The NBA Jam at SKES gained swift popularity among NBA fans. While some thought its release right after the KiShin and NBA partnership was hasty, many considered it normal for KiShin, the current industry leader, to develop a game so quickly. KiShin, led by well-known game developer Shinro Suzuki, held a prominent position in the gaming circle.
--
A man, Chris, was engrossed in playing SKES NBA Jam with his younger brother, Louis.
"Come on, pick your team," Chris urged his 8-year-old brother.
"I'll choose the Bulls. Watch how I make MJ dunk against your team!" Louis boasted.
"Alright, let's see Michael Jackson dunk while moonwalking," Chris teased, chuckling.
"It's Michael Jordan!" Louis corrected.
Chris chuckled as he faced the screen; it was a two-player game, and now it was his turn to choose a team after his brother had selected the Chicago Bulls.
"I have a soft spot for the underdog, so I'll go with the New York Knicks," Chris decided.
"New York Knicks? Are you sure about that, Chris? Get ready to lose this time," Louis teased with a hint of surprise.
"Don't get too confident," Chris replied, feeling assured despite his choice of a seemingly weaker team.
After a match, Chris was left speechless as his younger brother emerged victorious.
"That's what you get for picking the New York Knicks," Louis laughed.
"I just lost on purpose," Chris admitted, slightly embarrassed. "I chose the Knicks because I enjoy losing, so—"
"Enough with the excuses," Louis chuckled.
--
Meanwhile, even with the latest console KS1, KiShin continued to exhilarate fans with SKES games after the NBA Jam release.
Due to the current backward state of game development in this world's video game industry, KiShin, along with Tora-Suzuki, stood as the sole frontrunner. With most top-notch games under their belt, KiShin had agreements with various video game entertainment companies to develop games for KS1, a process that was already underway.
In the realm of KS1 video game development, despite the advanced VG Engine for the toolkit, creating a game still required several months. The timeline depended on the type of game being developed and the size of the game development team. For a monumental project like (Final Fantasy VII) in Shin's past life, it could even take years, even with VG Engine.
However, KiShin's KS1 video game development progressed efficiently, thanks to Shin's pre-planning. He provided a basic idea and rough storyline from his previous life to the game development department, allowing the developers to handle the rest. As Shin examined the incomplete games, he found them meeting his expectations and, in some cases, surpassing them. The results were even deemed superior to the PS1 games from his previous life.
--
Simultaneously, arcades in certain parts of Tokyo became the first to showcase KiShin's latest arcade machines.
Arcades served as the gamers' hub, offering a space to discuss their interests in specific video games at a time when the internet was not yet common.
In a particular arcade, gamers engaged in playing video games, watching, or discussing when the latest KiShin arcade machines were being set up in the arcade section.
"Look, new KiShin arcade machines..."
"I wonder what they are..."
"Is that a steering wheel?"
The installation of the latest KiShin arcade machines sparked discussions among the gamers. Upon noticing a steering wheel in front of the screen on the arcade cabinet, they speculated it must be a racing arcade.
With this assumption, excitement rippled through the group.
As expected, once the KiShin video game arcade machines became available to gamers, they eagerly took turns trying them out. They were not disappointed; the arcade was dedicated to racing, specifically 'THE NEED FOR SPEED.' Remarkably, the graphics surpassed those of KS1.
While 'THE NEED FOR SPEED' arcade was already known, the enhanced controls with a steering wheel and superior graphics of the new racing arcade game were a significant improvement.
The design of the video game arcade cabinet featured cars and a word written in both Japanese and English: Virtual Racing.
The name of the video game arcade machines was Virtual Racing.
Gamers immersed in Virtual Racing felt the satisfaction and excitement of driving a car, particularly given the realistic sensation provided by the steering wheel. This experience was especially impactful for gamers who hadn't yet had the opportunity to drive a real car.
Gamers had the option to switch between the 3rd-person perspective camera and the immersive driver's seat perspective inside the car.
The in-car perspective offered a significantly more realistic experience, enhancing gamers' immersion in the racing or driving gameplay.
--
KiShin introduced a cutting-edge arcade machine focused on racing cars. Not only did it boast superior graphics, thanks to an advanced but incomplete 3D technology, but its controls were also notably improved.
Achieving such graphics required a complex and larger machine, making it exclusive to arcades. This technology's capabilities couldn't yet be replicated in portable forms like home video game consoles.
The video game featured in Virtual Racing was an enhanced version of 'THE NEED FOR SPEED.'
--
It was December 1994, with the arrival of 1995 on the horizon. While it marked a new beginning for some, not everyone shared the same sentiment.
For Tora-Suzuki, the completion of their home game console was imminent. They sensed that the time to counterattack against the industry leader, KiShin, was drawing near.
As KiShin ascended to the pinnacle of the video game industry, some fans of Tora-Suzuki began viewing them as a demon king seeking to monopolize the industry. This sentiment was echoed by certain video game entertainment companies who harbored displeasure towards KiShin.
Around January 2, 1995, Shin found himself grappling with a sense of melancholy. During this period, a recollection surfaced in Shin's mind—a premonition of an impending, more devastating earthquake set to strike Japan. According to Shin's memory, this catastrophe was anticipated for January 1995 in Hyogo Prefecture, where thousands were destined to perish or suffer injuries.
In this alternate reality, Shin harbored uncertainty about the tragedy's certainty, but recent seismic activities in Japan between 1990 and 1994 heightened his concern. Just the previous October, in 1994, an earthquake in certain part of Japan had already occurred.
Aware of the potential for a calamitous earthquake resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in damages and casualties, Shin acknowledged Japan's historical efforts to establish building standards after the 1923 tragedy. However, even with advancements in earthquake-resistant construction, the technology was still evolving. Despite Kobe City's predominantly earthquake-resistant structures, the looming Great Hanshin Earthquake would test their resilience. Notably, certain buildings, whether from corporations or the Japanese government, stood as exceptions—incorporating advanced design techniques, materials, and a base isolation system that fortified them against seismic impacts.
Therefore, despite Shin's somber feelings about the potential casualties caused by the looming 1995 earthquake, he wasn't overly concerned about significant damage befalling his branch company buildings in Kobe City or Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
This confidence stemmed from Shin's substantial investment in constructing his company's buildings, incorporating advanced design, a base isolation system, and materials for enhanced earthquake resistance. Essentially, his structures mirrored the seismic resilience of other corporate buildings across Japan.
"Looks like the KiShin Foundation I recently established will need to prepare..." Shin muttered, gazing out at the city from the top floor with transparent glass.
Flashback*
Around November 1994, Shin grappled with a sense of unease regarding the impending 1995 earthquake in this parallel world. Uncertain about its certainty, Shin felt compelled to take action after a significant earthquake hit a certain part of Japan in October. Reflecting on the need for proactive measures, he mused, "Looks like I need to create a KiShin Foundation to help and provide assistance if such a thing were to ever happen... But I hope it will not," tapping his fingers on his office desk.
Shin had contemplated this decision for a considerable time, but recent busyness and financial constraints had delayed the initiation of the foundation he had envisioned. Now, amidst the looming threat of a potential tragedy, Shin finally resolved to launch the preplanned foundation.
In the upcoming KiShin Rules meeting, where Shin occupied the head chair, key executives like Han Lee, who had chosen to work in Japan instead of being the president of KiShin Asia in Taiwan, were present. These executives had proven their capabilities, competence, and worth to KiShin.
Initially, everyone anticipated the discussion of the usual business plan portfolio, outlining KiShin's actions, marketing strategies, and the direction of companies under KiShin Rules in the conference room's expansive space. However, during the meeting, Shinro Suzuki unexpectedly interrupted the proceedings.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an idea to propose today that requires swift and immediate action," he declared.
A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned to Chairman Shin, curious about the nature of his proposal. With clasped hands and elbows resting on the round table, Shin, wearing a serious expression, announced, "Today, I am declaring that KiShin Rules will create a foundation company, KiShin Foundation, as soon as possible."
The announcement caught everyone off guard, and a sense of surprise permeated the room.
"Mr. Suzuki, please don't take offense, but I find this proposal a bit sudden," Han Lee voiced with a hint of reluctance.
"That's right, Mr. Suzuki. While establishing a foundation company is not an issue, doing it hastily today without a well-thought-out plan and execution seems impractical. Even with a plan, I doubt its feasibility," hurriedly remarked another executive.
"And, Mr. Suzuki, setting up a foundation company involves a complex process that requires meticulous planning and execution. A thoughtfully crafted plan ensures the foundation company is properly structured with the necessary resources to achieve its goals," nodded Han Lee.
Shin smiled, observing the key executives of KiShin Rules proficiently addressing the situation. They seemed to doubt his preparedness for establishing the KiShin Foundation promptly.
"Of course, I'm not suggesting that the KiShin Foundation be established today. What I mean is to initiate the process as soon as possible," Shin replied with a faint smile, pausing before adding, "I've also prepared a plan. Here are the documents specifically tailored for turning this idea into reality as quickly as possible," as he tossed a stack of papers onto the center of the round table.
Executives exchanged glances before some of them reached for the small stack of documents, finding ample copies for everyone to peruse the Chairman's plan.
Han Lee received a document from a junior, nodding appreciatively before studying its contents. The document detailed Shin's ideas and plans, featuring the KiShin Foundation logo resembling the familiar KiShin iconic emblem.
Initially, the key executives had assumed Chairman Shinro Suzuki aimed to establish a foundation company for tax benefits. However, as they delved deeper into the documents, they couldn't help but be surprised by the thoroughness of Shin's ideas and plans.
One notable initiative involved the development and promotion of educational video games designed to be both entertaining and enriching for children. The foundation aimed to enhance children's cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and social skills through these games.
Supporting research on the utilization of video games for education and social good entails investigating how video games can effectively teach children various skills, including math, science, and reading. Additionally, video games can play a role in fostering social skills such as teamwork and cooperation.
The foundation is committed to providing grants to organizations utilizing video games to aid children. For instance, grants have been extended to organizations using video games to educate children about health and nutrition, assist children with disabilities, and promote peace and understanding between different cultures.
The focus on supporting children, orphans, and those with disabilities through video games struck the key executives as somewhat inconsequential, given KiShin's identity as a video game-centric corporation.
Moreover, there was a comprehensive plan addressing calamities and tragedies. The KiShin Foundation aimed to provide immediate relief, support long-term recovery, advocate for disaster preparedness and mitigation, promote mental health and trauma healing, support research and innovation, and more.
The key executives found themselves somewhat bewildered. While they could comprehend a foundation related to video games for children, the inclusion of disaster-related initiatives seemed unexpectedly generous from Shinro Suzuki.
"The Chairman remains as kind and soft-hearted as ever..." mused some key executives, including Lee Han.
With the ambitious goals outlined for the KiShin Foundation, the process of establishment would likely take a few weeks or months. Simultaneously, the key executives anticipated busy days ahead of them.