Game Market 1983

Chapter 211: D-125

Under the preparation by Mr. Hideojima, the demo video showcased the protagonist, Snake, infiltrating the underground lab, skillfully evading enemy surveillance as he made his way toward the elevator. The scenes were densely packed, displaying stylish maneuvers reminiscent of something out of a 007 movieluring enemies by tapping on walls from a hidden corner, or hiding in ventilation shafts to sedate foes in first-person view using a tranquilizer gun.

Moreover, the meticulous attention to detail in the effects of the tranquilizer gun, like its slower effect depending on where it hitsbe it the head or limbsillustrated a departure from previous games, showcasing a distinct level of sophistication.

"Wow... This is incredible..."

"Is this really the Full Metal Gear I know...?"

The game's protagonist, Solid Snake, was a charismatic character who consistently ranked among the top 10 popular game characters from the '90s to the early 2000s. His solitary infiltration into enemy territories, sporting just a bandana, exuded a sense of loneliness yet radiated Solid Snake's unique charm.

Yet, amidst these moments, Hideojima's innate sense of humor shone through as Snake distracted guards by tossing racy magazines or camouflaging himself by flipping cardboard boxes, displaying a humorous touch.

Opening enemy cabinets could replenish items like 'rations' or ammunition, but devices akin to sexy actress bromides provided enough entertainment for students gathered in the auditorium.

With a blend of tension and wit, the promotional video reached its peak with the entrance of "Cyborg Ninja," emanating an overwhelming presence while seeking Dr. Otacon's help.

Using slow-motion techniques reminiscent of movies, Snake pushed aside Otacon, creating distance from the ninja, only to be met with gunfire.

*Ting!* *Ting ting ting!*

The white-armored ninja effortlessly deflected all bullets with a single katana held in hand.

"Whoa... Unbelievable!"

"Wowwww!!!"

Wow... That scene still gives me chills when I watch it again.

As the cyborg ninja finally split the flying bullets in half and directed the tip of the sword toward Snake, the camera angle slowly pulled away, revealing a white title between the two figures aiming their weapons at each other.

-Full Metal Gear Solid-

The promotional video reached its zenith with thunderous applause from the students as it concluded. Thus, Complete Laon's first third-party title concluded its successful debut amid the students' tremendous interest.

"Wow... That gave me goosebumps..."

"Absolutely amazing."

"If this is it, could Pentagon's next-gen console also specialize in 3D graphics?"

"Of course. Can't you see those graphics? That cyborg ninja looks so cool... Could that character be playable too?"

Guns and katanas... Is there any other gear that gets a guy gamer's blood pumping like this?

Hideojima seemed touched by the users' reactions, flashing a satisfied smile in my direction.

His passion for movies originally drove him, perhaps leading him a bit ahead of his time in terms of creativity. Implementing his grand ideas into the limited capacity of the traditional 2D sprite graphics would have been challenging.

Thus, Hideojima blended Complete Laon's hardware capabilities with his directing skills, opting for a top-view format for the game to best enjoy its richness with fewer polygons. His unique camera angle techniques during event scenes had become a topic of conversation even within Pentagon lately, drawing considerable admiration.

As the title screen concluded and a bonus cookie scene ensued, Snake emerged from the ventilation shaft and hid behind a nearby wooden crate. Just then, as a patrolling soldier hummed a tune and passed by his hiding spot, a message crackled through the radio from HQ.

"Chchik. Snake. Do you happen to know the song that soldier just hummed?"

"No. I have no idea. Why should I?"

"When infiltrating enemy territories alone, one tends to get weighed down by the pressure. Occasionally, humming a tune helps ease the tension."

"Not necessary. When that happens, I just light up a cigarette."

"Snake, smoking during stealth missions leaves traces of your DNA. I don't particularly recommend it. Smoking contains various carcinogens like naphthylamine, nickel, benzene..."

"Lieutenant... Lieutenant!!"

"Hmm? What's up?"

"Did you call me over the radio just to have this conversation?"

"Oh~ Well, there's no rule saying one must strictly use radio for official purposes. Hearing that soldier hum the tune reminded me of something from the past."

"From the past?"

"Yeah. That song was from 1995, the first track from Japan's Pentagon Soft, the game 'Virtual Idol.' I think the title was 'Cheer Song for You'?"

"Not interested."

"Oh dear... Snake, you seem quite emotionally parched."

"Virtual Idol? Lieutenant, your taste seems somewhat unique, doesn't it? Did you always like those kinds of songs?"

"Snake, if you make it back alive from this mission, I strongly recommend giving it a try."

"Sigh... I'll remember that."

"Best of luck, Snake. Chchik!"

After concluding the radio conversation between Solid Snake and Colonel Zero, Hideojima received a brief round of applause before stepping down from the stage. Soon after, confusion spread among the students with puzzled expressions.

"What was that just now...?"

"A cheer song for you... Could it be that they're using the game Full Metal Gear Solid to promote another game?"

"It's quite refreshing, isn't it...?"

"These serious characters having such conversationsit's oddly funny."

Is there any other equipment that stirs a man's blood more than guns and katanas?

Feel free to tell me if you need more translations or details from the text!

Kang Junhyuk took a step forward towards the restless students, pulling out a mini-album from his suit pocket.

"I believe all of you gathered here have an inkling of what this album is."

As he raised the vertical paper case containing the CD, cheers and a tinge of regret echoed from the students scattered around.

"Oh, I really wanted that, but couldn't get it within the timeframe..."

"I completed it for free, but now it's being resold for 6,000 yen..."

"Even if it's for 6,000 yen, I want to buy it, but couldn't find a seller..."

"There was someone going to various game shops in each area, holding dozens of these; I saw it on the PC communication. They're selling each for 10,000 yen..."

"Ah, if I see someone like that, I'd be so upset..."

"Who wouldn't be..."

Junhyuk offered a wistful smile at the users' reactions. Reselling indeed persisted in every era. Selling something completed for free for such a price...

The students eyeing the CD in his hand with envy caused a pang of sympathy within him.

Clearing his throat, Junhyuk brought the microphone closer to his lips.

"When this mini-album was distributed in game shops initially, it had the inscription D-125. And today marks D-DAY, a hundred days since then. In the next 100 days, each of you will raise a 'virtual idol' of your preference."

"Raising an idol? Really... a new nurturing simulation game?"

"Hey, the genre isn't the point here. Didn't you just hear? It's a 'virtual idol' according to your taste..."

"One person? Huh... I feel like I've seen this scenario somewhere before..."

"Is this a reappearance of 'The Advent of the Absent Me'?"

"Then, apart from the support song for your first appearance, are there other songs by different singers?"

"Whatever it is, I just want them to reveal more about the game..."

Suppressing his amusement at the agitated students, Junhyuk cleared his throat, calming the atmosphere in the hall.

"The 'Future Idol' project we've prepared for Laon's launching title operates on a completely new gaming system compared to the past. You will act as a manager under one agency, debuting her and managing various concerts and event schedules. Detailed information about the game will be in next month's gaming magazine. Today, we'll unveil the appearance of the first character from Future Idol, 'Katagiri Erika.'"

"Wow!!! Finally!!"

The students, eagerly waiting to see the character illustration that had been concealed till now, looked at the screen with expectant eyes.

And shortly after, a 2D animation created for promotional purposes played on the pure white screen.

A girl with a guitar slung over her shoulder eventually plucked the guitar strings a few times before adjusting her voice and sat on a small bench under a cherry blossom tree.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Katagiri Erika."

As the voice of Kanna, the actress for the character, echoed through the speakers, Junhyuk found himself smiling. As Erika pulled the microphone placed in front of her closer to her lips, there was a slight clicking sound as her lips met the mic.

A faint saliva-swallowing sound could be heard through the screen as her lips moved, creating a realistic effect.

"The song I'll be sharing with you today is my original song, 'Support Song.' I'll do my best to offer solace to those worn out in their tough daily lives."

When her delicate fingers plucked the guitar strings, the screen revealed a brown-haired girl with a smile.

Everyone in the hall paid rapt attention to her singing, not a single smirk on their faces, their ears tuned to her voice.

While a few professors attending the seminar seemed puzzled by the students' reactions, they refrained from speaking their minds.

Oh, you've had such a tough day,

Where nothing seems to go your way.

I understand your sad heart...

Her soothing voice, like pink cherry blossoms fluttering in the promotional video, had a comforting effect on the listeners.

Was it because of this? Initially wearing stern expressions, even the professors nodded along, whispering to their neighbors as the song reached its midpoint.

Perhaps, conveying that the song was better than they'd thought. Even the professors, overhearing the whispers, seemed to agree by nodding.

With her brown hair styled in a unique fashion, Erika matched the character image exceptionally well, just as everyone had imagined.

Occasionally, she playfully winked at the students beyond the screen, and some already seemed to be fervent supporters.

"Oh... If Future Idol is released, I'm definitely getting Erika..."

"Me too... No matter who else comes, Erika seems the best."

Gradually, as her support song concluded and she stood up to bid farewell, the students whistled and clapped. It was uncertain whether it was for Junhyuk or Erika...

That's when it happened. Just when everyone thought it was all over in the promotional video, a whip sound reverberated, and a different, captivating voice resounded in the hall.

"Listen to my song!!"

Simultaneously, another protagonist, previously veiled in silhouette, revealed themselves.

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