Death Smiles PCB Kit - Preorder

Cave exhibited their latest shooter dubbed Death Smiles a few weeks ago at this year's AOU Show and location tests began just recently in Japan. In a quick transition from show to operator sales, preorders are now welcome for the initial run of the game which is expected to ship on October 19. Perhaps it's fitting that Death Smiles is being released 12 days before Halloween since the game features a spooky theme with dark forests, familiars, pumpkins, witches, and assorted monsters. True to Cave's legacy, Death Smiles is a shooter but one that scrolls horizontally.

Upon popping in the required credits, a short tutorial teaches the control scheme as follows: The A-Button shoots left, the B-Button shoots right, and the C-Button unleashes a bomb. A guided projectile attack which locks onto targets may also be activated by hitting both A and B buttons.

The preorder details for Death Smiles lists the product form factor as an "exclusive pcb kit" so it's a chunk of JAMMA hardware. Pricing is set at JPY246,000 or US$2250 from NCS which includes shipping directly from Japan by way of EMS which delivers in 4-7 business days and is trackable.

Prince of Tennis: Driving Smash! - Preorder

Step into the world of Prince of Tennis and take on the role of a high school tennis team manager who recruits four players, puts them on a practice schedule, and goes on tourneys with your charges. The training sessions make use of the touch screen and microphone for an additional level of interaction over the PS2 Prince of Tennis team simulations. Along with the interactive scenarios in the game, full blown action-packed tennis may be played where singles or doubles race and swing across the court. Two versions of the game are scheduled to ship on Dec 20, 2007.

Dokodemo Pilates - Preorder

Joseph H. Pilates developed his exercise regimen known as Pilates during World War I with the goal of rehabilitating wounded soldiers. Pilates emphasizes muscle training for improved coordination and flexibility - beginners can use his/her own weight to provide resistance but more advanced practitioners can use simple resistance equipment to hone and tone muscles. Konami's Dokodemo Pilates software features an assortment of beginner's exercises where realistically animated models perform various exercises and repetitive movements which you follow like an obedient puppy. Preorders are welcome to ship on Dec 20, 2007.

Survival Kids: Chisana Shima no Ookina Himitsu - Preorder

The kids are back this winter in a new island-bound adventure where survival skills and virtual endurance are put to the test. The subtitle of the game translates to an approximation of, "Big Secret on a Small Island" but we could tell you that it's "The Lost Tribe of Salisbury Steak" and 80% of you wouldn't be the wiser.
The game features four characters and the ultimate goal is to use wits and puzzle solving skills to find a way off the island and back to civilization. New to the game is an animal communication system where beasts such as dolphins may be interacted with. Preorders are welcome to ship in Dec.

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Rei Ayanami - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
A Kotobukiya Japanese Import! Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone has just been released in theaters in Japan (Sept. 1), and now Kotobukiya brings you the first merchandise based on the Rebuild of Evangelion!

The mysterious and alluring Rei Ayanami is captured in her white plug suit, while perched on a statue of the EVA-00 prototype. Over 8 inches tall, this large 1/6 scale PVC statue is luxuriously detailed and rendered with the care that only sculptor Tsukuru Shirahige and Kotobukiya can attain. In addition, the tips of Rei's hair are cast in translucent material, permitting light to shine through, as well as reflecting her frail characteristics.
Look for more unique high-quality figures from REBUILD in the coming months!
Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late February 2008 and pricing is set at US$49 from NCS. Note that the exact height of the figure is 22.5cm or 8.85" tall from the base to the top of Rei's blue tresses.

Assassin's Creed: Altair PVC Statue - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
The Third Crusade, 1191 A.D - The Syrian city of Acre.

Shrouded in secrecy and feared for their ruthlessness the Assassins intend to stop the hostilities by suppressing both sides of the conflict. Assuming the role of Altair players will have the power to throw their immediate environment into chaos and shape events during the pivotal moment of the war.

Based on Ubisoft's highly anticipated Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 video game, this PVC statue depicts Altair, the player character. The 12" tall figure is highly detailed, its sculpting based on original game data. Painted and ready to display.

Scheduled to ship in January 2008 at US$49 each.

Battlestar Galactica: Mark II Viper Statue - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
A Diamond Select Release! A Gentle Giant Sculpt!

Any viper-jockey can tell you that a pilot is only as good as their ship - something the crew of the Battlestar Galactica has learned first-hand! This eight-inch statue features the classic Mark II Viper design complete with display base and removable cockpit shield! Based on the original digital effects files taken right from the hit series, each interstellar ship is limited to 2,007 pieces and features a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity.

Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late February 2008 at US$95 from NCS. We like the weathered outer coating of the ship for that grungy look.

FFVII Play Arts v2: Cloud Strife & Hardy Daytona

From the Manufacturer
A SquareEnix Japanese import! Produced by the SHINRA Motor Company for use by the SOLDIER division, the HARDY DAYTONA is the ultimate vehicle from the Final Fantasy universe! This deluxe box set includes the CLOUD STRIFE PLAY ARTS Action Figure in addition to the motorcycle itself. Developed with the full cooperation of original character designer Tetsuya Nomura, the Daytona is an incredible work of engineering, as no detail is missing from the bike - rotating tires, movable steering and forks, and even working shocks! The cycle measures approximately a foot long, and is perfectly in scale with the Cloud action figure (8” tall). You’ve waited for this set for ten years, and now it is finally a reality!

Lucius Malfoy Death Eater Mask - Preorder

Neca's metal Lucius Malfoy Death Eater Mask will be released stateside in December 2007 at a suggested retail price of US$80. Japanese distributors have also started preorders for the mask but the suggested retail price in Japan starts at a a lofty JPY33,334 which converts to roughly US$290. Similar to Monday's Princess Leia fiberglass statue price comparison, the Japanese retail price is nearly 3X what Americans pay. We attribute the pricing disparity to the "levels" that exist in the Japanese retail structure but we'll probably go more in depth on that aspect of the business in Japan at a later date.
Needless to say, NCS will stock the USA version of the Death Eater Mask which is expected to ship in mid-late December 2007 at US$75 each. Preorders are welcome today.

Spiderman 3 Pumpkin Bomb Replica - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
A Diamond Select Release! A Gentle Giant Sculpt!

The Green Goblin's trademark destructive pumpkin bombs will make the perfect addition to any Spider-Man fan's secret weapons cache! Based on the record-breaking Spider-Man 3, these signature explosives measure over five inches in diameter and feature a unique light-up design. Limited to 1,000 pieces and sculpted by Gentle Giant, each replica also features a display stand with an individually numbered base, box and Certificate of Authenticity as well as full care instructions for your new prop replica!
Each pumpkin bomb measures over 5" in diameter and features a unique light-up design. Pricing is set at US$95 and preorders ship in Feb 2008.