X Edge (Cross Edge) - Import Preorder

Comic book crossovers are special because they're rare and (usually) once in a lifetime events. We're still waiting for Donald Duck Meets Spiderman and Doc Savage but maybe in our next lifetime. Video game crossovers are doubly special since they unite characters that would never otherwise be seen in the same gaming universe. The upcoming X Edge (Cross Edge) is the result of a collaboration between five publishers - Capcom, Namco Bandai, Idea Factory, Gust, and Nippon Ichi. Characters from properties published by all five companies will be joined by original cast members designed for the game. Familiar faces from the gaming fold include Marie the Atelier, Lilith from Vampire, Etna of Disgaea fame, and Aurica from Ar Tonelico.

If X Edge was a 2D fighter, we'd sell a few thousand copies but it's a turn-based tactical adventure game in the style of Namco X Capcom. We're estimating a 500-600 copy sell-through. Preorders ship on Sept 25, 2008.

Raiden IV - Import Preorder

Back in the day, the Dreamcast was our beloved system of choice for home shmup conversions. Maybe the Xbox 360 will become the new system of choice for hot home shmups like the upcoming Otomedius and Raiden IV.

Preorders are welcome for Moss' Raiden IV which appears to be an Xbox 360 exclusive (for now). New features in the home conversion include a "Boss Rush Mode," two new stages, and a new ship to twitch-maneuver around the stages. An online ranking mode will also allow elite players to show off their scores. Moss will also include a bonus Raiden IV Original Soundtrack in every copy of the first printing. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 11, 2008 at JPY6800 or US$63.90 from NCS.

Gabu ★ Gabu Planet - Import Preorder

In Koei's upcoming Gabu ★ Gabu Planet, gamers play the part of a mongrel-like monster with a voracious appetite. Four types of beasts are available for the choosing, including one named Pero that's colored purple and flicks out an inordinately long tongue. Since the monsters are hungry, they'll eat anything and everything in sight. Buildings, cars, factories, and more are all fair game for destination monster gullet. All that eating leads to fighting once two monsters meet and squabble for the rights to the limited amounts of "food" on each stage. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 25, 2008 at JPY4800 or US$46.90 from NCS.

Dragon Ball DS - Import Preorder

Bandai inducts super saiyan with spiky hair into an RPG which features 3D movement and action-packed card-based battles ad event triggers. The story takes players back to the origins of the first series where a young Son Goku begins his journey for the retrieval of the Seven Dragon Balls. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 18, 2008 at JPY4800 or US$46.90 from NCS.

Rainbow Pop - Import Preorder

When NCS first got a taste of Rainbow Pop a few weeks ago, we immediately thought, "Bejeweled Clonage, Nihon Style." In the game, players manipulate seven different colored shapes with a Wii Remote-controlled reticule so that at least three of the same type are contiguous to each other. Four game modes are available: Story Mode, Puzzle Mode, Versus Mode CPU, and Versus Mode 2P. If we were publishing the game in Japan, we'd price it at JPY2800 but Interchannel is going with the unrealistic retail rate of JPY4980. The market will price it correctly however by discounting it within a week of release. Preorders ship on Sept 4, 2008.

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Wed-Thurs

NDS	Dragon Quest V: Bride of the Sky	SquarEnix
	Dragon Quest V DS Lite Pouch & Card Case	SquarEnix
	Metal Slug 7	SNK
PS2	Poi! Hito Natsu no Keiken!?	I.Factory
PS3	Metal Gear Online	Konami
	Tears to Tiara: Kakan no Daichi	Aqua Plus
	Tears to Tiara: Kakan no Daichi Limited Edition	Aqua Plus
PSP	Gundam Battle Universe	Bandai

USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Mon-Tues

NDS	Mister Slime	Southpeak
	Puchi Puchi Virus	NIS
PS2	B-Boy	Evolved
	NCAA Football 09	EA
	Rockband Track Pack Vol. 1	EA
PS3	NCAA Football 09	EA
PSP	NCAA Football 09	EA
Wii	NCAA Football 09	EA
	Rockband Track Pack Vol. 1	EA
	We Love Golf	Camelot

Galactic Pinball for VBoy - Clearance

When a game is titled, "Galactic Pinball," it's bound to feature space-themed pinball tables. NCS checked the game out again this morning and found an eye-straining exercise which was fairly entertaining. The Cosmic pinball table got most of our time this morning but we also spent a bunch of minutes on the Colony table. Two other pinabll tables are available for the choosing for a bit of variety. The movement and physics of the ball is realistic as it bounds around and bounces off the flippers.

Sale Offering: NCS' remaining inventory of Galactic Pinball for the Japnese Virtual Boy is new, factory packaged, and in new condition. Pricing is set at US$13.90 per copy which includes free USPS Media Mail shipping within the United States. Orders are welcome. Jan Code: 4902370502268