Monday, August 31, 2009

Wii Calling: Kuroki Chakushin - Japanese Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The "survival horror" genre has been under-represented on the Wii but Hudson contributes a new title for the console later this year.

In Calling: Kuroki Chakushin, players take on the role of a hero who explores dark environs armed only with a mobile phone and a puny flashlight. By creeping around with purpose and intent towards unraveling a mystery, the protagonist eventually gets to trek through limbo and encounter discarnate entities and spirits who may or may not have malicious intentions. The phone and flashlight are both controlled through manipulation of the Wii Remote.

Preorders are welcome to ship on November 19, 2009 at JPY5800 or US$60.90 from NCS.

NDS WireWay - Japanese Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Take control of a grinning alien creature named "Wiley Springer" who uses tensile wires to sling his way through 60 stages with a vertical aspect bent. When Wiley clings to a wire, players use the stylus to tap and pull downwards on the wire and then release to send him hurtling through the air. By adjusting the amount of tension on the wire, Wiley will be thrown with a certain amount of propulsion to reach the next wire, bumper, or springboard. Wiley battles alien minions but his ultimate mission is rescuing his true love Cythera from the clutches of an evil alien overlord.

Preorders for the Japanese import version of WireWay are welcome to ship on November 5, 2009 but please note the domestic USA version is scheduled to ship 2 days earlier on November 3, 2009.

PSP Persona 3 Portable - Japanese Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The beautiful seaside city of Minato-ku serves as the backdrop for the latest Persona adventure where players adopt the role of a transfer student who commutes daily from dormitory to school. Persona 3 introduces creatures known as Shadows which appear during the midnight hour and wreak all manner of havoc. To combat the threat, the protagonist teams up with fellow students including Yukari Takeba, Mitsuru Kirijo, and Junpei Iori who all have the power of Persona and the ability to battle the Shadows.

Persona 3 was originally released on the PS2 in 2006 and the PSP conversion features new elements such as a selectable difficulty setting (Beginner, Easy, Normal, Hard, Maniacs), an upgraded battle system, new events, and the option to play the game as a female student instead of the default male student from the original game. Preorders are welcome to ship on November 1, 2009 at JPY5980 or US$62.90 from NCS.

NEWS Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

NDS

Love Plus

Konami
Sloane to MacHale no Nazo no Story 2 Level 5
PS3

428: Fuusa Sareta Shibuya de

Sega

Mobile Suit Gundam Senki U.C. 0081

Bandai

PSP

Samurai Dou 2 Portable

Spike

Simple 2500 Series Portable! Vol. 12: The Hohei 2 D3

Yamamura Misa Suspense

Marvelous

9/3

Ousama Monogatari

Marvelous

Tabemon Namco

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Wednesday

PS3 Cabela's Outdoor Adventure [Delayed Sept 8] Activision

Guitar Hero 5 Activision
PSP Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny Namco
360 Guitar Hero 5 Activision

Section 8 SouthPeak
NDS Mini Ninjas [Delayed Sept 8] Eidos
Wii Cruise Ship Vacation Games [Delayed Sept 8] Activision

Mini Ninjas [Delayed Sept 8] Eidos

SOTW Hori Handle Controller for Nintendo Famicom - Sale

NCS Sale of the Week Offering: August 31, 2009
Original Release in Japan: March 30, 1989

«©NCSX»
New and factory boxed Hori Handle Controller which was released for the original Famicom over 20 years ago. The controller was designed for use with the Famicom version of Afterburner but can also be used with racing games. A connector cable is included inside the box to attach the controller to the Famicom console (with applicable port accessory) or the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Product Condition
: NCS' remaining inventory is brand new and factory boxed but please note the outer cardboard box has suffered the ravages of time. As such, the cardboard has dings, dents, and wear and tear caused by two decades in warehouse storage and warehouse-to-warehouse transport. Please also note that the suction cups on the bottom of the controller look a little rough and somewhat deteriorated. We're guessing the type of plastic used to make the suction cups wasn't designed for long-term utility. The rest of the plastic used to create the controller is however still shiny and sharp-looking.

Sale Offering
:
Pricing per controller is set at US$58.90 each. If you reside within the continental US, NCS recommends shipping by UPS Ground for the most economical domestic carriage cost.

JAN Code
:
4961818808317
Japanese Product Name:
ハンドルコントローラ
Compatibility: Famicom, Nintendo Entertainment System

Friday, August 28, 2009

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1082 - New Import, Subscriptions

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The September 10, 2009 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following video games and/or events in the Japanese marketplace:

» Famitsu takes a look at the recently announced Playstation 3 Slim which launches next month. Photos of the console are included.
» Lengthy PSP Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep preview which introduces the characters in the game such as Cinderella, Aqua, Ventus, Lucifer the portly feline, and a rodent named Jaq. Experiment 626 (aka Stitch) and Dr Jumba are also featured on page 28 among others on the other pages.
» The Famitsu reviewers rank NDS Love Plus (8/9/7/8), PSP The Hohei 2 (6/6/5/6), Wii Tabemon (8/7/8/8), Wii Ousama Monogatari (9/9/8/9), and PS3 Mobile Suit Gundam Senki U.C. 0081 (8/8/9/8).
» Previews for NDS Rune Factory 3 and PS3 3D Dot Game Heroes.
» PSP Dissidia Final Fantasy Universal Tuning is shipping on Nov 1.
» Coin-op previews for Arcana Heart 3 and Jubeat Ripples.
» Photo spread for cover model Ai
愛衣

TOYS Persona 4: Kuma Figure - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese manufacturer Wave pays tribute to Persona 4 by launching a series of figures which debut with a non-scale Kuma toy. Kuma is the reverse teardrop shaped bear whose color scheme is reminiscent of something that might be found in the circus. Big eyes, a wisp of a smile and a tiny nose are found on Kuma's half-moon face whilst two blue ears and a tuft of blue hair protrude through the top of Kuma's head.

Kuma's body is made of PVC and ABS but note that the zipper that serves as a point of demarcation between his body and head is made of soft vinyl. A zipper tab sticks out from the back of Kuma's "neck" but it's non-functional and is just there for show. Since the figure is nonscale, Wave decided to make Kuma petite and he measures a mere 9cm or 3.54" tall. A yellow disc is included with Kuma for display purposes. »Photos«

OST SaGa Series 20th Anniversary OST -PREMIUM BOX - New

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The very first "SaGa" game was Makai Toushi SaGa which was released on the original Gameboy in December 1989. Square followed up with two sequels on the GB and eventually expanded the franchise with three Romancing Saga games on the Super Famicom and the Saga Frontier/Unlimited Saga/Minstrel titles on the Playstation consoles. That's a lot of games and a lot of music was created for those games.

A single CD nor even a quadruple CD package could hold all those tunes. There's so much music that Square's 20th Anniversary SaGa OST contains 20 CDs which hold over 500 music tracks for your listening pleasure. In addition to the CDs, Square's also throwing in a Creator's Interview DVD and a special 20th Anniversary Commemorative illustration. »Photos«

Thursday, August 27, 2009

X360 Dream C Club - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» A new and highly exclusive hostess bar is debuting in Japan this week. Their liquor license has been approved by the authorities and patrons who are fortunate enough to become members will get to enjoy an added dimension to their nightly activities. Dream Club is the name and libation's served by lovely hostesses is the game. Literally. Dream Club is a hostess bar simulation where players visit the Dream Club, order colorful alcoholic beverages from an extensive menu, and talk to hostesses.

By being somewhat clever through the input of prompts and cues, players try to learn more about the girls and get them to drink. By loosening a hostess up, she might reveal a personal secret or get up on stage to do a little dancing or singing. Familiarity normally breeds contempt but not at Dream Club. The more that you visit and spend your hard-earned yen, the friendlier the hostesses get. You won't find love at Dream Club but you'll get lots of undivided attention that might not normally be forthcoming. Remember, as long as your money is flowing, you can do not wrong at Dream Club. D3 Publisher is giving away a bonus DLC card with early preorders for the game and we're including the card with all preorders that are shipping today and with new orders while supplies last.

NDS SupaRobo Gakuen - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Reading, writing, and 'rithmetic are requisite subjects of study in most schools except for one special institution of higher learning. Students who attend SupaRobo School (Gakuen) learn about mech handling, tactical battling, and military operations. Bandai's upcoming SupaRobo Gakuen features characters and mechs from 33 animation series including Full Metal Panic, Galaxy Cyclone Braiger, Gundam W Endless Waltz, Kanzen Shouri Daiteioh, Mazinger Z, Zeoraima Project Hades, and Shin Getter Robo.

Players take on the role of a new transfer student to SupaRobo Gakuen. The game features randomly generated maps where contingents of robots battle it out in turn-based tactical sequences. Action Points govern the actions that a team of mechs can perform during each round of battle.

NDS Nanashi no Game Me - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Japanese novel and film titled Ringu, viewers who watch a spooky video on a cursed VHS tape die within seven days of the viewing. Square's Nanashi no Game from 2008 hews to the same style of curse. Hapless players who engage a cursed RPG are destined to die within seven days if they don't plow through the game and finish it. To make matters worse, neither a FAQ nor a walkthrough is anywhere to be found.

The sequel to Nanashi no Game follows the same curse convention but this time, the protagonist is an 18-year old college student at Nara University who gets involved in the cursed RPG. To add to his folly, he also plays a second cursed game which is a side scrolling platformer for a double dose of the evil eye. Supporting characters include the hero's anthropology professor and two classmates who offer assistance and aid.

PSP Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny - New Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
Greek mythos collides with the eternal tale of souls and swords as NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., today announced that Kratos, from Sony Computer Entertainment America’s critically revered God of War® franchise, will appear as a guest character in SOULCALIBUR®: Broken Destiny. Developed by Project Soul® exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny is the first portable iteration in the series that promises to deliver its signature weapon-based fighting formula on-the-go. Robust and challenging single-player modes, head-to-head multiplayer and gorgeous visuals make this a must-have for any fighting game fan.

“In creating the Soulcalibur PSP system exclusive title, we knew Kratos was the only choice to appear as our special guest character,” said Makoto Iwai, Executive Vice President and COO, NAMCO BANDAI Games America.“God of War embodies the characteristics of a classic Soulcalibur guest character with a powerful persona, a rich back story and a mighty blade with which to fight.”

"The God of War development team are huge fans of the Soulcalibur series. We were honored to make Kratos a special guest character in SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny for PSP,” said Allan Becker, senior director, SCEA Santa Monica Studio.“NAMCO BANDAI has been great to work with; they're dedicated to bringing authentic Kratos combat moves to the game."

PSP Tenchu San Portable - New Import, In Stock


NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Back in the 80s, ninjas were big not only in Japanese pop culture but in the West as well. Ninjas are enigmatic, shadowy, and highly skilled practitioners of an ancient art which are attractive qualities. However, somewhere in the ascension of the ninja, the marketplace reached a point which we're going to call "Peak Ninja" and it was all downhill from there. Kids no longer dressed up like ninjas on Halloween, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles disappeared from Saturday mornings, and throwing stars were no longer sold at flea markets. After the crash, ninjas slowly made their way back into pop culture but they would never enjoy the love they once knew.

The Tenchu franchise has been around for a little over a decade and we've watched its sales performance on a number of consoles and handhelds through the years. The games have been solid sellers and the PSP conversion of Tenchu San (Wrath of Heaven) Portable looks to continue the tradition. The game takes place one year after
the demonic Mei-Oh was slain right inside his stronghold by Rikimaru and Ayame. Despite the success of the mission, Rikimaru is presumed dead by Ayame and Kiku when he doesn't escape with them. Tenchu San follows the adventure of Rikimaru as he returns to action and battles another evildoer named Tenrai. Making a return is the demon known as Onikage who is now under the employ of Tenrai and working to revive his master Mei-Oh. Along with Rikimaru serving as a protagonist, Ayame, Tesshu, and three new characters are featured in the game along with new missions and moves.

PS2 Hakuouki: Zuisouroku Limited Edition - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Girl gamers are a growing force in the marketplace and Idea Factory has been more progressive than most of their publishing kin in catering to the female audience. Idea Factory went so far as to create a separate gaming label dubbed Otomate that's dedicated to serving girl gamers with a steady diet of interactive romance games. The latest in the release line-up is Hakuouki: Zuisouroku where players take on the role of a medieval maiden named Yukimura Chizuru who's surrounded by hunky and chiseled boys. She's on a mission to Beijing to find her missing father. Some of the guys in the game look like girls but maybe that's how they bred them way back in the day.

Similar to other Otomate games, Hakuouki: Zuisouroku is presented as an interactive adventure where characters converse, experience events, and forge bonds during the course of the drama. User input is fairly limited and players are primarily relegated to the role of a viewer who reads the onscreen conversations and stares at the examples of manhood that appear on screen. The voice acting by deep-voiced actors injects an additional sensory dimension to the overall romance antics.

TOYS Jabba the Hut Supreme Edition Costume - New, SOLD OUT

From the Distributor
Become one of the richest gangsters of a Galaxy Far, Far Away with the Jabba the Hutt Supreme Edition Costume! This full-body costume will transform you into the famous Hutt with a body piece (complete with tail), headpiece, and a battery-operated fan to keep you cool.

NCS Product Description
When NCS started accepting preorders for the Hutt costume, we assumed there'd be apathy from the marketplace. Wrong. It sold like gangbusters and we're thinking there's going to be a bunch of Jabbas roaming around the streets when Halloween 2009 rolls around.

The manufacturer Rubie's Costume Company doesn't state what the costume is made of on the product packaging but we originally assumed highly flammable plastic. It's actually made of a mix of cloth and polyester based on our touching and feeling of the costume that we're keeping for our private collection. An orange fan with on-off attachment is included with each costume to inflate the Jabba suit to its full girth. NCS will probably hire someone to wear the Jabba outfit and a sandwich board whenever the Playstation 4 is announced so we can get some local pre-sales. We're just hoping the cops won't arrest whomever we hire for causing a spectacle and possibly a public nuisance by way of Jabba. All preorders ship today.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

TOYS Puyo Puyo 7 Plush Toys - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Sanei Boeki has started preorders for five officially licensed Puyo Puyo plush toys which measure 9cm (3.54") in diameter as follows:

» Blue Puyo - Jan Code:
4905330247049
» Green Puyo - Jan Code:
4905330247025
» Red Puyo - Jan Code:
4905330247018
» Purple Puyo - Jan Code:
49053302470156
» Yellow Puyo - Jan Code:
4905330247032

In addition to the 9cm Puyo plushes, two larger plushes are on tap:

» Red Puyo (40cm or 15.74" diameter) - Jan Code:
4905330247018
» Carbunkle (25cm or 9.84" in height) - Jan Code:
4905330247063

Preorders are welcome to ship in late October 2009.

TOYS Star Wars Darth Vader Sound Tsuke Strap - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Darth Vader is an imposing figure when he's on his feet and swinging a light saber while a swishy cape billows behind him. Respect the dark knight. However, decapitate Darth and he's not that imposing anymore. That's what you'll get with the Star Wars Darth Vader Sound Tsuke Strap which makes Darth noises and may be tethered to a set of keys, a phone, or another device fitted with a loop. Preorders ship in late September 2009 at JPY1280 or US$16.90 each.

TOYS Terminator Salvation Real Arm Figure - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» We don't remember a whole lot about Terminator Salvation other than the kiss the convict got when he agreed to be a guinea pig at the beginning of the movie. Then he became a Terminator. Japanese manufacturer Omron/Furyu has started preorders for a 30cm "Real Arm Figure" that's inspired by Terminator Salvation. The arm is made of PVC so we're not sure how "real" it can be. Preorders ship in Dec 2009.

NEWS Bayonetta - Region Coding Clarification

X360/PS3 Bayonetta Coding Clarifications
We received a flood of emails asking about the region coding on Bayonetta earlier this morning. Just to clarify:

1) Japanese Xbox 360 games are region-locked. Always have been.
2) Japanese PS3 games are not region-locked. Old news.

The Japanese Xbox 360 version of Bayonetta won't work on a USA or European Xbox 360 but this is status quo and par for the course.

The PS3 hardware is region-free for game software and in any case, Japan and the USA share the same region and the firmware updates are interchangeable. Sega can't region-lock PS3 Bayonetta.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

TOYS Puyo Puyo Mascot Set - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Puyo Puyo franchise started modestly enough. In 1991, Tokuma Shoten shipped the game on a floppy disk titled "Famimaga Disk Vol. 5" for the Family Disk System followed by a release for the MSX. It wasn't until developer Compile produced the game for the arcades in 1992 that gamers really started to take notice. Bright graphics accompanied by chipper music and squeaky voices from the likes of cutesy characters such as Arle, Drac, and the fish-lipped Tara attracted the first crop of fans. The coin-op version of Puyo Puyo also featured a "versus" style of play that proved to be a winning formula as it went on to become a puzzle game sensation on consoles and handhelds through the years.

Toys based on the Puyo Puyo franchise have been fairly scarce over the past few years but Sanei Boeki rectifies the situation with a collection of five Puyo figures which are packaged in a cardboard-backed blister pack. All of the Puyos have big eyes but the yellow variant appears to be taking a nap. Each Puyo measures 5cm or 1.96" in height and is constructed of slightly pliable PVC. Preorders are welcome to ship in late October 2009 at JPY1680 or US$20.90 per set of five.

TOYS GeGeGe no Kitaro Original Version - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Kitaro is a one-eyed goblin-lad who has a penchant for peace. Kitaro is different from the other goblins in that he doesn't want to beguile and torment humanity. Kitaro just wants everyone to get along but the other goblins generally won't have any of that. Japanese manufacturer Astron tips its hat to Kitaro for his peaceful ways and announces a GeGeGe no Kitaro Original Version posable figure (arms, wrists, head are movable) which measures 22cm or 8.66" tall and is constructed from PVC.

Kitaro's eyes are sleepy and his mouth is pursed in such a way as to indicate the action of whistling. Failing that, maybe he's waiting for a kiss from a passing goblin-gal. The figure is fully assembled, painted, and ready for display. Kitaro's standing on a stump but he may be removed from the stump and stood on his own two feet. Preorders ship in October 2009.

TOYS Project Diva Miku Hatsune Figure - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The recent PSP Project Diva game sold reasonably well in Japan and we attribute the sales success to Miku Hatsune and Miku Hatsune alone. The game itself is an acceptable rhythm action title but were it not for Miku serving as the onscreen personality, Project Diva would have fallen by the wayside within a week or two. On a related note, Miku-branded merchandise has been selling at a decent clip over the past year or so and manufacturers continue to show their confidence in the franchise by releasing a steady supply of Miku-related products. The latest toy is a fixed-posed figure from Sega Toys which measures 21cm or 8.26" tall with a release date of late November 2009.

The upcoming figure is based on the cover artwork for the PSP Project Diva game where Miku throws her left hand outwards which her knees are bent slightly to convey motion. Mik's twin-tail hairdo drapes downwards like a curtain of hair whilst her eyes betray a childlike innocence that's unbecoming of a singing sensation. Each Miku figure will be packaged in a "Prize" cardboard box since these figures are supposed to be only available through game parlors as prizes for patrons who redeem winning tokens. Preorders are welcome to ship in late November or early December.

General Updates

PSP Shin Sangoku Musou 5 Special Delayed
Koei has updated the release date for PSP SSM5 Special to October 22 from the original date of September 17, 2009.
TRC Juicy Honey Special Edition Kirara Asuka
The second batch of the Juicy Honey Kirara Asuka cards should arrive within the next 1-2 weeks and we'll contact customers once they're in stock and ready to ship.
PS3 Demon's Souls (Asian Version)
The Asian-English version Demon's Souls sold out again last night. We've decided to restock another batch of the game and we'll update our product listings once the game is in stock again.

Monday, August 24, 2009

NEWS General Updates

PS3 Trinity Universe Delayed
Nippon Ichi has pushed the release date for Trinity Universe from September 10 to October 1, 2009. Preorders for the regular and limited edition will ship when the game arrives. Please note the limited edition is currently pre-sold out but we'll probably be able to stock additional quantities on the week of release.
Demon's Souls (Asian Version)
We'll probably sell out of Demon's Souls in the next few days and we're not sure if we should restock it again since the USA version is shipping in October. We'll make a decision in the next few days. Demon's Souls has surpassed Metal Gear Solid 4 as our top selling PS3 game ever since the console was released a few years ago. We'll probably sell a few copies of the domestic version as well so cumulatively, Demon's Souls will probably stand in position as our top PS3 seller for the foreseeable future.

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Wednesday

NDS Harvest Moon: Frantic Farming Natsume

Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box Nintendo
PS3 Batman Arkham Asylum Eidos
PSP Dissidia Final Fantasy Square

Warriors Orochi 2 Koei
Wii Metroid Prime Trilogy Nintendo

Reel Fishing: Angler's Dream Natsume
360 Batman Arkham Asylum Eidos