: I lost….
I don't believe it… he did it to us again!
:
Hahah. It was just a mouth after all
:
Why don't you stop doing zero-yon?
Why don't you compete in your own category, asshole?
I guess we were really close this time… 10.6 vs 10.3...
:
Damn it, next time I'll beat you!
:
I'm looking forward to it.
It seems that the outcome here must be predetermined from a story point. I don't think it's possible to beat Fujiwara yet.
…Sadly it's also not possible to use Taro’s new found lightning strike magic powers on him either. That would make this whole thing a lot more satisfying.
But let's look on the bright side, we got into the finals which means we've made it into Group D.
Taro-san. The prize money is 350,000 yen.
And the extra pay doesn't hurt…
Incidentally, the game showcased in the video was ‘Neo Drift Out’ for the Neo Geo.
It’s one of my favourite arcade games. I have a distinct memory of coming across it as a child at a holiday park arcade, and never seeing it again till many, many years later.
It’s got that perfect poker machine like mix of satisfying sound effects, over enthusiastic announcers and music, and a rather unique isometric perspective. It's very Neo Geo in that regard, the same way Metal Slug is endlessly charming. It also has the Celica plastered all over it.
Unlike most driving games prior to the 3d transition, it holds up and is still absolute blast to play today.
Back to Zero4 Champ world however, it seems that Taro really did not take his loss against Fujiwara all that well…
All he seems to do is mope around his apartment.
:
Ah, I'm bored
:
I don't even want to go to work.
You and me both buddy.
:
I wish I had a girlfriend at a time like this…
Aww… Whatever happened to not needing women, and becoming rich and famous Zero4 driver Taro?
:
I even got a phone call
Wait, a girl called you?
:
Taro-kun, I want to see the ocean, take me there.
Oh…
oh no…
We’re in trouble now… he's finally lost it.
He's pretending to be his own girlfriend…
:
I wonder what will happen…
Uhhh, Taro buddy, we really don't need to see the next stage of this beach fantasy of yours…
I'm sure that friend from America that the Shopkeeper promised she'd set you up with will be calling any day now…
Bring bring!
: …………
Woah. The phone is ringing! Is this actually happening or is it just part of Taro's fantasy?
:
What's this? Could it be!!
It is real!
:
Yes?
Hello, this is Kaneko.
Kaneko eh? Sounds like a cute name…
I'd like two katsudon and three zaru soba noodles.
: ………………..
:
This is not a soba restaurant!!!!!
*Slam!*
Damn… it was not a girlfriend. Amusingly I think this was a another reference to the first game. Hiro had almost the same prank call when he ordered the Power Pendant.
:
Damn, this isn't going to get us anywhere!
Woah, calm down there buddy… we just…
:
Pick up girls, go pick up girls!
Okay, but we gotta...
:
Let's get her!
Woah, Taro is motivated. It suddenly forces us to use the map!
He really really really wants a girlfriend…
If I try to choose anywhere else on the map, Taro will refuse, so I guess we're going to the shopping district… he needs a girlfriend, and he needs one today.
:
Ok, let's head back over there.
:
Okay, here it is!
:
When it comes to picking up girls, Motomachi is the place to be. Let's go right away.
:
Which girl should I call?
Well. The 10 in the dress is over there, as usual. Maybe we can finally talk to her now?
:
Hey, girlfriend, let's have tea.
Straight and to the point. I hear chicks dig confidence.
:
It's you again. You're really bored, don't you have anything else to do?
:
Well, don't say that.
:
Because I'm busy. I don't have time to deal with you. See you later.
:
Oh no, she's gone.
Well, that was a bust.
:
Let's go home quickly.
We find ourselves back in the Akazawa family living room, the next day.
:
Damn it. I want a girlfriend….
:
Yesterday was a failure
: ………………
:
This won't do! I'll try again and again!!
He's not kidding... The game forces us back to the map again…
The game really want us to get a girlfriend!
Well. There's one other girl we know of. The shopkeep. let's try her. Maybe she can give us an update on her American friend.
:
Sorry, she hasn't come back yet. I think I'll be back soon. Wait a little longer.
Lady, I don't think Taro can take any longer… You should probably own up to the fact that this lady doesn't exist and save him the heartache.
So another day passes and we still don't have a girlfriend. The game once again forces us to travel to Motomachi. We must have missed something...
Wait a minute. Is that a different girl on the right there? Let's talk to her. Quick Taro, think of something clever.
:
You beautiful lady,
:
Huh?
The lady’s expression is one we're all familiar with.
That didn't work very well. Maybe we need to follow up with a joke…
:
If you don't mind
:
Would you like to join the Self-Defense Forces?
... Was there supposed to be a punchline to this cheesy pick up line Taro? I was expecting something like ‘... Because I need protection from your beauty’
:
Haha, lol.
:
You're an interesting guy.
Interesting is a good choice of words.
:
I guess so. Not only is he funny, he's also kind and strong
.
:
I'm Taro, you?
I'm Sayaka.
Woah! We got a name. It doesn't sound fake…
…Don't tell me this is actually working…
:
What are you doing?
The translator didn't seem to know what this meant. ‘OL’ in romanji followed by the Yo character.
I'm guessing it means ‘I'm working, or on my way to work or similar.
:
Wow. If there was a cute girl like you, the work will be fun too
:
That's not true though.
:
By the way, do you have a boyfriend?
Very forward of you Taro….
:
He's not here right now
:
Huh, why?
:
A cute girl like you doesn't have a boyfriend. Is it a high ideal?
:
That's not the case though.
:
What kind of guy is your type?
:
I like psychological tests, so if we're compatible, I don't really care about the rest
Well if you like psychological tests, Taro's a walking case study.
:
Oh, a psychological test…
:
What's it like? I want to try it.
:
Really? Let's do it.
:
Depending on the result I guess that means I'm Sayaka's ideal man.
Boy you have a lot of faith in this process there Taro…
I'm not sure we aren't being scammed into joining scientology…
:
Yes, I think I can get along well with someone who scores above 80.
:
Over 80 points, I'll do my best
Ok Goons. It looks like we've got another test coming up....
Taro isn't very good at tests, as evidenced by flunking his entrance exams. He's even worse with women, so once again we're going to need to call on your expertise...