Dead or Alive Towel

After a fitful night of sleep, wake up in the morning and rinse your greasy face with one of three Dead or Alive Extreme Volleyball towels which measure 35 cm x 46 cm (13.77 x 18.11") and feature the images of Kokoro, Kasumi, or Ayane. The girls are all decked out in swimsuits that are seemingly straining to contain their contents.

When NCS first accepted preorders for the towels, we labeled them face towels but after trying one out today, they're too big to be used for washing one's "greasy face." They could be used as bath towels but then again, they're too small to cover a big body and drink up multiple rivulets of water. As such, we're repurposing them as all-purpose towels but we're guessing few customers are actually going to use them and risk ruin and color fade when its time to throw them into the washer and dryer.

All preorders have shipped as of yesterday and new orders are welcome today. Pricing is set at US$25 per towel.

Gamera Toto Figure

Depictions of Gamera in popular culture are normally of a gnarled and rugged monster equipped with tusks and a raggedy shell. Dark, dank, and seemingly musky, Gamera isn't cheery... even when he saved Akio and Tom from the Terrans in Gamera vs Guiron (1969). That is, until now.

Play Set Products releases a vinyl Gamera doll which features a rounded creature with bright eyes and a toothy smile. A quaint jagged shell that's colored a cheery yellow hue adorns the back of the strangely adorable creature and provides sharp contrast against its well-tanned hide. Gamera Toto measures 12cm tall and is priced at Y4800 or US$49 from NCS.

Keroro Gunsou Television Game

Dance Dance Revolution made players step and stomp with mucho gusto. By watching arrows on screen and moving in time to the cues, players were rewarded with words of encouragement and adulation.

Borrowing the stepping and stomping bit from Konami, Bandai releases a dedicated Keroro Gunsou game which plugs into a television and features a special step control mat for user input. The CPU aka the brains of the game is mounted on the top of the dancing mat which makes for an "all-in-one" design. The Keroro Gunsou tv game features 12 challenges which include:

» A racing challenge where players have to stomp up and down to mimic running motion. Fast foot falls result in a speedy Keroro.
» Projectile fight where frogs battle it out on a snowy battlefield.
» Tug of war where one frog tussles against another frog. He who lacks strength will fall into a gloomy pit.
» Janken where players throw out rocks, papers, or scissors hand signals in order to defeat an opponent who's throwing out the same.

Transformers MP-3 Starscream

Shoji Kawamori returns to the Transformers trade and designs the third Masterpiece figure which features the crafty Decepticon known as Starscream. The diecast toy measures roughly 9" tall and transforms from robot form to sleek F-15E Strike Eagle jet fighter.

In the Transformers cartoon series, Starscream's skills allowed him to become second-in-command only to Megatron. Despite SS's leadership position however, the Decepticon ranks regarded him with guarded pessimism and a lack of confidence. Despite the hate however, Megatron saw the value that Starscream brought to the table... All preorders have shipped as of yesterday and new orders are welcome.

Transformers MP-4 Convoy

The latest Masterpiece Convoy features an Optimus Prime robot (Same exact toy that was released with the Masterpiece MP-1) which transforms into a Convoy Cab which hauls a bulky trailer. Unlike the disgraceful cardboard hauler that was included with the MP-01 Convoy, MP-04 includes a plastic and metal trailer which attaches to the MP-04 Cab. The trailer may also be opened up and used for a platform or as a storage unit for the MP-04 Optimus Prime toy.

The Transformers MP-4 Convoy is housed in a large and heavy box that ships in a dimension weight carton. Due to the size and girth of each MP-4, NCS recommends only shipping with UPS Ground within the United States. If you reside outside of the USA, we recommend USPS Airmail Service which normally delivers in 14 days. Any UPS or Fedex air service will incur hefty dimensional weight shipping charges.

Tales of the Tempest Accessory Set

The Tales of the Tempest Accessory Set includes two items for the Nintendo DS as follows:

» A top and bottom shell protector for the Nintendo DS Lite which features artwork and silhouettes of the Tales of the Tempest characters. The top lid shows off Cauis Qualls and Rubia Natwick as depicted in blue line-art sketch style. The bottom covering features five silhouettes of Tempest heroes.

» A Nintendo DS game storage case which holds 2 game cards within its confines. The top of the case features two silhouettes of Cauis Qualls and flips open instead of sliding like Hori's game card cases.

Pinky Street: Kira Kira Music Hour LE

The limited edition of Pinky Street Kira Kira includes a bonus blonde heroine figure which features parts that are interchangeable with other Pinky Street figures. Please note that NCS is currently sold out of the game but restock is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. All backorders will ship upon delivery of the new stock.

BabySue's popular toy figure series finally expands beyond the world of PVC constructions and into the virtual realm of rhythm action. Ebullient girls dance and pop to the 35 music tracks which include selections from J-pop, Hip-hop, Rock, and the Classics. To reassure the legal eagles out there, Dimple doesn't infringe on any Bemani intellectual property and the game is free to expand and grow if Pinky Kira Kira catches on. Gist: the stylus is used to poke at three sections of the touch screen as they light up. For example, if the top section is lit, tap it as quickly as possible to register the groovy rank of ｢RAINBOW｣. If the middle section glows and you're a millisecond too slow, you might get a ｢KIRA2｣ or a ｢Good｣. As tapping action plays out, the game keeps track of combos and «Game Notes»

Utawareru Mono Limited Edition

Originally released on the PC in 2002 by Leaf, Utawareru Mono undergoes a few updates and is reissued on the Playstation 2 to reach a wider audience. The PS2 upgrade of the game features full voice acting, a new battle system, a new character, and new visual events have been added for good measure.

The limited edition of Utawareru Mono includes a Utawarerumono Visualworks book which spans 100 pages. The first 20 pages feature color artwork of the characters and profiles of the leads including Hakuoro and Eruru. Hakuoro's main allies also make it in the book. Some of the works appear to be fan submissions including one which depicts the scene when Eruru held up a mirror so Hakuoro could look at himself. The scene is recounted in the game as well.

The remainder of the book is in black & white and contains character development sketches, items in the world, storyboard set-ups, location sketches, and unfinished pencil artwork. The last image in the book is a black & white group drawing of the major characters in the game.

Heaven's Will

A nameless 22 year-old wunderkind dubbed "Nes" wakes up in total darkness with no memory of his identity or reason for being. The lack of light makes for a apt reflection of Nes' mental state. As he shuffles to his feet, a singular resolve grips him - escape. Help Nes roam through levels of 3D mazes in an effort to quit the dungeon life.

During Nes' travels, he'll encounter potential allies known as Experiment Objects or E.O.s which may join his party and help him battle foes and solve puzzles. Up to 60 E.O. crew members are scattered throughout the levels and each one possesses special abilities and powers that contribute to the overall escape plan. Up to three E.O.s may be inducted into the party at any time and work as a cohesive battle squadron.

The creatures in Heaven's Will are a bizarre gathering of monsters that bear some resemblance to the monstrosities in games such as Biohazard and Devil May Cry. NCS would describe them as human/monster mash-ups. Three types of weapons may be used in the game - Swords, Guns, and Shockwaves. Swords are made of mental reactive alloy and are used for close-up melee attacks on creatures that roam too close for comfort. Guns provide long-range reach and can be charged up for a more powerful blast. Finally, the Shockwave is a plasma weapon which causes long distance, wide ranging destruction. Like the gun, it may be charged up for higher levels of propulsive carnage.

Memories Off #5 Superlite 2000

An ambitious film student named Haruhito Kawaai loses his mojo when a friend and fellow auteur Samasuke Hina is killed in an accident. To recover from the shock and dismay, fellow film students, the sister of the fallen artist, and other characters engage the protagonist and help him find his footing again. Similar to a standard interactive adventure, Memories Off plays in flick-screen action where spot animations accompany static images while reams of text fill the dialogue box on the bottom of the screen.

Upon starting the game, a dandy in a red double-breasted suit is walking while cherry blossoms flutter to the ground. The protagonist joins him in a similar red jacket and then a girl joins the two as they walk from school followed by a fourth classmate. Once home, the protagonist is visited by Samasuke's younger sister Asuka, who is dressed in a school uniform and microskirt. Asuka confides to Haruhito that a girl named Mahiro Sendou caused Samasuke's demise. After some banter, a 60-minute Mini-DV tape is located which contains a short film collaboration between Haruhito and Samasuke which was not completed due to Sam's untimely death. Will the film ever get completed? Did Mahiro Sendou cause Samasuke's death? Can mojo be recovered? Only you can answer those questions...

Ryu Ga Gotoku - The Best

The seedy underbelly of the Kamurocho district fosters all breeds. The ones that stand out in Ryu Ga Gotoku however are the bad seeds; the Yakuza inspired gangsters and killers who use force and devious design to unhinge their fellow man. The protagonist in the adventure is a bruiser named Kazuma who went to prison and summarily broke out. As the game starts, Kazuma is standing in the middle of a neon lit street while throngs of night life seekers stroll and mill about. Accidentally bump into someone and witness his or her stumbling motion and arm waving antics.

Move Kazuma forward a bit and follow the fellow thug who wears a purple and gold shirt to a building. After entering the building, a cinema shows an encounter where a meek subject suddenly turns into a tiger wielding a golf club. This leads to the first battle of the game which is basically a training mission which teaches the various moves and combos that are available. Guide Kazuma and punch and power-punch the thugs in the room and their golf club swinging boss. The fighting is a full-fledged 3D action game where the controls are smooth and the punches rattle off in fluid motion. To grab someone in a choke hold, press the "O" button. To follow up with a head butt while choking someone, hit the SQUARE button.

Toy Arrivals

A very late shipment of software/toys/etc has been released and the cartons have begun trickling in this morning. We'll begin processing all back orders for the PS2 Guitar Freaks Masterpiece Silver Konamistyle version and all preorders for the Transformers Masterpiece MP-3 and Transformers Masterpiece MP-4 today. We'll update the Transformers toys tomorrow with photos and a short write-up.

All preorders for the life-size Dead or Alive cushions and towels will also ship today. Please note that the cushions are all pre-sold out but we may be able to stock some additional supplies in the next 2-3 weeks. The towels are available but we'll post them up tomorrow.

The remainder of the cartons should arrive in the next couple of days and we'll process and ship preorders for items such as the Dreamcast wristwatches and assorted toys upon arrival.

Import Release Outlook

NDS	Hoshi no Kirby: Sanjou! Dorocche Dan	Nintendo
	Love Love Hamster	Digital Kids
	Makuramoto Naomi no Shiawase Kitchen	MTO
	World Soccer Winning Eleven DS	Konami
	Winning Eleven + Jet Black Nintendo DS Bundle	Konami
PSP	Just Shoot	SCE

USA Release Outlook

Final Fantasy XII leads preorders for the week.
GBA	Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City	EA
GC	Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City	EA
NDS	Children of Mana	Square
	Pokémon Ranger	Nintendo
	Star Trek Tactical Assault	Bethesda
	Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City	EA
	Sims 2 Pets	EA
	Tom and Jerry Tales	Eidos
	Tomb Raider Legend	Eidos
PS2	ATV Offroad Fury 4	Sony
	Final Fantasy XII	Square
	Need for Speed Carbon	EA
	Need for Speed Carbon Collector's Edition	EA
	Playstation 2 Slim Silver Console	Sony
PSP	BattleZone	Atari
	Death Jr. 2 Root of Evil	Konami
	Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories	Rockstar
	Killzone Liberation	Sony
	Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City	EA
	Power Stone Collection	Capcom
XBX	Need for Speed Carbon	EA
X360	F.E.A.R.	Vivendi
	FIFA Soccer 07	EA
	Need for Speed Carbon	EA
	World Championship Poker All In	Crave

PokePark Nintendo DS

New Japanese PokePark Limited Edition Nintendo DS units in royal blue color with Pikachu silhouette on the top lid. NCS originally purchased these from Pokemon Centers in Japan and paid a dear premium... for naught. Packaging is in mint condition and multiple units are available.

Pricing is set at US$139.00 per PokePark NDS unit which includes USPS Priority Mail shipping anywhere in the contiguous USA. USPS Priority Mail normally delivers in 2-3 days depending on your proximity to our location in New York City. For our international customers, a flat airmail shipping rate of US$16 will be assessed for an order total of US$155.

Lode Runner

Lode Runner appeared on the Famicom 22 years ago courtesy of Hudson. Before that, it was a popular game on 8-bit personal computers such as the Apple II+, Atari 800, the MSX, and the Commodore 64 where creator Doug Smith made his mark. Going further before that, Loderunner was a project on a VAX 1 mainframe. The NDS reincarnation of the game is based on the Famicom version where a elfin adventurer hunts for gold ingots and blasts away platform segments to corral pursuers. The play mechanics are simple but when a gang of goons are hot on elf's heels, things tend to get a little unsettling. In addition to the game, a level editor allows players to create an endless assortment of stages. «Game Notes»

Negima!?: Chou Mahora Taisen + Bonus CD

The Negima! Magister Negi Magi manga has sold over 7,000,0000 copies since debuting in 2003. As with any popular franchise, the Negima characters have made their way into numerous merchandising opportunities including figures, posters, mugs, and high profile video games. The latest of the latter reaches market this week with an interactive adventure + battle sim where players take on the role of Negi Springfield who looks after an entire class of 31 female students. To interact with students, the touch screen is tapped to talk and engage in lengthy bouts of interplay. After interaction, battles may be triggered where enemies are encountered and fought in tactical grid-based arenas. «Game Notes»

Pinky Street: Kira Kira Music Hour

BabySue's popular toy figure series finally expands beyond the world of PVC constructions and into the virtual realm of rhythm action. Ebullient girls dance and pop to the 35 music tracks which include selections from J-pop, Hip-hop, Rock, and the Classics. To reassure the legal eagles out there, Dimple doesn't infringe on any Bemani intellectual property and the game is free to expand and grow if Pinky Kira Kira catches on. Gist: the stylus is used to poke at three sections of the touch screen as they light up. For example, if the top section is lit, tap it as quickly as possible to register the groovy rank of ｢RAINBOW｣. If the middle section glows and you're a millisecond too slow, you might get a ｢KIRA2｣... «Game Notes»

Shinseiki GPX: Road to the Infinity 3 + Bonus Art Book

Touma Mikami, Rei Kanna, and Mio Maihara of Phoenix Japan Racing are joined by old faces and new racers in the third Shinseiki GPX game. The default game mode is "Grand Prix" where players may race on the 11th Grand Prix all the way up to the 18th Grand Prix. Similar to previous Shinseiki GPX games, the vehicles are sleek and gaudy looking affairs which motor on the race tracks with smooth sailing motion.

The controls are responsive with cars that respond to slight controller tugs and pulls obediently. For drift racers, the game features a drifting mechanism where players may tap the brakes lightly and then swerve the vehicle to match the curve of hairpin turns. If the other racers try to muscle your vehicle out of contention, there's always the Aero Boost which throttles the car to maximum speed for a few seconds until the booster gauge dwindles to nothing. In addition to the Grand Prix mode, the other game modes include GPX 19th, Free Run, Time Attack, and Versus which splits the screen horizontally and allows two players to race simultaneously from their respective perspectives. A Gallery contains a massive amount of artwork, cinemas, voice samples, and car info. «Game Notes»

Utawareru Mono

Originally released on the PC in 2002 by Leaf, Utawareru Mono undergoes a few updates and is reissued on the Playstation 2 to reach a wider audience. The PS2 upgrade of the game features full voice acting, a new battle system, a new character, and new visual events have been added for good measure.

The storyline centers around a series of wars set in ancient times and the ascension of a hero named Hakuoro. As the story begins, two young sisters named Eruru and Aruru are foraging in the forest when they stumble across a wounded young man who is wearing a mask. The siblings decide to bring him back to their village. With the help of their grandmother Tusukuru, the family eventually nurses him back to health. From humble beginnings, Hakuoro eventually leads a rebellion against the oppressive emperor of the land and becomes the king of a new country that he names Tusukuru, after the grandma and village elder. Once on the throne, Hakuoro soon learns that running a country is hard work and wars are inevitable. As his renown grows, he attracts like-minded peoples and supporters from surrounding countries who join the kingdom of Tusukuru's sphere of influence. Utaware Rumono mixes interactive sequences with tactical battles which «more»

Spectral VS Generation

Ten generals from the Spectral Force and Generation of Chaos games eschew the tactical shenanigans and jaunt to another type of battlefield for 1-on-1 bouts in 2D arenas. Razor-edged bruisers such as Erile, Earth, and Wells face off against each other in fast paced action and they're pretty much evenly matched in terms of speed and power. Then there's the dainty and delicate Mayura who not only looks fragile but her moves are more like gestures or cheerleading moves than attacks.

The ten fighters featured in the game are:
Hiro / Scythe wielding lassie who wears a demon gauntlet
Wells / Adventurer who battles for pleasure and sport
Orochimaru / Blonde samurai warrior with an enchanted sword
Roze / Demon girl who vows vengeance against mankind
Krayce / One-eyed master swordsman with flaming red hair
Ryuken / Martial artist who looks down upon those who use weapons
Erile / Redheaded knight who is protected by guardian spirits
Jadou / Purple haired demon with tentacles emanating from his back
Mayura / Human and demon half-breed who wishes to be human
Earth / Controlling angel of Neverland

A total of eleven stages may be fought upon. «Game Notes»