Zaboru continued reading through the Famitsu issue, his eyes lighting up as he reached the Metal Gear Solid section.
There are games that entertain, games that challenge, and then there's Metal Gear Solid—a game that rewrites the rules entirely. What ZAGE has delivered on the ZEPS 3 isn't just a stealth-action masterpiece—it's a full cinematic experience, something so unreal I'm still trying to process how they pulled it off. This isn't just good. This is generation-defining.
From the moment the mission begins, you know you're in new territory. The gameplay is razor-sharp, with stealth at its core, but it's not about hiding in shadows for the sake of it—it's about thinking, adapting, and outsmarting enemies with some of the most advanced AI ever seen in a game. Guards don't just walk in patterns. They respond. They communicate. They investigate noise, notice footprints, and adapt in ways that force you to stay sharp.
But gameplay is just the beginning.
The real shock is how Metal Gear Solid tells its story. With voice acting, cinematic camera angles, and cutscenes that don't just fill in gaps—they drive the experience. The writing is smart, mature, political, and full of emotional weight. It feels like watching a thriller, but you're inside it, every decision carrying real tension. I didn't expect this level of narrative from a video game. Honestly, I didn't know it was possible.
The characters are unforgettable. Solid Snake isn't a blank slate—he's layered, conflicted, human. The villains are just as complex, and the story never lets up, constantly raising the stakes while exploring themes of war, identity, and control. It's a story that demands to be taken seriously—and earns that respect.
Graphically, this game is stunning. The ZEPS 3 is pushed to its limits, delivering detailed environments, fluid animation, and atmosphere so thick you can feel it. Every scene, every sound effect, every little codec call is tuned to perfection.
Rating: 10/10
ZEMITSU says: Metal Gear Solid is a landmark. A magnum opus. This is the game future developers will study when they ask: How do we tell stories in this medium? And the answer will begin here.
Zaboru nodded thoughtfully. "Well, Metal Gear Solid really is one of the first games to use this kind of cinematic storytelling." A small smile crossed his face, clearly impressed by the bold direction it had taken for the medium. With curiosity piqued, he flipped to the next page, landing on the section for Tomb Raider.
Tomb Raider drops you into ancient ruins, deadly traps, and forgotten worlds—and it doesn't let go. ZAGE delivers an adventure game that feels massive, mysterious, and genuinely thrilling. From the moment you step into those shadowy tombs, it's clear this isn't just about action—it's about exploration, danger, and discovery. And at the center of it all is one of gaming's most iconic debuts: Lara Croft.
Let's be real—Lara is the main attraction. Beautiful, confident, and completely in control, she's the kind of character we haven't seen before. This is the first time we've played a fully-realized, leading female character in a 3D adventure like this—and Lara doesn't just hold her own, she commands the screen. She's not just there for show—she's the one solving the puzzles, navigating the danger, and surviving every insane moment thrown her way.
Gameplay-wise, Tomb Raider plays like a mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and third-person combat, all wrapped in a world that feels alive with secrets. The controls can be stiff at times, but once you get the hang of it, there's a real rhythm to how Lara moves—methodical and precise. The tension ramps up with every level as you uncover ancient tombs, dodge spikes, and face off against everything from wild animals to supernatural forces.
Visually, it's solid. The environments are vast and atmospheric, with clever use of lighting and space. The ZEPS 3 brings just enough horsepower to make these lost worlds feel real. And that sense of adventure—the moment when you enter a silent chamber and know something's waiting? That thrill is the real hook.
Rating: 8.5/10
ZEMITSU says: Tomb Raider is more than just a great adventure game—it's a landmark moment. Lara Croft sets a new standard for playable characters, and the thrill of the unknown makes every step worth it. Bold, tense, unforgettable.
Zaboru nodded, amused. "Well, Lara Croft was insanely popular, even back in my previous life—especially when her first installment dropped, hahah." He chuckled at the memory, recalling how so many people were fascinated not just by the gameplay, but by Lara's striking appearance and bold design. Even with her early-era polygonal features, she left a lasting impression.
With a smile, Zaboru flipped to the next game in the magazine: Twisted Metal.
Some games are smart. Some games are deep. And then there's Twisted Metal—a game that grabs you by the collar, throws you into a flaming ice cream truck, and launches you straight into pure, glorious chaos. ZAGE has created something wild on the ZEPS 3—an all-out vehicular combat experience that's loud, violent, unpredictable, and straight-up addictive.
The premise is simple: pick a car, arm it to the teeth, and blow everything else off the map. But it's the execution that makes Twisted Metal unforgettable. Every vehicle is packed with personality, from sleek sports cars to insane rides like a homicidal clown's ice cream truck. Each one feels distinct, with different weapons, handling, and playstyles. And the stages? Absolute madness. Rooftops, freeways, ruined cities—all packed with hazards, hiding spots, and destruction waiting to happen.
Multiplayer is where this game really detonates. Grab a second controller and it's instant mayhem. Every match turns into a screaming, laughing, trash-talking warzone where strategy and survival instincts clash in real time. No two rounds ever play the same. The only guarantee is chaos—and that you'll want to jump right back in.
The controls are tight, the weapons hit hard, and the sound design amps everything up to eleven. Even when you're not playing, the game sticks in your head—the explosions, the laughs, the chaos. I've tried to forget it, honestly. Can't. Too fun.
Rating: 9.5/10
ZEMITSU says: Twisted Metal is insanity bottled into a disc. It's raw, ridiculous, and some of the most fun I've ever had with a game. Pure multiplayer madness, and a modern classic of controlled chaos.
Zaboru chuckled to himself. "Twisted Metal is always Twisted Metal," he said with a smirk, feeling a rush of nostalgia. It was one of his favorite games from his previous life, a chaotic and thrilling experience he never got tired of. Smiling fondly, he turned the page to the next game on the list—Banjo-Kazooie.
At first glance, Banjo-Kazooie might look like just another cutesy 3D platformer—but spend a few minutes with it, and it becomes clear this is something special. ZAGE has cooked up a colorful, clever, and downright fun adventure that builds on the 3D platforming formula, adding its own flavor through rich exploration, smart level design, and one of the most unique duos to ever hit the genre.
Playing as two characters—Banjo the laid-back bear and Kazooie the snarky bird—isn't just a gimmick. Their partnership is baked into the gameplay, with each bringing unique moves and abilities that unlock new paths and secrets. Whether you're flying, swimming, climbing, or pecking enemies in the face, there's always something new around the corner.
Exploration is where Banjo-Kazooie shines. Each world is packed with secrets, collectibles, and hidden challenges that feel genuinely rewarding to discover. It never feels like filler—every Jiggy, every note, every puzzle has a purpose. And with the bright visuals, quirky characters, and offbeat humor, the world just feels alive.
It's not without its flaws—the camera can be a bit stubborn, and sometimes the backtracking slows the pace—but those are minor bumps in an otherwise fantastic ride.
Rating: 8.5/10
ZEMITSU says: Banjo-Kazooie is a blast. Unique, charming, and full of surprises. Exploring these worlds with this duo is a joy, and the adventure is always worth it. A must-play for fans of fun done right.
Zaboru chuckled. "They still gave it a high score—well, Banjo-Kazooie really is a fun game," he said with a satisfied nod. With a renewed sense of excitement, he turned to the next page, landing on the much-anticipated section for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Some games are great. Some are legendary. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is something beyond both. ZAGE has delivered what may be the most complete, polished, and awe-inspiring adventure ever created on the ZEPS 3—and maybe in gaming, period. I've played a lot of games this year, but nothing—nothing—comes close to what this one achieves.
Let's start with the combat. The lock-on system is genius. Simple, intuitive, and absolutely game-changing. Sword fights feel responsive, cinematic, and precise. You're not just swinging wildly—you're reading enemies, dodging, countering, timing strikes. And the animations? Smooth, stylish, and insanely satisfying to watch every single time. Whether it's a duel with a Stalfos or a clash with a boss, every battle feels like it matters.
But what makes Ocarina of Time more than just a great action-adventure is everything else. The story is powerful—epic in scale, but deeply personal. Watching Link grow from a child into the Hero of Time hits harder than expected. The music, the world design, the way time itself becomes part of the gameplay—it's all tuned to perfection. Every dungeon is distinct. Every area is packed with secrets. And somehow, it never feels bloated or forced.
The graphics push the ZEPS 3 to its limits, with atmospheric lighting, expressive characters, and a world that feels alive. From the moment you leave Kokiri Forest to the final battle with Ganon, there's a sense of scale and wonder that no other game this generation has matched.
And honestly? I don't even have the words to fully describe it. Ocarina of Time isn't just a game—it's an experience. One that I'll never forget.
Rating: 10/10
ZEMITSU says: This might be my favorite game of all time. Flawless combat, unforgettable adventure, and a level of polish that feels almost unreal. Ocarina of Time doesn't just raise the bar—it is the bar.
Zaboru smiled. Ocarina of Time had been his favorite game in his previous life, and because of that, he had put extra effort into enhancing it in this version—tweaking, polishing, and perfecting every detail to ensure it became a masterpiece. The result was a game that felt not just nostalgic, but legendary. Still basking in that pride, Zaboru turned the page to the next title on the list: Resident Evil.
Horror has finally come home. Resident Evil marks a chilling turning point—not just for ZAGE, but for gaming as a whole. This is the first true survival horror experience on home consoles, and it lands like a scream in the dark. With its tense pacing, clever puzzles, and pure atmosphere, Resident Evil isn't just scary—it's brilliant.
ZAGE absolutely nailed the tone. From the moment you step into the Spencer Mansion, you're trapped in a place that never stops feeling dangerous. The limited bullets, the slow, unrelenting zombies, the constant pressure to manage your resources—every element feeds into the dread. And just when you think you've got it under control, the game throws a locked door or a missing key item at you, forcing you to explore, backtrack, and think.
The fixed camera angles? Yeah, they're frustrating at times—but they also work in the game's favor. You can't always see what's ahead. You hear footsteps, groans, something breaking nearby… and you have to keep moving. That uncertainty? It's part of what makes the game so scary. You're always on edge.
The puzzles are more than filler—they're smart, often subtle, and add another layer of tension. You're not just blasting zombies—you're solving how to survive in a place that was never meant to let you out. Combine that with a surprisingly solid story and memorable characters, and you've got a game that sticks with you.
Rating: 9.5/10
ZEMITSU says: Resident Evil isn't just a horror game—it invented the genre on consoles. Between its brutal tension, smart design, and unforgettable atmosphere, this is survival horror at its finest. A terrifying triumph from ZAGE.
Zaboru smiled and nodded, reflecting on how Resident Evil had become the first true horror game for many players—a title that etched unforgettable memories into the minds of those who braved its dark corridors. It wasn't just a game; it was an experience that stayed with you. With that thought, Zaboru turned the page to the final game in the magazine: Pepsi-Man.
I didn't expect much from a game called Pepsi-Man. I mean, how serious can you get with a soda mascot sprinting through city streets in a chrome-blue spandex suit? But leave it to ZAGE to take the weirdest concept imaginable and somehow spin it into one of the most unexpectedly fun and creative platformers on the ZEPS 3.
At its core, Pepsi-Man is a nonstop runner—simple on paper, but executed with insane style. The gameplay is king here. Fast reflexes, tight reaction time, and memorization are key. You're dodging cars, diving through windows, smashing vending machines, and leaping over chaos at breakneck speed. It's pure adrenaline, and it works.
But the real hook? The goofiness. Pepsi-Man is ridiculous in the best way possible. He doesn't talk, he just exists—dashing into danger with the heroic purpose of… delivering soda. The tone is so self-aware, so absurd, that you can't help but love it. It turns parody into power. And yet, despite all the silliness, this is a real game with real challenge and genuinely sharp design.
What surprised me even more is how packed this game is with secrets and easter eggs. Hidden paths, background gags, references—there's a ton going on that most players won't catch in one run. It rewards replaying and mastering each level. Underneath all the laughs, there's serious replay value.
Rating: 9.0/10
ZEMITSU says: Pepsi-Man shouldn't work—but it absolutely does. Tight gameplay, wild humor, and layers of hidden content make this more than a just a Energy drink man.
Zaboru nodded with a smirk. "Heh, Pepsi-Man—unbelievable," he muttered, still amused by how such a bizarre concept could turn out to be so entertaining even since his previous life this game are always insane. With curiosity still burning, he turned to the next page, eager to read the final thoughts and overall verdict from ZEMITSU.
"ZAGE—oh, ZAGE—they never stop innovating. Constantly pushing the boundaries, always exploring new ideas, creating fresh genres in the 3D gameplay space. They've laid the foundation, the blueprint, the stone path for how games should be made. Every title released under their banner feels distinct, polished, and bursting with creativity. And the craziest part? Out of the 13 games released so far, there isn't a single one that feels like filler. No weak links, no throwaways—just consistent, top-tier experiences across the board. Honestly, I'm not even surprised anymore. I've come to expect nothing less from ZAGE. They've redefined quality, and every time they drop a new game, it feels like the bar gets raised all over again. I truly hope ZAGE never changes, because what are they doing? It's not just game development—it's legacy building."
Zaboru chuckled softly, then gently closed the magazine and leaned back with a wide grin. "Heh… that felt good," he murmured to himself. There was always something satisfying about reading game reviews—especially ones that validated the hard work, passion, and creativity behind each release. For Zaboru, it wasn't just about praise; it was the joy of seeing others experience the worlds he helped bring to life.
Feeling content, he stood up and made his way back to spend time with Ayumi. Moments like this, between the pages of magazines and the quiet of his home, were priceless.
Little did he know, tomorrow—on a lazy Sunday morning—he'd find himself laughing uncontrollably thanks to a completely unexpected TV show segment regarding ZAGE
To Be continue..