Bomberman [ボンバーマン] - Import Preorder

Every year or thereabouts, Hudson can be relied upon to wheel Bomberman out for another bombing foray. This year's model ships on September 25 and it's a Wii exclusive. The major game modes are:

Story Mode - Bomberman finds himself in an interplanetary drama where his help is needed to restore peace to the galaxy. Bomberman traipses around lush isometric mazes and bombs enemies. All in the name of peace.

Battle Mode - Up to 8 participants may engage in classic Bomberman action where an expansive maze provides the backdrop for the bombing tactics. Players may choose a Bomberman as their onscreen action hero or select a Mii to do their dirty work. Each maze measures 17 x 11 and different themes such as the Bowling Stage and the Pitstop Stage make for interesting sights to see.

For players who are a little rusty after years of Bomberman inaction, a Tutorial Mode teaches the basics of bombing. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 25, 2008 at JPY4800 or US$48.90 from NCS.

Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou - Import Preorder

When we watched a preview of Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekidou a couple of weeks ago, we immediately thought of Idolmaster. Conjure up images of dancing girls backed up by ear-piercing J-Pop and you have the general idea behind both games. In the case of the incoming Suzumiya title, it's three girls on impromptu stages with choreographed moves that's strangely mesmerizing. Once you begin watching, you can't take your eyes off the theatrics. Sort of like watching a car accident or a drunken bum fight in the middle of some metropolitan nowhere.

The dancers are Yuki Nagato, Suzumiya Haruhi, and Mikuru Asahina and their moves are basically syncopated together with Suzumiya serving as the superstar. That makes Yuki and Mikuru the backup dancers who follow the leader. To succeed in the game, players watch the cue bar on the bottom of the screen and wave the Wii Remote at the right time to control Haruhi so she dances in time to the music.

A Free Mode in the game allows gamers to choose the music, the high school background where the girls dance, and the costumes that they wear. Preorders are welcome to ship on November 27, 2008 at JPY6800 or US$63.90 from NCS. A limited edition which includes a posable Haruhi figure in her school uniform (which sort of looks like a FIGMA figure) is also available for preorder at JPY8800 or US$98.

Batman Kubrick and Bearbrick - Import Preorder

Even though the upcoming Batman Kubrick toy makes the Gotham City crusader appear constipated, we're going to keep a set for our Kubrick collection. Batman measures 7cm or 2.75" in stature and is decked out in the new battle armor from the recent Dark Knight movie.

According to a short scene in the film, the new armor allows Batman to turn his head which makes it easier when "backing out of the driveway." Along with the Batman Kubrick, Medicom also includes a translucent blue Bearbrick figure which features a golden bat silhouette across its chest. Sort of like a Bear Wonder sidekick of sorts. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late January 2009 at JPY3000 or US$30.90 from NCS.

Joker Kubrick and Bearbrick - Import Preorder

Whereas the Batman is straight-laced and numbingly sober, the Joker is loosey-goosey. If he were candy, he'd be two packs of Twizzler. Jokey doesn't need libations to get the party started and you can always count on the former Arkham inmate to sport a big red smile. Medicom's upcoming Joker Kubrick measures 7cm or 2.75" in height and is dressed in a green vest that's covered by a purple trench coat. Thick eye shadow gives his face the raccoon look that Goth girls strive for while bright green hair provides a vibrant contrast to Joker's pallid complexion.

The Joker Kubrick figure is accompanied by a ghastly Bearbrick with a bloody smile and a body that's charred in select spots. The words, "Why So Serious" are etched across its chest in jagged red letters. In the Dark Knight movie, the Joker recounts a story from his childhood where his father says those words to him before performing minor surgery. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late January 2009 at JPY3000 or US$30.90

Iron Man Cosbaby - Import Preorder

In the Iron Man movie from earlier this year, viewers got to see Tony Stark work on his mechanical reactor-powered prototype as well as the final version of the Iron Man suit. Hot Toys of Hong Kong has announced a Cosbaby production of the Iron Man suits and their maker Tony Stark. Six different figures are featured in the set along with a secret seventh toy as follows:

» Iron Man Mark I » Iron Man Mark II
» Iron Man Mark III » Tony Stark Prisoner
» Tony Stark Mark I » Tony Stark Mark III

The figures measure 7cm tall and feature 9 points of articulation for posing purposes. Preorders ship in October 2008 at JPY12000 per factory box of 12 or US$105 from NCS.

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Wed-Thurs

NDS	Dokidoki Majo Shinpan! 2	SNK
	Dokidoki Majo Shinpan! 2 DUO Limited Edition	SNK
	Rhythm Tengoku Gold	Nintendo
	Steal Princess	MMV
	Windy x Windom	Success
PS2	Drastic Killer	Bandai
	Drastic Killer Excellent Box	Bandai
	Secret Game: Killer Queen	Yeti
PS3	Soul Calibur IV	Namco
	Soul Calibur IV Stick	Hori
PSP	Ginga Ojousama Densetsu Collection	Hudson
	Phantasy Star Portable	Sega
	Phantasy Star Portable Accessory Set	Hori
	Tengai Makyou Collection - PC Engine Collection	Hudson
	Tengai Makyou: Dai Yon no Mokushiroku - Best	Hudson
X360	Soul Calibur IV	Namco
	Soul Calibur IV Stick	Hori
Wii	Dokapon Kingdom for Wii	Sting
	Wii de Tokoton Kanji Nou	IE Instit.
	Zero: Gesshoku no Kamen	Nintendo

USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Mon-Tues

NDS	Air Traffic Chaos [Delayed to Aug 12]	Majesco
PS2	MLB Power Pros 2008	2K Sports
	Summer Athletics	Conspiracy
PS3	Soul Calibur IV	Namco
Wii	King of Clubs	Crave
	MLB Power Pros 2008	2K Sports
	Summer Athletics	Conspiracy
X360	Soul Calibur IV	Namco
	Spectral Force 3	Atlus
	Summer Athletics	Conspiracy

Dragon Spirit Hu-Card for PC-Engine - Clearance

When a mighty demon known as Zawell escapes its bindings and kidnaps Princess Alicia, it's up to a warrior named Amul to rescue her. A mere mortal can't compete against a demon so he requests assistance from the gods. Raising his sword to the heavens, Amul is transformed into a dragon and wings his way to meet Zawell. Along the way, Amul must defeat nine creatures before the big confrontation. The PC-Engine port of the Dragon Spirit arcade game is a faithful conversion and the entire game fits onto a 2-Megabit Hu-card.

Sale Offer: NCS' remaining inventory of Dragon Spirit is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Price: US$16.90 per copy which includes "free shipping" within the United States by USPS Media Mail Service.