At 10 AM the next day, the E3 Exhibition pre-show press conferences continued.
Due to the large number of game developers participating in this electronic exhibition, the total pre-show press conferences would last approximately four days, primarily to ensure that every reputable game developer with works and achievements could promote their products effectively.
For the organizers, everyone present was a 'father'.
However, among these 'fathers', there were strong ones and weaker ones; the strong 'fathers' were placed earlier or given better time slots, while the weaker 'fathers' could only be placed later, and some 'fathers' might not even get a chance to go on stage.
The morning presentation began with Electronic Arts, or EA.
Larry Probst showcased "NBA LIVE 97" at the press conference.
In this game, EA provided more 3D and realistic game graphics. Although the character models still had a certain gap compared to real people, mainly limited by hardware, the polygon count could not be too high, naturally leading to some distortion.
However, from the players' physiques, movements, skin tones, and general outlines, you could still discern the characters' features.
For example, "Air" John, "Magic" John, "Bulldozer," "Sweeper," "Heavy Tank"... just these nicknames were enough to excite people, and their characteristics were generally discernible.
EA's technology in 3D engines was quite good, considered globally leading.
In addition to NBA, EA also showcased FIFA97, as well as Need for Speed 2 and other game projects.
EA was already a behemoth, especially in the car and ball game fields, where it could be said to be far ahead.
When Larry Probst finished his presentation, he received applause from the entire audience.
...
"Next, please welcome — Pokeni!"
The lights in the venue suddenly dimmed.
Then a beam of light shone onto the stage.
Everyone held their breath, anticipating what unique game the President of Pokeni would bring.
However, when that white suit appeared in everyone's sight, they were surprised to find that the person who came was not Aoki Haruhi at all.
"Huh? Is the President of Pokeni a woman?"
It was clear that the person on stage, though wearing a white suit, had long flowing hair, and from her silhouette and the face displayed on the big screen, she did not look like a male at all.
"I don't know either. I thought the President of Pokeni was a male?"
"Ah... that, could it be..."
Just then, an Europe and America journalist who was quite familiar with the Japan game industry and music recognized her, his eyes wide.
"Yoko Shimomura! It's Yoko Shimomura!"
Yes, the person slowly walking onto the central stage was indeed Miss Yoko Shimomura, Pokeni's legendary composer.
She had previously composed music for Capcom's street fighter series, and was later poached by Aoki Haruhi to Pokeni. After that, she continuously composed music for "The Witcher" series, "Pokémon" series, "proposal daisakusen," "86 – EIGHTY-SIX," and other game.
Miss Yoko Shimomura's music was known for its versatility, grandeur, and international appeal.
In game, if you paid close attention, you would find that Yoko Shimomura's music added a lot of charm to the entire game, and it was precisely because of Miss Yoko Shimomura's music that players' emotions could be stirred in a short period of time.
Moreover, the music was perfectly placed, never making you feel abrupt; everything flowed naturally. After the game ended, you might not remember what the music in the game was.
However, as soon as you heard that piece of music, countless game scenes would automatically appear in your mind.
This was the musical charm of Yoko Shimomura.
After Miss Yoko Shimomura walked onto the stage, her face beaming with a warm smile, she waved to the audience below. All the cameras captured this historic moment.
Yoko Shimomura bowed deeply, then elegantly turned around. The large curtain behind her slowly opened, revealing a massive orchestra of dozens of people.
Seeing this scene, there was another gasp from the audience.
"What? What's happening?"
"Is Pokeni going to hold a concert here?"
"I never dreamed I'd hear a symphony here. It's an electronic exhibition, but Pokeni has elevated it to an unexpected height."
"I really love Pokeni, I love Aoki Haruhi so much. How much money must this cost, to bring an entire orchestra here directly?"
"Pokeni really went all out this year."
"This isn't just going all out, this is making a statement, do you understand 'making a statement'? As soon as this orchestra appears, tomorrow's headlines will be theirs."
Weren't there models standing on stage earlier?
Now Pokeni directly moved the entire orchestra from Tokyo.
When Larry, the president of EA, saw this scene, his heart sank heavily—
Darn, I've become the warm-up act.
...
Last year, Pokeni had already showcased once at the Tokyo Game Show.
Only that time it was Maestro Joe Hisaishi.
And this time it was Yoko Shimomura.
For Europe and America journalists and players, this was a first, both novel and incredibly exciting.
Although Yoko Shimomura's international reputation couldn't yet match Joe Hisaishi's, her own ability was very strong. This time, Aoki Haruhi did not invite Joe Hisaishi, but instead let Yoko Shimomura serve as the chief conductor.
On one hand, it was a belief in her strength; on the other hand, Yoko Shimomura was, after all, an insider, and also the arranger for many game soundtracks.
This international stage was not only prepared for Pokeni but also for Yoko Shimomura.
It was evident that Yoko Shimomura was still a bit nervous, her fingers trembling slightly.
Previously in Japan, Yoko Shimomura had also formed bands and performed many times during her leisure time, so she should have been accustomed to large crowds by now.
However, today seemed to hold a different significance, so Yoko Shimomura was somewhat nervous.
The E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo, while not a major music festival comparable to international opera houses, standing here, Yoko Shimomura represented not only herself.
She also represented Pokeni.
President Aoki, inviting the entire Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and entrusting it to her, just this expectation moved Yoko Shimomura immensely.
Without 100% trust, the President could not have made such a decision.
To some extent, Aoki Haruhi could have invited Maestro Joe Hisaishi to conduct, but in the end, he still let her conduct. How much trust must that be?
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
The entire E3 Exhibition venue was silent.
It was quite interesting, when you realized that what was coming next would be a musical feast, a journey of enjoyment for the ears, everyone very tacitly closed their mouths.
Everyone was waiting.
All the light in the venue was focused on the stage, a circular light surrounding Yoko Shimomura, her figure like the brightest moon in the dark night.
Yoko Shimomura's baton slowly waved, followed by the sound of violins.
The piano also chimed in.
Lively, natural, and joyful music filled the entire E3 Exhibition venue.
Everyone couldn't help but exclaim.
"Wow, it's Pokémon!!"
"Yes, oh my gosh, it's so familiar, like playing a game."
However, this feeling, listening to a symphony orchestra perform live, was completely different from playing a game console at home.
The sound heard from a television came from a single sound source, and after a certain amount of synthesis and compression, by the time you heard it, it was no longer as perfect.
Sound system processing could never compare to a live performance by an entire orchestra, and this was fully demonstrated at this moment.
If the Pokémon music heard on a television was a steak, then at this moment, everyone was savoring a French feast.
It included not only appetizers and a main course but also rich soup and dessert after the meal.
It was very layered and logically arranged, meticulously prepared by Yoko Shimomura's hands and presented before everyone.
"Wow, I feel like my ears are about to explode. But it's a good kind of explosion, the feeling of being instantly filled with many, many different frequencies and timbres of melodies."
"Me too, it's my first time hearing a concert live, oh my god, so this is what it feels like."
"An ear feast, absolutely an ear feast. I feel like I don't need to eat dinner tonight, just listening to the music has already filled me up."
"Isn't it so enjoyable? Listening to a symphony orchestra live is completely different from in the game."
"Right? I feel the same way. I can't imagine this is actually the Pokémon soundtrack. I remember it being quite simple, but it's been performed into something incredibly advanced."
"What do you call this? They directly made a simple sandwich look like something we can't afford."
"Hahaha, Pokeni finally made a game into something we don't deserve to play."
"Yes, after listening to Yoko Shimomura's performance, I deeply apologized for my previous frivolous attitude towards Pokémon, thinking it was just a game for coaxing children. Such a childish thought."
"I am not worthy."
"Pokémon turned out to be such a high-class game."
"Hahahaha, I think, with the strength of Yoko Shimomura and this current orchestra, even a simple song like 'Happy Birthday to You' could be transformed into a completely different piece of music."
"Mm-hmm, entirely possible."
No one would be surprised by what Pokeni could do now.
… …
Damn, why is Pokeni playing so many tricks?!
As a game manufacturer who appeared before Pokeni, Larry from EA felt incredibly unlucky.
At the same time, the guys who appeared after Pokeni also looked troubled and became uneasy.
"POKENI has elevated the E3 Exhibition to such a level, what are people supposed to do?"
"To be honest, going on stage after him, the pressure is too great."
"Who's that unlucky fellow? The one right after Pokeni?"
Everyone quickly flipped through the organizer's pre-exhibition press conference schedule. When they saw the name that followed, they couldn't help but smile knowingly, indicating they were safe.
"Westwood. It's Westwood."
"F*ck!" Lewis Caster, Westwood's speaker for today, felt like his head was splitting.
Who would have thought that Pokeni would go to such lengths?
"Is this to promote a game, or to hold a concert?"
"They wouldn't do this every time from now on, would they, directly making everyone compete?"
"Damn, have marketing strategies become so terrifying now? At first, the game E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo only needed some stalls and a pretty setup.
Now, not only do they need models for promotion.
Do they also need to hold concerts?!"
The matter of finding beautiful showgirls to stand on stage didn't just start in the last year or two; Sega and Nintendo are old hands at it.
It was precisely because of this industry competition that the entire industry's publicity process and scale were driven up.
Now, if you don't have one or two showgirls when you exhibit, you'd be too embarrassed to say you're here to promote a game.
Yesterday, Tomb Raider 2 was even more excessive, directly hiring a celebrity for endorsement.
Does this mean that in the future, they will all have to hire movie stars to be showgirls?
These don't seem to be anything special; Pokeni is even more excessive, directly inviting an entire orchestra.
Just think about these dozens of people, how much would the round-trip airfare, accommodation fees, various travel expenses, and performance fees add up to?
"I feel that the industry trend is being corrupted by companies like Pokeni."
"Exactly, he didn't come last year or the year before, but he came this year. How hateful Aoki Haruhi is."
… …
The Pokémon performance lasted for about 10 minutes. During this time, Yoko Shimomura merged the Pokémon theme song, ending song, and various incidental music, with each short segment evoking countless memories.
The music transformed the entire E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo venue into the shape of Pokémon.
This was a Pokémon carnival.
There were no words, only music.
But it was this music that naturally connected the players and the reporters present.
Making their faces break into happy smiles.
At this moment, everyone was a child, returning to their childhood, and feeling happy and elated for the music, the game, and the things they loved.
If it weren't for the limited space on site, some people would already be dancing with joy.
After the Pokémon performance ended, there was a brief pause.
Everyone held their breath, gazing at Yoko Shimomura on stage.
Yoko Shimomura smiled, pressed her palm down, and her conductor's baton rose.
Buzz!
First to enter was a intense and tense piano sound, followed closely by the violins and cellos, and then the dense drum kit… …
The atmosphere on site was instantly ignited.
"Wow, what is this?"
"That was Pokémon just now, I don't recognize this one." Everyone unconsciously raised their voices.
"This is too exciting, isn't it?"
"I don't recognize it either, I feel like I haven't played this game."
"A new game?"
Overall, the music on site was fast-paced, intense, and stimulating, giving a feeling of charging through a hail of bullets, or driving a car at high speed on the highway… …
It was like skydiving from 6000 meters up, climbing ice cliffs, drifting between canyons… …
Making one's adrenaline surge.
The current music was like a blockbuster, landing with a boom, directly overturning the entire venue.
The players and reporters on site were incredibly hyped.
It was as explosive as it could get.
Europe and America players particularly liked this, each one of them was incredibly excited.
"Oh my god, this is too exciting, isn't it? To be moved to such an extent by music, I even want to get up and dance."
Everyone shook their heads, feeling as if they were immersed in a nightclub.
But, have you ever seen an entire orchestra perform in a nightclub?
Everyone couldn't help but doubt reality, always feeling it wasn't quite real.
"I think it's a bit like the 'street fighter' soundtrack Yoko Shimomura produced in the past!"
"How is that possible?! This is Pokeni's game launch event, how could Yoko Shimomura play music from another company?!"
"Then I don't know, I've never heard it!"
"Don't think about it, Aoki Haruhi will reveal it later!"
… …
"Pokeni is too good, isn't it? The E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo in the future will welcome Pokeni every year if we can hear such wonderful performances annually."
"Hahaha, those game developers must hate Pokeni to death. Why are you holding a concert? It's clearly a proper game exhibition, does it have to be taken to this level?
Pokeni's leading role will probably mean that any company wanting to show off in the future will have to follow this standard, right?"
"I want to too, listening to other game manufacturers' music concerts seems pretty good. They clearly have so many good games and music, why aren't they as good as Pokeni's?
Now they've been taught a lesson by Pokeni, haven't they?"
"Let's compete, I hope other game manufacturers will follow Pokeni's example and see their attitude.
See their sincerity.
See their grand display and demeanor.
Even without a game, I support Pokeni!"
… …
Everyone was inextricably immersed in the intense, exhilarating, and wild music on site.
But then the rhythm and melody slowly transitioned and changed, becoming even more magnificent and grand, with an epic feel that filled the heavens.
The music slowly drew to a close with time, and the tempo also slowed down.
In a short piano solo, the entire piece of music came to an abrupt halt.
Everyone seemed to have not yet recovered from their previous immersion, but the music had already ended.
After the entire performance, Yoko Shimomura bowed deeply, the curtain fell, and the entire orchestra and Yoko Shimomura left in an orderly fashion.
… …
Everyone woke up as if from a dream, looking around.
For some reason, there was always a feeling of wanting more.
Although they knew this was just Pokeni's trick, a promotional strategy, and the preceding orchestral performance was merely for promoting and setting the stage for the game that followed.
However, at this moment, they were more willing for the music to continue.
Even though this was an E3 Exhibition, they hoped it could become a concert.
"Huh? Is that all?"
"I was still enjoying it, I was about to climax, and then it was gone. How hateful is that?"
"Exactly, who does something halfway? Just these ten minutes or so, it's not nearly enough, okay?"
"I wouldn't mind another half an hour."
… …
Just then, as everyone was chattering about the music feast they had just experienced.
A spotlight shone on the stage stairs, and Aoki Haruhi, dressed in a crisp white suit, slowly walked up the steps.
Since the warm-up was over, it was time for the main course.
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