Friday, 19 December 1992 – Evening
Following the Tuesday debut of ZAGE's UFO Catcher arcade machines, a nationwide advertising campaign launched on 18 December during pri-ti on TV Tokyo. The comrcial, though minimalistic in style, captured the imagination of viewers with its direct footage of the UFO Catcher in action—players intensely focused as they guided the claw chanism, the cara lingering on gleaming plastic prizes enclosed within sleek glass cabinets, then transitioned to a showcase of rare prizes available through the machine—exclusive figures and collectibles that made players' mouths water with anticipation.
Demand had already been building prior to the advertisent's airing, but the comrcial pushed it into overdrive. Orders from arcades throughout Japan flooded into Nanco, the machine's hardware producer, and HanDai, the manufacturer of the prizes. Both companies heralded the campaign as a landmark success, with reorders rapidly underway and arcades clamoring for fresh stock.
Player reactions to the machine were as polarized as they were passionate. So voiced frustration, claiming the ga was unfair or intentionally rigged. Yet others, especially those who dedicated ti to learning the claw's chanics and nuances reported thrilling victories. For these players, the UFO Catcher offered a challenge that felt both skillful and exhilarating.
A central feature driving repeat engagent was the diversity of prizes. Each arcade featured a rotating inventory of toys and collectibles, with so ultra-rare items serving as headline draws. This rotating exclusivity turned each machine into a unique destination. Bakudan Arcade, in particular, drew crowds with its prominently displayed Chun-Li figure and an exceptionally rare Zero Suit Samus Aran collectible, both fresh from a recent HanDai restock.
Toki, the owner of Bakudan Arcade, had been particularly fortunate during his recent restock order from HanDai. As per the protocol, HanDai had him select two numbers between 1 and 10, a randomized process used to determine which items would be shipped. Toki chose numbers 4 and 9. As a result, he received a variety of standard plush toys and, to his delight, two highly coveted rare figures: Chun-Li and Zero Suit Samus Aran.
Rikki, a devoted regular at Bakudan, stood face-to-glass, transfixed. "I need that Samus. And that Chun-Li. But no matter what I try, I just can't win them!" He then shouted, "They're my wives! I can't leave them trapped in that cold-hearted machine!"
Standing nearby, Sakaki, now a ZAGE employee, offered encouragent. "Then keep playing, Rikki. You'll get them eventually." Then Sakaki sigh "Rikki co on man you need help" while Sawada and Kumogi laughing and shook their heads.
Rikki placed a dramatic hand on his chest. "You're right, Sakaki. I will persevere!" he then gave dangerous glint "My wives! i'm coming for you!."
Sawada, another ZAGE colleague, sighed. "Rikki, you're truly a lost cause."
Just then, Kumogi strolled into the arcade, casually holding a Woody plush and a Gun-Nac spaceship figure he had recently won. "Honestly, don't waste your money on the rare ones. They're next to impossible."
Sakaki and Sawada exchanged glances.
"You won't believe this," Sawada said, "but our boss, Zaboru? He tested the UFO Catcher at ZAGE Offices and could always win the rare ones. No exceptions." Sakaki nod "100% accuracy its almost Insane for real."
Kumogi raised an eyebrow, then smirked. "It's Zaboru. The guy's basically the God of Gas. Not only is he a genius developer, but he's also a top-tier gar. Rember how he crushed Endo during that R.C. PRO AM tournant?"
Everyone nodded in agreent as Rikki, inspired once again, fed another 100-yen coin into the machine. A second later, the familiar chi echoed: "Too Bad! Try Again." His friends burst into laughter.
While the majority of players left empty-handed, a lucky few managed to snag the coveted figures—and they didn't keep their success to themselves. One such player, Wataru, proudly brought his freshly-won "Alis Landale" figure from Phantasy Star to school the next day, still in its pristine box.
"Wataru, you're a legend!" a classmate gasped.
Grinning, Wataru replied, "Guess I got lucky."
The figure was exquisitely detailed, the kind of collectible built to last. Each rare item ca housed in a custom-labeled box reading "UFO Catcher Exclusive," signifying that it could not be found in stores. This exclusivity was no accident. Zaboru had instituted the policy to preserve the prestige and perceived value of these collectibles.
Although HanDai would continue to release a wide range of ZAGE-thed rchandise, the prizes dispensed via UFO Catchers would remain a distinct, limited-run category—further enhancing their desirability and centing their status among collectors.
anwhile at ZAGE HQ Nando Michio NANCO CEO and Mido Mitoma CEO of HanDai eting together alongside with Zaboru.
While Nando was already used to Zaboru's greatness, Mido Mitoma was still unfamiliar with it. "Zaboru-san, I still can't quite believe how successful the UFO Catcher has beco. Initially, I had serious reservations about the difficulty in winning prizes—I feared it would deter players. But I couldn't have been more mistaken. Who would know that if you make it hard enough but not impossible the player will be excited. From now on, I won't question your instincts when it cos to ga design."
Nando grinned. "I know exactly what you an. Honestly, I truly hope Nanco can continue this partnership with ZAGE long-term. Zaboru-san isn't driven by greed and he don't always think about money while he's genuinely passionate about gas, and that's rare in this industry."
Zaboru chuckled. "I do need money, Nando-san, but yeah—so far, our partnership is great."
Mido smiled as he sipped his tea. "Yes, let's hope the collaboration continues to flourish. Who knows—perhaps one day, HanDai will shift its focus entirely to producing ZAGE-branded toys and rchandise."
Zaboru smiled. "Well, for that let's wait a while, okay?"
To be continued
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