143 Current Arcades

[Tokyo, Japan]

While video game consoles gained immense popularity in Japan, as well as in Asia and the USA, one cannot overlook the enduring appeal of arcades. Gamers of all ages continue to frequent the arcade sections in various stores and malls.

Arcades enjoyed a special place in the gaming landscape, especially as KiShin continued to innovate in the arcade sector, developing machines designed for specific video games

Even Suzuki and Tora had their own arcade machines, each capable of playing at least one of their video games. 

One notable example was 'Street Fighter.' The arcade version of 'Street Fighter' allowed for thrilling 1v1 battles, igniting the interest of numerous video game enthusiasts.

Indeed, many gamers were already engaged in fierce competition and had developed their own strategies while indulging in the game.

In a particular arcade section, Nishida Haru was engrossed in a match on KiShin's arcade machine, which hosted the video game 'Street Fighter.' He was pitted against a fellow gamer, a stranger equally addicted to 'Street Fighter.'

As Nishida Haru continued his game, he managed to defeat his opponent. Exhilarated, he exclaimed, "Yes! I won!" and lightly tapped the control board of the arcade machine.

On the other hand, his opponent, a young man named Ouchi Shig, let out a disappointed sigh, saying, "You're pretty lucky, Haru-san."

Nishida Haru chuckled at the remark and replied, "Shig-chan, I've won at least 30 times against you, while you've only managed to secure victory 13 times."

Ouchi Shig retorted and engaged in a conversation with Nishida Haru for a while.

The other video game players in the arcade section went about their own business. Some, like Nishida Haru and Ouchi Shig, engaged in matches against each other, whether playing 'Street Fighter' or 'Super Mario Bros. 3.'

However, as they did so, several arcade personnel entered the arcade section, carrying a few new arcade machines with them. Several video game players noticed and discussions ensued: "Is that a new arcade machine?"

"Hey, did you see it? It's from KiShin!" exclaimed one of the video game players.

Several video game players also noticed the KiShin logo on the newly arrived arcade machines, and excitement rippled through the crowd of gamers, whether they were KiShin, Tora, or Suzuki enthusiasts.

It was widely acknowledged by both Tora and Suzuki fans that KiShin produced the most captivating and innovative video games compared to the two larger companies. 

However, what often irked Tora and Suzuki fans about KiShin was its outdated 8-bit system. While Tora and Suzuki had transitioned to 16-bit systems a while ago, despite starting later than KiShin.

As the group of working personnel carefully placed the KiShin arcade machines in the designated area, a few curious gamers approached them. One of the players inquired, "Hey, what video games can be played on these arcade machines?"

The working personnel furrowed his brows and simply pointed at the design of one of the arcade machines, explaining, "Well, judging by the art style and design of that arcade machine, it's pretty obvious that it plays 'Kirby's Adventure.'"

Nishida Haru nodded and inquired further as he pointed at an arcade machine featuring a design from Super Mario Bros. 3, "So, does that arcade machine run 'Super Mario Bros. 3' then?" He was somewhat perplexed, as there was already an arcade machine that ran 'Super Mario Bros. 3,' but this one brought by the working personnel seemed slightly different.

With a smile, one of the working personnel responded, "Ah, that one?" He paused briefly before adding, "That's an arcade machine for playing the 'Yoshi' video game."

The video game players, upon hearing the name of the game, were taken aback as they hadn't come across it before.

One of the players asked, "Yoshi? Is that a KiShin video game?" The question was quite evident given that the 'KiShin' logo was prominently displayed on the arcade machines.

The working personnel shared a chuckle, and one of them replied, "Indeed, it's a 'KiShin' game." He nodded and continued, "It's a new addition to KiShin's lineup, exclusively playable in arcades."

This revelation left the gamers in the arcade section surprised, sparking conversations like, "Really..."

"A video game exclusively for arcades?" mused one of the players, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

One of the video game players, a woman sporting a KiShin jacket, hastily occupied one of the new arcade machines from KiShin and inserted a coin.

Several players eagerly joined her, trying out the new arcade machines running the 'Yoshi' game.

The workers observed the scene with smiles and exchanged glances, continuing their tasks of placing the arcade machines in the designated area.

As the video game players delved into the 'Yoshi' game, they initially anticipated an intriguing experience. However, they soon realized that it was essentially a game where Mario caught eggshells and skillfully rearranged them to capture falling items or enemies from 'Super Mario Bros.'

The game had an intriguing concept and gameplay, but it left them somewhat disappointed.

While they were in this state of mixed feelings, several workers re-entered the arcade section, carrying a few more arcade machines.

The video game players cast a curious glance, and this time, they noticed another arcade machine bearing the 'KiShin' logo. However, the design on this one was distinct, featuring drawings of various blocks like 'T,' 'L,' or 'I' on its cover.

Upon spotting the distinct art style and design on the arcade machine's cover, their interest was piqued. Nishida Haru, accompanied by Ouchi Shig, both avid video game players, inquired excitedly, "Another 'KiShin' arcade machine, and it has a unique design. Any idea what video game it hosts?"

The workers were part of 'KiShin,' and their primary responsibility was the operation of arcades. One of the KiShin personnel explained, "Judging by the art style and design of these arcade machines, they can run a new 'KiShin' video game, much like 'Yoshi,' but currently, it's exclusive to these arcade machines and not available on the KiShin SKT Famicom." The worker paused, noticing the curiosity of the gamers, and added, "The game's name is 'Tetris.'"

As the name 'Tetris' reached the ears of both gamers and non-gamers in the vicinity, nearly everyone had the same surprised thought, "Wait, isn't that an old video game?"

One of the video game players inquired, "Wait, that game isn't exactly new anymore!"

As he mentioned that, many other video game players nodded and added, "You're absolutely right! It's a game from the 1960s if I recall correctly!"

Then, another gamer directed a question to the KiShin personnel, "Is this game what we're thinking it is?"

The KiShin workers exchanged glances, and one of them replied with a wry chuckle, "Indeed, your expectations are correct! It's the classic 'Tetris' game that was once highly popular!"

When both the bystanders and the video game players heard this, they gasped in surprise. KiShin was actually considering remaking a game from the past?!

[I apologize if some readers have expressed concerns about the pace of my writing and the delay in releasing the 16-bit and Gameboy. However, given that I am currently publishing three chapters per day, I believed it would be more manageable. In Chapter 151, the main character will finally unveil the 16-bit and Gameboy, along with the video games they have been preparing for a long time during the ongoing research on the 16-bit and Gameboy. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was dragging the story; perhaps it's because I was moving too quickly and publishing three chapters daily, which may have affected the pace of my writing.]