After the electrifying performance by the Zankoku Band and Zaboru, the MC, Yumi Ichijou — still dazzling in her Princess Daisy costume returned to the stage, her voice crisp and upbeat.
"That was an incredible performance from Zaboru and the Zankoku Band, as always! And now, after all that excitement, it's time for one of today's biggest moments — the ZAGE Game of the Year Award!"
The massive screen behind her lit up, flashing the animated ZAGE GOTY logo. Applause swept across the hall.
"This award is just for fun," Yumi explained with a grin. "After all, it wouldn't be fair if ZAGE handed trophies to themselves without your input, right? Every nomination and vote came from fans — via ZAGE Power magazine and flyers shared across Japan over the past month!"
Yumi then continued, "Just to clarify — this vote is only for ZAGE games. Awards for third-party titles will be announced right after we finish this category!"
The audience clapped again, many nodding proudly.
"And now... the awards are in!"
Categories shown on screen:
Game of the Year 1992
Best Gameplay
Best Soundtrack
Best Co-op Game
Best Story
Best Character
"Let's get started! First up — Best Gameplay in a ZAGE game! Here are your top five picks. Which one captured your heart, kept you coming back for more, or just felt amazing to play? Let's take a look!." The screen shows a list of 5 games for the best gameplay.
Top 5 Nominees (Best Gameplay):
Choujin Sentai Z-MAN
Harvest Moon
RoboCop
Rollerdance
SpongeBob
"And the winner is... Choujin Sentai Z-MAN!"
A loud cheer erupted. A cosplayer dressed as Z-RED strutted onto the stage, striking a dramatic pose as Yumi handed over the trophy. Cameras flashed. Fans screamed.
In the audience seats, a heated debate sparked among a group of friends. "Hey, I think Rollerdance is better than Z-MAN, don't you think?" one fan said, arms crossed confidently. His friend rolled his eyes and shot back, "In your dreams, man but yeah Rollerdance is just released in November right? but it has already been nominated as a really good game." Others around them chimed in some nodding in agreement, others shaking their heads adding to the buzz and playful rivalry filling the room.
"That Z-MAN energy is unbeatable," Yumi said, laughing. "Can it take GOTY, too? We'll find out soon. Now, let's move onto the Best Soundtrack nominees and here is the List!" The big screen on stages shows 5 lists of games for the best soundtracks.
Top 5 Nominees (Best Soundtrack):
Mega Man 2
SpongeBob
Super Mario Bros. 2
Fist of the North Star
Rad Racers
"And the winner is... Mega Man 2!"
A fan dressed as Mega Man himself walked onto the stage, pumping his fist. Applause followed.
"Yeah! Mega Man 2's soundtrack is something else!" one fan shouted. "Although the Rad Racers soundtrack is great, it still can't beat Mega Man 2." Others chimed in, some voicing their preference for Rad Racers, while many nodded in agreement that Mega Man 2's music reigned supreme.
"That soundtrack is absolutely stellar — but can you believe Rad Racers came in second, just two votes behind Mega Man? Now that's impressive!" Yumi noted, clearly thrilled by how close the race was.
"Alright, moving on to the Best Co-op Game! Which games do you love playing with your friends — whether teaming up or going head-to-head? Let's check out the top contenders on the list!" The big screen then shows a list of the games for the best Co-Op game category.
Top 5 Nominees (Best Co-op Game):
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
R.C. PRO AM
Bomberman
Street Fighter
Contra
"And the winner is... Street Fighter!"
Cheers filled the room as a Chun-Li cosplayer danced onto the stage, trophy in hand. The crowd erupted — some whistling, others shouting in awe — clearly thrilled by the spot-on cosplay. From her signature outfit to the famously muscular thighs, every detail was on point, drawing massive cheers and appreciative nods from the fans.
The fans clearly saw it coming. "Although R.C. PRO AM is good, Street Fighter is just on another level, man!" one of them said with conviction. Others around nodded, clapped, or echoed similar praise the consensus was loud and clear: Street Fighter deserved the win.
"Unexpected, huh? Beating R.C. PRO AM was no small feat and Street fighter is a new Game too! but let's move on! for the Next up — Best Story. Here are your nominees!" The Screen shows the game list for the best stories.
Top 5 Nominees (Best Story):
Ninja Gaiden 2
Fist of the North Star
Lunar Knight
The Mighty Lion King
Choujin Sentai Z-MAN
"And the winner is... The Mighty Lion King! A game that truly tugged at our hearts. While the gameplay is just decent, the story more than makes up for it — rich, emotional, and unforgettable. I have to admit, I personally loved Simba's journey. It's one of those rare game stories that leaves a lasting impression."
A man in a Simba costume walking upright accepted the trophy, drawing a wave of laughter.
The fans burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Simba walking on two legs — clearly canon now!" one of them joked, wiping tears from his eyes as others chuckled along.
"Simba walking on two legs — now I've seen everything!" Yumi jokes. "Alright, now for Best Character!" The big screen show lists characters that are nominated for the Best characters award.
Top 5 Nominees (Best Character):
Chun-Li [Street Fighter]
Daigo Z-Green [Z-MAN]
Samus Aran [Metroid]
RoboCop [RoboCop]
Mario [Super Mario]
"Unfortunately, Zabo-man couldn't be nominated. He'd probably sweep it!" Which makes the audience laugh "Anyway the winner is our favourite plumber... Mario!"
Mario himself or someone wearing a costume of his took the stage, fist raised in victory.
"What!? Chun-Li or Samus didn't win? This is blasphemy!" Rikki shouted in disbelief. Sawada sighed, rubbing his temple. "Shut up. You only voted for them because you love seeing Chun-Li and Samus, didn't you?"Rikki nodded proudly. "Of course — they're my wives!" Kumogi and Sakaki exchanged a look and sighed in unison. Clearly, their friend Rikki was a lost cause.
Yumi then continued to say "It seems the plumber is still our favorite! But can he take home the ultimate prize? Let's find out who will win the biggest honor of the night — the very first ZAGE Game of the Year Award. Here are the nominees!" The big screen shows the list of nominees of ZAGE GOTY Games.
Top 5 Nominees (Game of the Year 1992):
Choujin Sentai Z-MAN
Harvest Moon
Ninja Gaiden 2
Street Fighter
Super Mario Bros. 2
"The winner is... Choujin Sentai Z-MAN! Just one vote ahead of Super Mario Bros. 2!" Super Mario Bros 2 is on the 2nd spots just one vote lacking behind Z-Man
Z-RED returned — but this time, his helmet was darker, the design sleeker. It was Zaboru himself.
The crowd went wild chanting Zaboru's name.
Zaboru stepped up to the mic. "Thank you for playing Choujin Sentai Z-MAN. There may be a sequel in the near future — stay tuned."
The roar of excitement that followed shook the walls.
Sakaki jumped to his feet, shouting at the top of his lungs, "YEAH! SEQUEL, LET'S GOOOO!" He was one of the biggest Z-MAN fans in the room, and he wasn't alone. The crowd exploded with him, dozens more echoing the hype. Z-MAN had struck a chord this game just hit differently.
Yumi smiled. "That wraps up our first event! Let's take a short break. But while you recharge... enjoy another live performance from the Sujin Sisters!"
The Sujin Sisters took the stage, dazzling the crowd with another catchy, high-energy hit.
To be continued...
AN : i need to make Z-man win lol i just love that very much
Please give me your power stone and if you want to support me and get minimum 10 advance chapter for 3 bucks considering subscribe to my patreon patreon.com/Zaborn_1997
Also Join my discord if you want https://discord.gg/jB8x6TUByc