Combat Rations Gashapon

Way back in 1998, NCS bought into the whole Y2K disaster scenario and made plans for a post-apocalyptic planet. We explored buying a ranch somewhere in Colorado, stocked up on MREs (Meal, Ready to Eat), and obtained firearms. Y2K passed with nary a whimper...
The ranch purchase fell through, we got rid of the firearms, but we still have boxes upon boxes of MREs. Packaged in thin cardboard boxes and labeled with the name of the entree on the outside, we have stacks of Chicken Tetrazzini, Chili and Macaroni, Beef Enchilada in Sauce, and many more. Some of the kits we purchased are complete meals with a fruit cup, a bottle of water, crackers, and condiments in addition to the main entree. We even got a few boxes of flameless ration heaters which are activated by water and create a steamy miniature "oven" to heat up the meal.
We were reminded of our Y2K preparations when we saw Boford's Combat Rations gashapon offer a few days ago. A total of 8 rations toys are featured in the set along with 1 secret ration. Boford supplies this item in factory sealed boxes of 9 toys (3x3 arrangement in each container) and we'll post big photos once the rations arrive. Preorders are welcome.

Dragon Ball Z Toothbrush + Case

Dental hygiene is an important part of life and kids have to learn early that brushing and flossing are necessary routines. To trick young'uns into brushing their teeth instead of playing video games, hand them a fun-looking toothbrush with battery-powered head and tell them that Goku will cry like a little girl if their teeth aren't clean. Or something like that. Three styles are on offer - red toothbrush with Son Gokou case, yellow toothbrush with Shenron case, and a blue toothbrush with a Son Gokou VS Vegeta case. Pricing is set US$12.50 per brush and preorders ship in June 2007.

SIFEX The Oneechanbara 1/6 Scale PVC Figure

When NCS first played the original Oneechanbara game (Simple 2000 Series Vol. 61) in 2004, we were astounded. Other than Lara Croft, women warriors were rare in the testosterone-fueled arenas of action games. But there she was, decked out in an outfit that barely covered her attributes. In addition to being nearly naked, Aya swung a sword into zombie flesh with the abandon of a banshee. Every stroke lopped off limbs and sent splashes of blood into the air. The zombies were simply no match for a wild woman with bad taste in clothes. Indulge us because it bears repeating - we were astounded.
Japanese manufacturer Yamato has started preorders for an 29cm tall fixed-pose Oneechanbara Aya figure which is mounted on a circular disc. The feather boa that normally slings around Aya's shoulders is gone but we'd recognize that cowboy hat and tacky ensemble anywhere. Pricing is set at JPY6800 or US$65 + shipping from NCS. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2007.

Transformers Music Label Earphones

Hot on the heels of the Transformers Sound Label toys announced last month, Takara has started preorders for Transformers Frenzy & Rumble Earphones for use with the Sound Label music players. In their normal form, the earphones appear to be the normal bud-style type which plug into your ears. When it's time to transform, the buds shift and pop parts to become Frenzy and Rumble. We don't expect these to set the world on fire but they should prove to be interesting additions to any Transformers fan's collection. Pricing is set at JPY3800 or US$35 from NCS. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2007.

Simple 2500 Portable Vol. 9: The My Taxi!

Hit the streets in a squat yellow cab and earn your keep by shuttling passengers from point A to point B. Although the PSP Taxi game takes place in a modern metropolis, the streets are eerily barren of crowds. While driving through silent city canyons, you'll see more cars than people. Sort of like L.A. When a potential fare is spotted, sidle your taxi next to him and he'll scoot in. An arrow then pops up on screen which guides you to the desired destination.

Different passengers expect different levels of service. For example, some riders must get to their destinations quickly while others aren't as as hurried. Some passengers will request an interim stop so they can pick something up before going to their final stop. Other customers may get carsick easily so you'll have to drive carefully. The longer a trip takes, the more you'll earn but it's not advisable to take circuitous routes since a fast fare will earn the player a bonus score multiplier. For example, bring a patron to his port quickly and you'll earn the fare plus a 3X multiplier. The key to earning big bucks is fast and direct service. As your repute spreads, the area that you may drive around in expands along with your working hours.

The player's cab may be customized with over 100 different parts and upgrades which enhance performance. A souped-up cab is more likely to navigate through the city like a banshee than a regulation issue ride. In addition to upgrades that boost the capabilities of the taxi, there are also cosmetic additions which essentially pimp out the cab. «more»

Boku wa Koukuu Kanseikan DS

The Air Traffic Controller line of games have sold remarkably well in Japan over the years with a total of 350,000 copies sold. The Nintendo DS version of the game looks to expand the total sales numbers by a good margin thanks to the immense popularity of the NDS in Japan.
Take on the role of a ATC who works in one of five available airports - New Chitose, Fukuoka Airport, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport, and Tokyo International Airport. Your job is to guide planes in and out of an airport efficiently and safely. If two planes meet on a runway, your job is pretty much over. Adverse weather conditions present special challenges while queues of anxious planes overhead foist additional adversity on an ATC to manage and persevere through. «more»

Lupin III: Lupin ni wa Shi o, Zenigata ni wa Koi o

When Fujiko is abducted by fiendish thugs, Lupin and Jigen rush off to the rescue while Goemon waits in the wings. Although Lupin plays the hero at the outset of the game, he quickly becomes the victim when he's afflicted with a life threatening internal injury. With only three days to live, Lupin and friends rush off to find clues that will cure Lupin of his ails.

Taking a departure from previous Lupin III games, the latest PS2 offering features an engaging 3D action-adventure that's peppered with quick one-button-press interaction challenges as well as more involved gaming sequences that last a few minutes each. The games are linked together by cut scenes starring Lupin and crew as well as 3D exploration and discovery sessions. In an early level of the game, Lupin beats up a member of the police corps and takes his uniform. He may then skulk around the grounds partially disguised while collecting clues and hints. However, since Lupin's face and manner are so distinctive, the other cops are sharp enough to discern him from one of their own if they get close enough to examine him. Once the jig is up, Lupin will have to do some running and Dual Shock wagging to knock tackling cops off his limber frame. «more»

General Updates

Import Restock Second shipments of PS2 Fatal Fury Battle Archives 2 and PSP Monster Hunter Portable 2 arrived today and any remaining preorders, backorders will ship this afternoon. Please note the version of MHP2 that arrived today is the Japanese version which does not include the bonus Ailu strap. For reference, only the Asian version of MHP2 included an Ailu strap with game in 1:1 ratio.

Aquapict Another batch of Banpresto's jellyfish aquarium is scheduled to arrive on Monday or Tuesday of next week. All backorders will ship once the stock arrives. We can accept new orders today to also ship next week.

Final Fantasy Trading Arts III A batch of the FFIII toys^ arrived this week and some preorders have been processed and shipped already. The remaining stock will arrive next week and we'll fill all remaining preorders upon arrival. We may be able to accept new orders for complete factory sealed cases of the toys and we'll post an update once we know for sure.