Chapter 39: Brainstorming for the Next Game

Back at his office, Zaboru leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Akechi would be coming to pick up another game next week, and he needed to decide what to create. He activated his Deep Dive memory ability, recalling a vast library of retro games from his previous life. He had already introduced six legendary titles to this world—Super Mario Bros., Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Excitebike, and Mega Man. His version of Mega Man, though labeled as the first, was essentially an upgraded adaptation of Mega Man 2, one of the greatest NES games of all time.

'I think I'll create just one game this week,' Zaboru decided. 'I want to add new mechanics, so it'll take more time. That game will be Mighty Final Fight.'

In his previous life, Final Fight was originally an arcade game that later saw a release on the SNES. However, Mighty Final Fight was a unique NES adaptation that featured chibi-styled characters and a more streamlined, single-player experience. Given that the ZEPS was an 8-bit console, not 16-bit like the SNES, Zaboru knew he had to work within its limitations while still delivering a high-quality beat-'em-up experience.

'Alright, let's settle on calling it just Final Fight, since this will be my first version of the series.'

The game would allow players to choose between three characters—Guy, Cody, and Haggar—each with their own strengths. Haggar was slow but packed the strongest punches. Guy was the fastest but had weaker attacks. Cody was balanced, with average stats all around. The game needed fluid controls—simple punches and kicks, grappling mechanics, the ability to pick up and use weapons, and even hidden input combos for special attacks.

'This means I have to implement an entirely new fighting system… punching, grabbing, enemy AI that reacts differently based on proximity, weapon interactions, and unique character abilities. This is going to take more time than the others.'

For a moment, he considered adding a female playable character. But then, he smirked to himself. 'No, I'll save my first female lead for that space shooter… with a last name called "Aran."'

And with that, Zaboru dove headfirst into development, coding tirelessly through the week.

A week passed, and Zaboru barely noticed. He only went home late at night, and on one occasion, he pulled an all-nighter at his office. The next morning, he was jolted awake by his mother, Keiko, who had stormed into his workspace, hands on her hips, her eyes burning with concern.

"Zaboru! Have you been sleeping here?!" she scolded, glaring at the mess of energy drink cans and snack wrappers on his desk.

Zaboru rubbed his eyes, exhausted. "Mom… it was just one night."

"One night too many! You're working yourself to the bone!" Keiko huffed, crossing her arms. "If you keep this up, you'll collapse one day. I won't allow it."

Zanichi, who had come with her, chuckled. "Heh, I told you, Keiko. He's stubborn, just like you."

"Zanichi, don't encourage him!" Keiko shot back before turning back to her son. "From now on, you're taking care of yourself properly. I'll be sending food every day, and you'll eat it. No skipping meals! And I don't want to hear excuses."

Zaboru sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. "Alright, alright. But how am I supposed to heat up the food when I get hungry?"

Keiko placed her hands on her hips, triumphant. "That's why Zanichi is buying you a microwave."

Zanichi groaned. "Why do I have to buy it?"

"Because I said so," Keiko replied, shutting down any objections.

Zaboru chuckled, amused at the power dynamics between his parents. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad."

"Hmph. Just make sure you eat properly," Keiko grumbled, still clearly worried.

With that, his parents left, but Zaboru felt a warmth in his chest. His mother's concern, though overbearing at times, was genuine. He wouldn't take it for granted.

Now, it was Saturday morning. As Zaboru ate the breakfast his mother had sent over, he sighed. "Mom is so strict," he muttered to himself, but there was a small smile on his lips.

Before long, the sound of the doorbell rang through his office. He smirked, setting his food down. "Heh, he's here."

He got up to answer the door, expecting to see Akechi and Ayumi. But when he opened it, Akechi was standing there alone.

To be continued...