Tuesday, November 30, 2010

 PSP Monster Hunter Portable 3rd - New Japanese Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Return to the world of Monster Hunter once more with a new PSP game that centers around Yukumo Village. Nestled within a mountainous region and inundated with hot springs, Yukumo is a cozy locale for hunters to visit and relax. Recently, monsters have begun to roam the wilds around the village and a call to the Hunter's Guild has been made for help. Inside the village, hunters may look for assignments in the great Gathering Hall and purchase supplies at the General Store. For armaments and armor, the Blacksmith is the place to visit. 

   During the character creation, players may select the protagonist's name, sex, inner, hair, face, skintone, and voice - there are 20 voice variations to choose from. The "inner" refers to the hero's clothing style and color. Upon starting the game, a newly minted monster hunter may explore the village and the surrounding environs. New to the game is the ability to hire two Felynes as companions who assist in rendering monsters into mutton chops. Players may also outfit the Felynes with new armor and weaponry to enhance their battlefield performance. Similar to previous Monster Hunter games, twelve weapon styles are available including swords, lances, hammers, bows, and gunlances. Monsters from earlier games in the series return along with new creatures that were designed exclusively for MHP 3rd. As part of a special collaboration with Kojima Productions, special equipment from the Metal Gear Solid such as the Sneaking Suit and Naked Snake gear is available for Felynes and Hunters to utilize. 

 PSP Monster Hunter Portable 3rd Hunter's Model - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Monster Hunter Portable 3rd PSP features a nifty dual "Jinouga" design on the back and a little Yukumo Village symbol that's located on the face of the PSP below the four cardinal buttons. Please note that the Monster Hunter Portable 3rd game is not included in the bundle. Accessories-wise, a battery and a power adapter are included with the PSP.

   Despite the limited allocation of this particular item, NCS received our initial allocation this morning and preorders are shipping this afternoon. Pricing is set at JPY18,857 or US$289.90 from NCS. Pricing reflects the "hard to take" nature of this PSP.

 NDS Super Robot Wars L - New Japanese Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» It's a crossover mania in the new Super Robot Taisen L where cast members and mechs from franchises such as Rebuild of Evangelion, Gundam W Endless Waltz, and Gundam Seed Destiny mingle with compatriots from Kotetsu Shin Jeeg, Linebarrels of Iron, Macross F, and Iczer Reborn. Iczer?!? Yep, not just Iczer Reborn but Tatakae!! Iczer-1 is joining the roster as well.

   Super Robot Taisen L features a total of 17 animation series and the storyline centers around a conflict between Earth's colonies and an alien force. The war causes a shortage of food which throws the colonies into turmoil. Please note that all preorders have shipped as of last Friday and this Monday. A bonus miniature pouch was also included in early preorders courtesy of Banpresto.

 TOYS Sony Playstation SL Wall Clock - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» If it's always time for Playstation at your house, you might as well go all out and make it official. Taito's upcoming Sony Playstation SL Wall Clock tells the time, Playstation style, and features analog movement and one of two snazzy designs as follows:

» Black clock with a stencil-image of a Dual Shock 3 in the background
» White clock with the Playstation controller button symbols strewn across

   Each clock measures 33cm or 12.99" in diameter and preorders are welcome to ship in April 2011. Please note that 2 AA batteries are required.

 TOYS Playstation Carabiner Tsuki Arumi Bottle - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Staying hydrated is tantamount to good health, prosperity, and regularity. Although the choices in the water bottle market are countless, NCS recommends Taito's Playstation Carabiner Tsuki Arumi Bottle for no other reason than we're selling them. Each bottle measures 21cm or 8.26" tall and holds approximately 12 oz of liquid. Four styles are available for sale as follows: Black Bottle with PSP stencil artwork, White Bottle featuring PS controller button symbols, Blue Bottle featuring a Dual Shock 3 stencil, and a Red Bottle which displays the front and back of a PSP. Preorders are welcome to ship in April 2011 at US$20.90 per bottle.

 MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol 1147 - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The December 9-16 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:

» Continuing coverage for Monster Hunter Portable 3rd.
» Famitsu ranks NDS Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Totsugeki! Mini-Land (8/8/8/8), NDS Momotarou Dentetsu World (8/8/8/9), NDS SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors: Shin Mirisha Taisen (7/7/7/6), NDS Crayon Shin-Chan Shokkugan! Densetsu o Yobu Omake Daiketsusen!! (7/7/7/8), PSP Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (10/10/10/9), PSP Kamen Rider Climax Heroes OOO (7/7/7/6), Wii Naruto Shippuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen Special (7/6/6/8), and Wii Taiko no Tatsujin Wii: Minna de Party 3-Daime (9/8/7/8).
» Dishes from Denny's, Royal Host, Jonathan's, and Joyfull restaurants are featured in this week's PICK UP FOOD section.
» El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron preview and screenshots.

» Castlevania: Lords of Shadow coverage and interview with game designers Imaizumi Kenichiro and Murata Shuyo. 

Monday, November 29, 2010

 PSP Arms' Heart - New Japanese Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Our introduction to the term "Steampunk" came in a game titled Sakura Taisen back when the Sega Saturn was a market contender. "Steampunk" refers to a fictional reality where the use of steam as a source of energy is dominant. The mechs in Sakura Taisen were powered by steam and the world in Arms' Heart also operates on steam. The publisher Hamster describes the game as a "Steampunk RPG" in their promotional material and Matsuzo Machida of Shadow Hearts fame is the director and scripter.

   Arms' Heart takes place in a once-prosperous kingdom known as Johann which has fallen into disrepair and under the control of an evil empire. The hero is a blonde-haired lad named Jena who's got ambition, skills, and the potential to bring Johann back from the brink. Jena is an androgynous hero who appears to be wearing lip liner, rocks an emo haircut, and wears a ludicrous outfit which bares his chest and abdomen to a malevolent world. The game follows standard RPG conventions with exploration, character interaction, and encounters galore. The battle system features a device called the "Howling Gear" which determines if your attacks connect or not. When the gear appears on the left side of the screen, it's accompanied by a 3-panel "hit meter" which is located right-of-center on the screen. As the Howling Gear spins, the panels on the meter flash "Hit," "Miss," or "Strike" which determine if the enemy is smacked or not. If you're skillful enough to make all three panels flash "Hit" then the enemy gets struck thrice. All orders will ship with a bonus Arms' Heart Original Soundtrack that was given away by the publisher Hamster in 1:1 ratio.

 X360 DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu v1.51 - New Japanese Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» DDP Daifukkutsu starts innocently enough. A massive metallic-blue carrier enters a portal and exits elsewhere in the blink of an eye. The carrier zooms into the new locale trailing pink thrust and releases a single ship. That little ship in a one-man wrecking crew that's been sent into enemy territory to dismantle everything in its way with buckshot, lasers, and bombs. Fire may be concentrated into a single powerful shot or scattered so that the shots pepper outwards in a wide arc.
   The first stage starts over water where enemy copters swoop in to attack followed by enemy squadrons. After a short time over water, the battle commences over land where enemy ground armor gives offensive support to the aerial attackers. Twitch through the morass and you'll get to face an end-level boss which transforms from ship to humanoid robot. Throughout the stage, bullets fly through the air which can best be described as crossfire. In addition to the Arcade Mode of the game, two special Arrange Modes may be enjoyed by Xbox 360 shmup lovers.
   The first printing of the regular edition includes a bonus DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu v1.51 DLC card which appears to be the same card that was given away at the Cave Festival back in August. The limited edition of the game will ship with a DoDonPachi Special Arrange CD with compositions by Kenji Itou and Kouta Takahashi.

PS3 Trinity Zill O'll Zero - New Japanese Import

From the Publisher
 
A king will die at the hands of his own offspring...
 Reads the prophecy of Chancellor Zofor
 King Balor fears this most of all...
 

   
Brought together by fate, the three adventurers in your party must work together to explore Biascion fields, dungeons and towns, collect items, survive encounters with mythological beasts and ultimately defeat the evil King Balor. Players will use a unique team-based system to switch between each of the three characters - a warrior, a wizard and an assassin - on the fly and unleash combo attacks that use both magic and physical attacks to defeat the countless creatures and towering minions of King Balor.

 Game Features
 • High Adventure: Brought together by fate, the three adventurers in your party must work together to explore Vyashion’s fields, dungeons and towns, collect items, survive encounters with mythological beasts and ultimately defeat the evil King Balor.

 PS3 Gran Turismo 5 - New Japanese Import

From the Publisher
  
The next installment of the award-winning Gran Turismo simulation racing franchise, Gran Turismo 5, is designed for play exclusively on the PlayStation 3 system. Known for its signature beauty and precision, this highly anticipated racer showcases new jaw-dropping cars, real-life tracks, and diverse racing styles. Gran Turismo 5 promises to deliver exciting advancements to the series, and in the process deliver in the most comprehensive racing experience ever. The game supports online racing and features over 950 cars, over 20 courses, 70 variations, the newest hybrid cars and electric cars, a new physics engine, a new in-cockpit view, HD support, and much more.

   The game features over 1,000 realistically rendered cars. This is nearly 300 more than were included in GT4 for PlayStation 2, and literally several hundred more than what was available in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the first GT game variation developed for PS3. This tremendous list includes standard categories of vehicles, including stock cars, tuned pre tuned vehicles and tunables, but keeping with modern automotive technology GT5 also includes the latest, hybrid and electric car models.

 Wii Mario Sports Mix - New Japanese Import

NCS Game Synopsis
 
«©NCSX» Mario and friends are back in a new sports game where they engage in Basketball, Dodgeball, Ice Hockey, and Volleyball. Although the cast is primarily comprised of characters from the Mario canon, heroes from Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest also make a special appearance. 



 

 MAG Shooting Gameside Vol. 1 - New Japanese Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» If NCS was savvy enough to convince investors to pony up for the publication of a print magazine, we'd probably do something like Shooting Gameside. In our magazine, there'd be a feature on Soukyugurentai, a pictorial for Muchi-Muchi Pork!, and a 8-page spread on developer Treasure which looks back at their games and enthralls readers with information on the development of Radiant Silvergun and Ikaruga. The centerfold of the magazine would be a three-pager featuring the entire cast of Death Smiles, EspGaluda, Sol Divide, and Mushihimesama. We might even throw Samus in there just for the hell of it. Alas, we're not savvy enough.

   The publishers of Shooting Gameside Vol. 01 are savvy and they're producing a new magazine that's almost entirely about shooting games. The shoot' em ups covered in the magazine include Battle Garegga, Darius Burst Another Chronicle, Do Don Pachi Daifukkatsu, Senko no Ronde DUO, and Space Invaders Infinity Gene. Articles in the magazine include a 10-page feature on developer Eighting/Raizing and an interview with composer Hitoshi Sakimoto who has worked on games such as Final Fantasy Tactics and Final Fantasy XII.  A partial table of contents follows:

p04-19 Darius Burst Another Chronicle illustrations, info, and bosses
p20-26 Space Invaders Infinity Gene overview, interview, and images
p27 KOF Ultimate Shooting and King of Fighters Sky Stage
p32-33 DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu v1.5 for Xbox 360
p34-35 PinkSweets and Muchi-Muchi Pork Xbox 360 preview
p36 Guwange for Xbox LIVE
p38-41 Espgaluda II on iPhone
p44-45 Rajirugi Massive for X360
p46-47 Astro Tripper for Playstation Network (Only 500 PSN points)
p65-80 Special retro-gaming feature on Hudson's library of shooters including Star Soldier, Gunhed, and Soldier Blade.
p88-95 Interviews with Hitoshi Sakimoto, Masaharu Iwata, Mitsuhiro Kaneda, Kimihiro Abe, Noriyuki Kamikura, and more.
p97-128 Gameside looks back at Japanese developer Raizing/Eighting's shooter works as follows: Sorcer Striker, Kingdom Grandprix, Battle Garegga, Soukyugurentai, Batrider, Battle Bakraid, and Dimahoo.
A two-page feature on Brave Blade's illustrations and game information is also include. After the game features, general information on the company and bits of history are included in the article.
p130-131 Details on Space Giraffe which is available for XBL and PC.
p134-141 "Shooting Talking" feature which includes information on Phelios, R-Type, Xexex, Cho Aniki, Forgotten Worlds, Parodius, and more.

 NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Tuesday, Thursday

NDS Crayon Shin-Chan Shokkugan! Densetsu Bandai
  Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Totsugeki! Mini-Land Nintendo
  Penguin no Mondai: The World Konami
  SD Gundam Sangokuden Brave Battle Warriors Bandai
PS3 Hokuto Musou International Koei
  Tales of Graces F Bandai
PSP Monster Hunter Portable 3rd [Arrival tomorrow] Capcom
  Monster Hunter Portable 3rd Bundle Capcom
Wii
Kamen Rider Climax Heroes OOO Bandai
  Naruto Shippuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen Special
Takara
 
Taiko no Tatsujin Wii: Minna de Party 3-Daime
Bandai

 NEWS Domestic Release Outlook - Arrivals on Tuesday-Thursday

PS3 Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos Crave
  Gran Turismo 5 Sony
  Nail'd DSilver
Wii Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos Crave
  Epic Mickey Disney
  Sniper Elite Maximum
360 Deadliest Catch: Sea of Chaos Crave
  Nail'd DSilver

Friday, November 26, 2010

 NEWS General Updates

X360 DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu 1.5 Arrival
   The regular and limited editions of DDPD 1.5 are on the truck and arriving today. We're trying to figure out if UPS will even pick up this afternoon since they're operating on a half-day schedule due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please note however that if UPS picks up, they'll only pick up air packages since they're not moving any Ground packages today.
Black Friday
  
Thankfully, there were no stampedes at Walmart this morning.
Thanksgiving Holiday
   Since we have many customers who reside outside of the USA: Please note that yesterday was a holiday in the United States. Due to the holiday, the various shipping services such as UPS, USPS, and FEDEX were all closed and no deliveries of Japanese imports were made on Thursday.
Website Update on Monday
  
In addition to X360 DDP Daifukkutsu 1.5, PSP Kingdom: Ikkitousen no Ken, PSP Arms' Heart, PS3 Trinity: Zill'Oll Zero, DS Super Robot Taisen L, WII Mario Sports Mix, and Shooting Gameside Magazine Vol. 1 arrived today. We'll post a full update on the new arrivals on Monday of next week. 
 NEWS General Updates

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

 NEWS General Updates

DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu 1.5 Shipped
   Our Japanese vendors dispatched the regular and limited editions of DDPD 1.5 last night and the games are on the way. Please note however that tomorrow is the Thanksgiving Holiday in the States and UPS, Fedex, and the USPS are not working. The packages from Japan will however be moving through the system while everyone is eating turkey. NCS expects most if not all of our shipments to arrive on Friday of this week. Please note that Friday is only a half-day for UPS but we'll endeavor to get packages out.
Gran Turismo 5 Racing Pack
  
Sony did not release the GT5 Racing Pack to vendors as of last night and thus they were not available to be included with our outgoing shipments yesterday. Due to this contingency, we'll contact our customers to alert them that the Racing Packs may not arrive until next week.
Thanksgiving Holiday
   As mentioned up there, (^) NCS will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday of this week. We tracked all of our incoming shipments from Japan earlier this morning and everything appears to be on track for delivery on Friday. NCS wishes our stateside visitors a drama-free TG holiday.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

 TOYS Final Fantasy VII Advent Children Products - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Square Enix has announced a new production of two popular products that sold out relatively quickly:

» FFVII Advent Children
Cloud Strife Eau de Toilette
»
FFVII Advent Children Sephiroth Eau de Toilette
»
FFVII Advent Children Cloud Strife
Aroma Candle
»
FFVII Advent Children Sephiroth
Aroma Candle

   Each product listed above is linked to its respective listing on our preorder shop. The new production is expected to be released in mid February 2011 and reservations are welcome.

 TOYS Mari Illustrious Makinami 1/6 Scale Figure - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
   The heroine shrouded in a veil of mystery is here in 1/6th scale!

   From Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance comes this 1/6th scale PVC figure of the mysterious new heroine of the series - Mari Illustrious Makinami. The pose is based off the front cover of a magazine which was illustrated by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto.

   This impressively sized 1/6th scale figure is a reminder of when Mari first tried on her pink test plug-suit and just how much she loved how it felt - the confident smile across her face just shows how serious she is! A definite must-have for any fans of the new Evangelion movies! Preorders for the Japanese Mari Illustrious Makinami 1/6 Scale Figure are welcome to ship in April 2011 at JPY7429 or US$109.90 from NCS.

 TRC Juicy Honey EX Featuring Mayu Nozomi - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Mayu Nozomi is a bright-eyed JAV idol who's been making the rounds in the JAV industry. With eight titles including Maid Service and Let's Do It at School under her belt already, Mint has chosen Mayu to be their model for a new Juicy Honey EX collection that's shipping in January. Special cards that are randomly scattered in each box include the following:

» Message Card (1/10 case ratio)
» Pinky Spot Jersey (1/2 case ratio)
» Auto Big Jersey (1/20 case ratio)
» Kiss & Autograph (1/5 case ratio)
» Instant Photo (1/5 case ratio)
» Autograph & DNA (1/10 case ratio)
» Nipple Stamp (2 variations for left and right, 1/5 case ratio)
» Case Topper Autograph (2 cards in each case)

   Preorders are welcome to ship in January 2011 at JPY4500 or US$59.90 per factory sealed box.

 NEWS General Updates

Two Thanksgivings Holidays This Week
   Yesterday was the "Kinrō kansha no hi" or "Labor Thanksgiving" holiday in Japan and all of our vendors were on holiday. Sadly, that meant that no one was able to ship DoDonPachi Daifukkutsu out. All of our shipments are being dispatched tonight however but please note that Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States and everything's going to be closed for the holiday. We'll return to normal business ops on Friday of this week and we'll try to get shipments out on Friday even though UPS is only working a half-day that day.
Sweet Market
  
A little exchange between NK and SK triggers a market selloff. FTW.

Monday, November 22, 2010

 TOYS Star Wars Light Saber Hikaru Ballpoint Pen - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» All manner of Star Wars themed consumer products have reached Japan in the past few years. Tissue holders, condiment bottles, and trashcans have all crossed NCS' doorway. The light saber chopsticks were dumb but pretty much everything else was useful and usable. Taito's new Light Saber Ballpoint Pens fit into the worthwhile category since writing and doodling are still everyday activities for most people. In addition to its utility as a writing instrument, the Light Saber pen also has a built-in LED so that the entire barrel may be lit like a little lamp. Please note that a total of 3 LR44 button batteries are required to power the LED (not included).

   Four styles are available for the Light Saber Pen. Please choose the style you wish to order from the dropdown menu. From the left to the right and starting with the Red Saber Pen, they are A (Darth Vader) | B (Luke Skywalker) | C (Obi-Wan Kenobi) | D (Yoda). Thanks.

 TOYS Ikkitousen Ryoumou Shimei Gold Version - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the story of Midas, a greedy king was granted the gift of turning everything he touched into gold. Things got out of hand when he turned his daughter into the precious metal.

   Japanese toy manufacturer
Daiki Kogyou is producing a new 1/4 scale toy figure that's golden. Ryoumou Shimei of Ikkitousen has been touched by Midas and she's all sparkly like a shimmering mound of Krugerrands. Ryoumou measures 41cm tall which is approximately 16.14" in height. Although Ryoumou is "golden," that's just shiny paint. The construction material of the figure is pure PVC. Preorders are welcome to ship in March 2011 at JPY12495 or US$149.90 from NCS. Due to the size of this figure, NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States. 

NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

NDS Super Robot Taisen L Bandai
  Power Pro Kun Pocket 13 Konami
PS3 Trinity: Zill'Oll Zero Koei
  Trinity: Zill'Oll Zero Premium Box Koei
PSP
Arms' Heart
Hamster
  Little Busters! Converted Edition Prototype
360 DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu v1.5 Cave
  DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu v1.5 Limited Edition Cave
Wii Mario Sports Mix Nintendo 

NEWS Domestic Release Outlook - Arrivals on Tuesday-Thursday

NDS Drawn to Life Collection THQ
  Hot Wheels Track Attack THQ
  Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft
  Tangled Disney
PS3 Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom Bandai
  Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Rockstar
  Splatterhouse Namco
PSP Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft
Wii Donkey Kong Country Returns Nintendo
  Hot Wheels Track Attack THQ
  Michael Jackson The Experience Ubisoft
  Raving Rabbids Travel in Time Ubisoft
  Sniper Elite Maximum
  Tangled Disney
  Worms Battle Islands THQ
360 Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom Bandai
  Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare Rockstar
  Splatterhouse Namco