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[Game] Chapter 300: The Challenger Rouge
🕑 Added 2025-07-14 14:30:01 +0000 UTCARPG games—short for Action Role-Playing Games—are, as the name implies, a fusion of action games and RPGs. They require both a real-time combat system and a character progression system typical of RPGs.
If Ichin's team had been developing Dark Souls right now, they could have gone head-to-head with their competition directly.
Unfortunately, apart from the RPG element, the two games didn’t have much in common.
In terms of combat visuals, Persona was all about flashiness, stylish flair, and a fluid turn-based system that defied traditional conventions.
Phantom Epoch, on the other hand, was a very traditional Japanese-style ARPG. Though the characters were rendered in 3D, the art style leaned toward realism.
From the real-time battle footage shown in the PV, it was clear the combat system wasn’t quite polished yet. The character animations were visibly stiff, and the visual effects lacked consistency in style—still in need of refinement.
However, overall, as long as the story didn’t fall apart and stuck to classic heroic tropes, and with some refinement of the maps, models, and combat system, it could definitely turn out to be a solid game.
Ichin stroked his chin and said, “Not bad. This is getting interesting. I had originally estimated that Akane Akasaka wouldn’t make a move until next year, but she’s already revealed her game. Let’s see... the release date is set for next year? That’s sooner than I thought.”
After watching the PV, Aoba couldn’t help but say, “Even though the styles are different, choosing that release date... it’s clearly a challenge to us, right?”
“Let her try.”
Ichin calmly closed the page and said, “Whatever happens with their game isn’t our concern. As long as we focus on making our game the best it can be, that’s enough. And judging by the style of Phantom Epoch, even if they perfect their combat system later, Persona still doesn’t need to be worried.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Once the PV ended, everyone returned to work. Ichin also went back to his office, ready to get a bit of work done.
He had just put his hand on the mouse when his phone rang.
He looked down—an incoming call from Akane Akasaka.
They had exchanged numbers after meeting that one time, but this was the first time she had ever called.
He answered. “Good afternoon, Miss Akasaka.”
“Good afternoon, Ichin-kun!”
Akane’s voice came through with a smile. “I wonder if you’ve seen the news about my company’s new game?”
“I have. Phantom Epoch,” Ichin said with a nod. “Just watched the promo PV. It’s quite good. As expected of you, Miss Akasaka—your development speed is impressive. Announcing today and releasing next year? Not every dev team can pull off a full-scale 3D ARPG in just over a year.”
Akane was delighted by the praise. Lounging comfortably in her office chair, she smiled and replied, “That’s because we did plenty of prep work and had a detailed development plan. We came from the doujin scene, after all—we’ve had our share of chaotic projects and missed deadlines. Ever since then, I’ve taken planning very seriously. Now that we’re a proper development company, it’s only natural to do better. But Ichin-kun, even though you’re complimenting my game, don’t you want to point out any flaws?”
“Flaws?”
Ichin raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly. “Miss Akasaka, even if there’s no direct conflict of interest between us, we’re still two game companies. You really want me to nitpick your game? Isn’t that asking the wrong person?”
Sure, there were flaws—even in a promo PV, some things stood out. But Ichin wasn’t about to be the one to say them out loud. That was for the public and analysts to dissect.
Akane sounded a little disappointed. “Oh? That’s too bad. I really value your opinion as a developer, Ichin-kun. I was hoping to get some professional feedback from you.”
“Professional feedback, huh?”
Tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, Ichin replied, “That’s not entirely off the table. But only under one condition—we’d have to be working at the same company. I’m more than happy to critique my own projects.”
“Oho~? You’re quite ambitious, aren’t you, Ichin-kun?”
Akane giggled. “Well, if your company ever goes under, maybe you could sell it to me? I’ve had my eye on your team of professionals for a while now.”
“Don’t count on it. You won’t get the chance.”
Ichin chuckled. “Instead of thinking about my company, maybe focus on polishing your game. After all, our games are releasing pretty close to each other. Let’s see whose product shines brighter.”
After bantering a bit longer, Ichin finally ended the call.
Akane Akasaka loved stirring things up, but truthfully, she was a highly capable person. Her ability to build her company from the ground up proved her competence.
It was a pity that Ichin didn’t have the resources right now—if he did, he would’ve seriously considered what he joked about: acquiring her company.
Of course, now wasn’t the time. Maybe in the future.
After the announcement of her new game, Akane didn’t immediately open up for pre-orders. Instead, she planned to release a demo at the end of the year.
Unlike Ichin’s approach, Akane leaned on her years of networking. In addition to launching on Steam, she had also partnered with-
As for why she didn’t put the game on Nintendo Switch, Ichin figured it wasn’t because she disliked the platform. Most likely, it was a technical limitation—the game’s performance and visual effects would have to be heavily downgraded to run on the Switch. After weighing the pros and cons, she probably decided to skip it for now.
Still, if her company grew stronger in the future, she’d probably consider porting it to the Switch then.
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A week after the Phantom Epoch reveal, Ichin and Utaha took time off and flew to Shanghai with Utaha’s parents.
As for their cat, Peppa, the studio team took over care duties. During the day, Peppa would stay at the company and play with Mozuku. At night, Kō Yagami would take her back to their dorm to sleep.
---
Monday morning.
Work resumed at the company.
Kō Yagami opened the cat carrier and let Peppa out. Then she turned to the art team and said, “Ichin won’t be here this week, so don’t slack off, alright? Anyone caught slacking will definitely have their pay docked!”
Shinoda raised her hand enthusiastically, “Forget the pay deduction—our snack stash is running low. Isn’t it time to restock?”
Kō’s stern “boss” demeanor instantly crumbled. She glared helplessly at her bestie, Rin Toyama, who just smirked from across the room.
...
