PC software distributors in Tokyo have started accepting preorders for Geisha Tokyo's Cyber Figure Alice kit which gives anyone (willing to pay) access to a virtual maid who resides on your desktop.
The Cyber Figure Alice package contains the following:
» Cyber Cube (2 pieces)
» Cyber Stick (2 pieces)
» Japanese instructions
A PC and a webcam are required but not included. The preorder details specify that users must download the Cyber Figure software from Geisha's website before using the product. It's unclear why the software isn't included but maybe it's a work in progress.
The webcam is used to project an image of a maid on top of the Cyber Cube. She'll react to external stimuli provided by the Cyber Sticks. For example, pouncing the Cyber Stick on her bosom will cause her to react in a convincing way. Alice can also talk, run from Cyber Cube to Cyber Cube, and show a range of emotions. A video of Alice's antics is viewable on Youtube and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late October 2008.
Members of the Patapon Tribe are small of stature but they're also hardy, resilient, and when the occasion calls, relentless. Medicom has much respect for the Patapon. They have so much respect that they've created five Ultra Detail Figures based on the Yaripon and Tatepon warriors of the PSP action game.
Each Patapon soldier is sculpted from PVC and measures 4cm (1.57") in height and roughly that much in width. A strap is also attached to the top of each Patapon for tethering to a cellphone, a belt, or any other device that can accept a loop. Unfortunately, Medicom neglected to include spears or swords with the straps so the Patapon figures are weaponless.
Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late December 2008 at JPY650 or US$9.30 each (which includes USA Media Mail shipping) from NCS.
How does a manufacturer sell the same toys twice in quick succession? Answer: Box the toys in new retail packaging.
Yujin has practiced this tactic with their popular Shooting Game Historica toys and they've adapted it for their Senjou no Valkyria gashapon which originally shipped last month. When December 2008 rolls around, the same toys will be packaged in cardboard boxes instead of the plastic capsules used in the gashapon incarnation.
It's not all a rehash however, four new Valkyria soldier girls join Alicia, Asara, and Brigitte as follows (from the lower left portion of the photo and moving to the right and then upwards): Rein, Edie Nelson, Jane Turner, and Selvaria Bles. In addition to the standard figures, Yujin mentions that three color variations for Alicia, Asara, and Brigitte will also be randomly packaged in the factory cases. Preorders ship in mid-late Dec 2008.
It's been nearly a year since Nintendo's Super Mario Galaxy was released on the Wii. One year is a long time in our business. The gaming market is generally forward looking with an emphasis on the next big thing although there are occasional reflections from the past. The toy market is completely the opposite - it's primarily backwards looking.
Most toys rely on well known properties from pop-culture. Think Barbie and Elmo stateside or Kanu Unchou and Rei Ayanami in the land of the Rising Sun. So, even though used copies of the Mario Galaxy game may be found in flea markets for about $12, toys based on the franchise are still able to create cash flow and revenue for license holders. Case in point: Banpresto's upcoming Super Mario Galaxy keychains which feature nine characters from the game. Bee Mario and Bee Luigi are in attendance along with Princess and others. Each figure is packaged in a baggie with cardboard retainer. Preorders will ship in mid-late January 2009 at US$45.90 for each complete set of 9 figures.
A witch in training named Straw teams up with a fluffy creature who answers to the call of "Mono" and the two engage in platform action where Mono is used like a mighty projectile. Draw concentric circles on the power-up meter to energize Mono and then fling him like a cannonball by swishing the stylus to the right. Depending on the character chosen, three types of throws are possible per protagonist - a lofty overhead toss, a straight-forward pitch, an underhand chuck, and many more.
Sale Offering
NCS' remaining inventory of Guru Guru Nagetto is new, factory sealed, and in mint condition. Pricing is set at US$22.90 per copy which includes "free" shipping by USPS Media Mail within the U.S.
