensued between KiShin's employees and Kinoshita and his friends regarding the contract. KiShin exhibited generosity by offering a relatively modest royalty fee. This gesture exemplified KiShin's commitment to supporting independent video game developers.

After thorough contract negotiations, Kinoshita Yoshi and his friends ultimately agreed to KiShin's terms, and the production of their video game was scheduled to commence in the near future.

Kinoshita Yoshi and his friends were overflowing with excitement as their first video game neared its impending release.

---

Several days had passed since the buzz surrounding KiShin's two video games, and Christmas was fast approaching. It turned out that 'Kid Icarus' had the worst sales performance, but fortunately, 'Final Fantasy' was well-received by many players.

Numerous independent video games, including those that Tora and Suzuki had previously overlooked, began to capture the attention of a broad audience. One standout among them was 'Zombie Slayer,' which KiShin vigorously promoted through advertising.

A young man purchased the game with a hint of skepticism. 

He was unsure whether it would turn out to be another lackluster independent video game, as was often expected, but he decided to take a chance when he noticed KiShin endorsing it in their advertisements.

Upon returning home and inserting the video game cartridge into his FamiCom console, the KiShin logo appeared, accompanied by a brown bear emblem, bearing the name 'Kuma Games.' The video game finally commenced, its title ominously displayed as 'Zombie Slayer.'

As the young man tapped the start button, the video game finally initiated, displaying white text against a black background: "Zombie Slayer: One day, when Earth was at peace, a meteor suddenly descended from the sky, sending shockwaves through the ground. Mysteriously, the area near the meteor impact, known as Torasan Town, turned into a danger zone, and its residents transformed into zombies. Soldier Ager, your mission is to investigate Torasan Town."

Following that, the video game commenced, featuring the soldier clad in a green protective suit battling the crawling zombies.

Eliminating the zombies caused them to drop red orbs or essence. When the character collected these, it enhanced his weapon.

The young man found himself captivated by the game, recognizing its inspiration from 'Metroid' but appreciating its distinctiveness and uniqueness.

He had a great time and had no regrets about his purchase.

Other players who bought the game shared his sentiment. After all, it didn't carry the complexity of KiShin's 'Kid Icarus' or even 'Metroid,' making it more accessible and enjoyable for many.

'Zombie Slayer' offered a straightforward yet enjoyable gameplay experience. While it might not quite match the sheer fun factor of 'Super Mario Bros.,' players certainly appreciated that an independent video game like 'Zombie Slayer' delivered solid gameplay.

Meanwhile, amidst lingering dissatisfaction with the 'Kid Icarus' video game, an unexpected development occurred when a well-known manga publisher, 'Shounen Jump,' introduced a section dedicated to video game information in its pages.

-In a particular Manga Store-

During this moment, Ichiro, an avid manga reader who also happened to be a gamer, was engrossed in reading 'Master! Yamete!' when he stumbled upon the video game information pages. His interest piqued, he was even more astonished to discover detailed tips and tricks for 'Kid Icarus' and various complex KiShin video games!

Ichiro exclaimed, "Hey, this is exactly what I've been searching for!"

The manga store owner, visibly frustrated, scolded Ichiro, "Hey! Don't read without paying! You should pay!" He held out his hand, demanding payment.

Ichiro felt a bit embarrassed for getting caught. Typically, he'd read without paying, but now, with video game tips and tricks, especially for KiShin's games, he handed over the money without hesitation. "Here..." he muttered sheepishly, bowing as he took out his wallet and paid the manga store owner, who held out his open palm.

The manga store owner was taken aback; he was accustomed to Ichiro's habit of reading without paying and leaving shamelessly when confronted. He hadn't anticipated such a quick and unhesitating payment this time.

Similar situations unfolded in various manga stores, especially involving audacious young readers who suddenly paid up thanks to the KiShin video game tips and tricks.