Sigma Harmonics - Import Preorder

A lad named Sigma Kurogami who bears a slight resemblance to Harry Potter serves as the protagonist in Square's upcoming RPG. Players roam around an isometric world while occasional animated sequences move the story along. Early reserves will include a bonus DVD in 30% ratio. Preorders ship on August 21, 2008 at JPY5229 or $52.90.

Beach de Richi DS - Import Preorder

Play mahjong against five girls in a conversion of a game that was originally released for the Sega Saturn in 1998. By playing mahjong against the girls, love may inexplicably blossom between the player and one lucky girl. New features in the NDS update include a Story Mode with animated sequences, a Tournament Mode, and a Free Play Mode. Preorders are welcome to ship on August 7, 2008.

Ikkitousen: Eloquent Fist Limited Edition - Import Preorder

The girls of Ikkitousen are back in a 2D punch 'n kick action game that's somewhat reminiscent of the coin-operated Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon game. Marvelous is also accepting preorders for a limited edition which includes three bonuses:

1) Two PVC figures in a bowl (shown)
2) 2008-2009 desktop calendar
3) Holographic flick-action card

Preorders ship on August 7, 2008.

Tales of Vesperia - Import Preorder

The Tales games from Namco have enjoyed stellar sales over the years and over 10 million copies have made their ways into the eager hands of couch-based-adventurers. The tenth Tales game ships this summer and it's an Xbox 360 exclusive.

An androgynous hero named Yuri Lowell serves as the protagonist who teams up with a assortment of fellow travelers including a pink-maned girl named Estellise, a knight who goes by the name Flynn, and a pipe-clenching pooch named Rapido.

Early preorders for Tales of Vesperia will include a bonus Special DVD courtesy of Namco. Preorders are welcome to ship on August 7, 2008 at JPY7800 or US$73.90 from NCS.

Oneechan Bara Vortex: Aya 1/7 Scale - Import Preorder

When Aya of Oneechan Bara fame isn't busy eviscerating zombies, she stands around in her anti-fashionista apparel and poses for toy sculptors. Aya also serves double-duty as an easy target so that voyeurs can get their ogle on.

The latest Aya toy figure is proportioned at 1/7 scale and hails from Alter. When NCS makes buying decisions for Japanese toys, we generally look for action heroes or heroines that are sculpted in dynamic poses. Alter's Aya isn't dynamic but she nevertheless possesses that special mix of presence, verve, and charisma that forces us to open the corporate coffers and buy her in bulk quantities. Preorders are welcome to ship in October 2008 at JPY8800 or US$83.90 from NCS. Jan Code: 4560228201796

Fantasm Soldier Valis Vol. 2 Gashapon - Import Preorder

Hot on the heels of the first Valis gashapon which was announced a couple of weeks ago, Millennium has started preorders for the second set. Valis Vol. 2 features another four figures and NCS will gather them up into complete sets which are priced at US$25.

The characters in the new set are:

» Yuko Asao - in full armored regalia with broadsword
» Valna - sedate pose with staff weapon
» Yuko Asao - wears a skimpy ocher costume with two weapons
» Cham - redhead in pink and yellow body armor

Pricing is set at JPY500 per gashapon from Millennium but we’re going to bundle the figures into complete sets of four and supply them that way. Preorders are welcome to ship in Sept 2008.

Kanu Unchou China Dress Ver. - Import Preorder

Preorders are welcome for Sol International's Kanu Unchou China Dress figure which is scheduled to ship in a couple of weeks. The figure is set at 1/7 scale and measures 20cm or 7.87" in height. Two costumes are included with the figure - a China dress with blue flowery aspects and a "satiny" slip sans any sort of marks or decorations. To change Kanu's clothing, simply snap off whatever she's wearing and snap on the new piece of PVC clothing. Sadly, whenever changing Kanu's costumes, she will be nude except for a g-string and her white shoes. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around June 30, 2008 at JPY9240 or US$88.90 from NCS. Jan Code: 4982509550612

Id@lMaster Miki Hoshii 1/8 Scale Figures - Import Preorder

When Wayne Newton (a noted Las Vegas crooner) performs on stage, he has a move where he points at no one in particular in the audience. No one knows why he does it. He just does.

Miki Hoshii of Id@lMaster fame has apparently gone to the Wayne Newton school of showmanship because she also points. A lot. So much so that Max Factory has sculpted good ol' Miki (20cm) in two different figures where she pounds one fist on her hip while her other hand points. On the left, we have the "New Star" version and on the right, it's all about the "Awaken" version of Miki. Preorders ship in September 2008.

General Updates

Transformers MP-07 Thundercracker Takara has opened up preorders for the seventh Transformers Masterpiece figure which is scheduled to ship in November 2007. If we recall correctly, Thundercracker is a blue G1 Decepticon that looks like Megatron except that he's... blue. Thundercracker can also transform into a jetfighter. That's all we remember. Takara didn't release any photos with their preorder solicitation last night but we'll throw some up once they're made available through the usual channels. Preorders are welcome and pricing is set at JPY10000 or US$108.90 from NCS.

Aquapict - Haven for Mosquito Babies We've been using our Aquapict on and off for the past year or so. Today, we noticed mosquito larvae in the tank. We're not sure how they got in there since the Aquapict is a closed system. Maybe a skeeter got in during a water change and deposited some eggs. Those eggs appear to have hatched over the weekend. If time permits, we'll post some photos.

Charge 'n Blast - Clearance

A meteorite smacks into the planet and it's otherworldly influence mutates normal earth creatures into hulking beasts. As a member of a special corps of armored soldiers, you jump into battle and blast back the surging menace. Normal shots are sufficient to strafe a line of monsters but when big bruisers appear, you'll have to charge up your weapon to blow the big 'uns away. Watch your scoping skills when shooting because errant blasts will level entire buildings and bring them crashing down.

Sale Offering: NCS remaining inventory of Charge 'n Blast is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Pricing is set at US$16.90 per copy which includes free shipping by USPS Media Mail service. Orders are welcome.