NEWS General Updates

Holiday Business Hours NCS will close early today at 5PM EST. We'll be shipping packages with the US Postal Service today since UPS isn't doing normal pickups. Tomorrow is New Year's Day so we'll be away but business will resume on Monday of next week. The release roster looks light for the first week of January 2010 but we expect NDS Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep to arrive by Thursday. We'll also start shipping the USA versions of Bayonetta on Monday.

PS3 Demon's Souls ...was our best selling USA game of the past week. It's unclear why the game started selling so well again since the last big sales day for DS was back in mid-November. On the Japanese front, X360 Mushihimesama Futari sales are spiking again. Again, we're not sure know why.

New Year's Eve Trading in 2009 was improved from 2008. Maybe there's some potential in this video game business. NCS wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

DRINK Final Fantasy XIII Elixir Complete Edition - In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The FFXIII Elixir Complete Edition was released last week and distributors have finally gotten around to procuring inventory for us. Please note each FFXIII Elixir Complete Edition box is huge.... and obnoxiously heavy... and our offer price reflects the shipping charges to import this beast from Japan into the United States. The box of the FFXIII Elixir CE is roughly triple the size of the Final Fantasy VII 10th Anniversary Potion Limited Edition.

Each complete set includes sixteen cans of carbonated "Elixir" which we don't recommend drinking and an FFXIII Elixir tumbler that's made of stainless steel with a plastic outer shell. The production of the Complete Edition is limited to only 30,000 sets and a serially numbered plate is included in each box. New orders are welcome.

NDS Coro Pata - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» Sunflower is an impish blue-haired girl who's been tasked with traipsing through 128 stages where simple objectives must be accomplished before she can gain safe passage. In the first stage, Sunflower has to walk from the right side of the screen to the left side but there are two obstacles stopping her - namely two crevices in the platforms through which she'll fall is she's not careful. To fill those crevices, help Sunflower bridge the first gap with a plank of wood which is chosen from the menu on the left side of the screen. She'll take care of the second gap when she runs across a baseball which she throws to knock a green plank down which covers the second crevice. By way of simple object manipulation and studious examination of each stage, players give Sunflower a hand in traversing simple levels as well as more complicated stages which involve multiple tiers of movement.

TOYS Portrait of Pirates Dracule Mihawk - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Megahouse released the One Piece Portrait of Pirates Dracule Mihawk figure earlier this year and it sold out with the quickness. Customers who were unable to purchase the POP rendition of Dracule the first time around are getting another chance this week when Megahouse issues a new production of the popular figure.
Dracule is a masterful sword handler who wears a flamboyant outfit that's in direct contrast to his serious nature and gritty demeanor. In the One Piece animated series, Dracule keeps a watchful eye over Roronoa Zoro but not because he cares about him. Dracule is tracking Zoro's sword fighting progress and wants to fight against him when Zoro reaches the peak of his sword handling abilities. The POP Deluxe Dracule figure measures 23.50cm or 9.25" tall and all preorders are shipping today. New orders are welcome at JPY6240 or US$73.90 from NCS.

General Updates

PS3/X360 Bayonetta USA Released The North American versions of Bayonetta for the Xbox 360 and PS3 arrived yesterday afternoon but sadly, we won't be allowed to ship them out to customers until next Monday. There was a brouhaha in New York City when COD2 was "leaked" a few days early and that incident has forced vendors to keep games from shipping until the official street date. Until next Monday arrives however, here are the back cover scans for both versions of the game. At least we get to play the games early.

UPS Holiday Schedule Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and UPS won't be making any UPS Ground deliveries or pickups. Only UPS Next Day and 2nd Day Air packages will be moving on Thursday. Furthermore, please be advised that no shipments will be delivered or picked up on Friday (January 1, 2010).

NDS Utatti - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Konami pioneered the rhythm action genre over a decade ago and they've blazed a trail with offerings such as Beatmania, Pop'n Music, and Dance Dance Revolution. Their latest development in the rhythm action category is titled Utatti which is a Nintendo DS game which features touch-pen tapping and singing. Thanks to the built-in mic on Nintendo DS models, players will have to croon and touch to hit the onscreen cues and signals. In addition to the default 1-player mode, up to 4-players may collaborate on a rhythm tapping challenge.
Preorders are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010 at JPY5000 or US$53.90 from NCS.

NDS Cooking Idol Ai! Mai!! Main! Game de Hirameki! - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Cooking shows are generally targeted at an adult demographic or people of an age that can handle sharp knives, a cast iron frying pan, and blazing temperatures with a reasonable amount of care and self protection. Cooking Idol Ai!, which is broadcast on NHK in Japan, is designed to appeal to children as its primary audience. The hostess of the show is a bright-eyed girl named Main Hiragi who's accompanied by a familiar she calls Misanaga. Together, they show children how to prepare ingredients and cook various dishes such as hamburger, fish, and vegetables. Aspiring bakers in the audience also learn to to make bread and cakes. Konami transplants the Cooking Idol Ai! show to the Nintendo DS with a cooking program that features recipes from the show and new concoctions.

NDS Fushigi no Dungeon: Fuurai no Shiren 4 - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Shiren the Wanderer and his pet ermine return in another dungeon exploration game which begins with a shipwreck and an impromptu arrival on an island. Shiren encounters the natives who tie him up and are about to roast him when he's saved by timely intervention... Preorders are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010 at JPY5800 or US$63.90.

NDS Steve Soresi's Fluent Business English DS Training - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Steve Soresi is a bloke from New York University who developed an oral learning method called "sentences by minute" or SPM which involves two people. One person speaks in English for a certain amount of time and his partner keeps track of the number of sentences spoken. In another exercise, the listener attempts to summarize what the speaker has spoken from memory.
IE Institute adapts Soresi's training method to the Nintendo DS with a English language-learning program which teaches Japanese students spoken English with sentences, phrases, and words. The level of the English proficiency in the program is rated at high school but learners of all ages can benefit from the tutorials within. Preorders ship on March 11, 2010.

NEWS General Updates

The calm at the end of the year Last week was busy. This week is sleepy in terms of news since all of our Japanese vendors and agents are on their winter holiday. There was an blip-surge of orders for the FFXIII Lightning bundle last night but we couldn't determine what caused it so we're attributing it to elves.

X360 Espgaluda II Black Edition Cave hasn't updated vendors on the allocation ratio for the limited edition of Espgaluda II Black Edition yet. We've committed to a reasonably large quantity of the regular edition of Espgaluda from our various suppliers so we should be able to procure a decent amount of the LE pack. We'll update our product listing once we have news.

PSP Queen's Blade Spiral Chaos Premium Pack NCS has restocked the limited edition of Queen's Blade Spiral Chaos and all backorders will ship today. The photo for the product on our shop needs to be updated because the box is much bigger than what's currently shown.

TOYS Star Ocean 4 Last Hope Trading Figures - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Star Ocean 4 game was released earlier this year to critical acclaim and global sales were inline with expectations. Square Enix didn't go overboard with promotional tie-ins or merchandising but they did announce a set of trading figures which are of fine quality with exacting detailing and immaculately painted parts. Five figures are packaged in the set and they're being sold in factory sealed boxes of six toys. The characters featured in the set are (from the left and moving to the right):

» Meracle Chamlotte - Cheery catgirl who enjoys food
» Edge Maverick - Blonde-haired hero of the whole shebang
» Reimi Saionji - Loyal friend and supporter of Edge Maverick
» Faize Sheifa Beleth - Talented engineer with mad formidable skills
» Lymle Lemuri Phi - Immature magic user with pouty demeanor

Each figure measures between 8.80-12.60cm (3.46-4.96") tall with Lymle being the most munchkin-like of the group and Edge towering over everyone else. The toys are being sold in factory boxes of "6" figures at the price of JPY5800 or US$60.90 from NCS.

TOYS Michael Jackson Air Freshener - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese manufacturer "Dive" purchased a license to create officially sanctioned Michael Jackson consumer products for the Japanese market and they unleashed a wave of preorder solicitations last night. One such product is the Michael Jackson Air Freshener which is guaranteed to freshen up the air indoors with a positively refreshing scent.

The MJ Air Freshener uses the "Smooth Criminal" persona from the music video of the same name where Michael is decked out in natty white threads and a matching white hat. Michael raises both arms as smooth criminals are apt to do. The back of the freshener is colored black with licensing information from Ecbizz Japan. According to the manufacturer, once the air freshener is released from its plastic bag and is hanging in a room or a car, the scent will last between 2-4 weeks. Once the scent is depleted, users may insert the freshener back into its bag and put it away in storage. Dig it out about 20 years from now and show it to the kids, the grandkids, or the village folk to demonstrate how Michael Jackson merchandising mania even reached the shores of Japan. Preorders and new orders are shipping today at JPY571 or US$8.90 from NCS.

TOYS Michael Jackson Rubber Keychain - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese manufacturer "Dive" purchased a license to create officially sanctioned Michael Jackson consumer products for the Japanese market and they unleashed a wave of preorder solicitations last night. One such product is the Michael Jackson Rubber Keychain which features a rigid rubber representation of MJ which is attached to a keychain to hold your keys together so they jingle and chime.

Each rubber keychain measures 6cm or 2.36" in height and features a version of Michael's music video personas through the years. From the left of the product photo and moving right, they are: "HIStory," "Smooth Criminal," "Bad," and "Thriller." Preorders and new orders are shipping today at JPY650 or US$9.90 from NCS.

TOYS Final Fantasy XIII Serah Earring - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Cosplayers hoping to capture Serah Fallon's look are already hard at work assembling and constructing the various pieces of her outfit. Serah's overall look is youthful and her clothes reflect a teenage bent that might be found on a high school campus. There's leggings, a necklace, bracelet, hair band, and a plaid skirt with lacy lingerie underlay among other pieces. The lingerie portion of Serah's skirt looks a little trashy but nevermind that. At least she isn't wearing her underwear outside her skirt.
Serah also wears a pair of cat earrings where each kitty's tail dangles downwards and terminates with a diamond. Well, it's probably not a real diamond from the likes of DeBeers but more like a cubic zirconium. The earrings are made of silver and measure 10 x 4 x 2cm (3.93 x 1.57 x 0.787") in dimension. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late April 2010 at JPY9000 or US$100.90/pair from NCS.

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Wednesday

NDS	Dreamer Series: Zoo Keeper	DreamC
	Learn Chess	DreamC
	Learn Geography	DreamC
Wii	World Party Games	DreamC
360	Divinity II: Ego Draconis	CDV Soft
PC	Divinity II: Ego Draconis	CDV Soft

NEWS General Updates

FFXIII First Printing - Restocked All backorders for Final Fantasy XIII are shipping today and new orders are welcome. The inventory that we received today is from the first printing and still includes the bonus FFXIV DLC card. We'll update our product description once the first printing of the game sells out.

Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep PSP Bundle - Additional Stock NCS has re-opened our product listing for the Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep PSP Bundle and new orders are welcome.

UPS New Year's Holiday Schedule UPS won't be making deliveries or pickups on Friday of this week.

Japanese Holiday Week Most of our Japanese vendors are now on their winter holiday and they'll be on hiatus until January 5, 2009. No new releases are scheduled for this week but we should receive NDS Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep next week.

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol 1100 - Subscriptions

NCS Product Synopsis
Cover: Famitsu's mascot rings in the New Year in a red jacket and bowtie
«©NCSX» The January 14, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:

» Final Fantasy XIII is done and in the marketplace so Famitsu's attentions turn to the next game in the series. Screenshots and details on Final Fantasy XIV start on page 25 and continue until page 35.
» Famitsu celebrates 1100 issues of the magazine by looking back at the people behind the magazine, major events, and memorable faces.
» A retrospective on game machines may be viewed on pages 131-141.
» PICK UP FOOD takes a look at reliable snacks such as Pocky and Kit Kat.
» Since 2009 is over, Famitsu looks back at each month and reprises the events, news, and happenings from January to December.
» Every copy of Famitsu Vol. 1100 will ship with a bonus 82-page New Super Mario Bros Wii "Hi-Complete Bible" which contains comprehensive tips and tricks on playing every level of the game.

TOYS Shining Wind 1/8 Scale Celestia PVC Figure New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Kotobukiya releases a 1/8 scale Celestia figure (of Shining Wind fame) that's sculpted by Sho Kojima. Celestia is accompanied by a floppy-eared creature named Lassi who wears a crown and has occasionally been seen with Xecty. A sprig of vegetation and a large white flower adorns her hair. Celestia measures 11cm or 4.33" in height and is crafted from PVC. An open book prop is included in the package which may be laid upon Celestia's lap whilst her green dress radiates outwards like a lily pad. Pricing is set at JPY5800 or US$68.90 from NCS and preorders will ship today.

NDS Lina no Atelier: Strahl no Renkinjutsushi Premium Edition

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Lina and her friend Luon are wandering around the woods one day when a fire erupts. The silly forest fairies accuse Lina of arson and hold her responsible for the extensive damage to the forest. The devastation is so bad that all the trees have been stripped of their leaves and all that remains are burnt out trunks. Despite her innocence, Lina decides to help the fairies rebuild the woodlands by using her alchemy skills.
Instead of working in a comfortable studio like previous heroines in the Atelier games, Lina becomes a traveling alchemist who goes around in a horse drawn cart and peddles her newly synthesized products to reap riches and rewards. The limited edition of Lina no Atelier includes a bonus looseleaf ring binder / daily planner that's wrapped in what appears to be pleather.

PSP Lucky Star: Net Idol Meister - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Konata Izumi is a blue-haired teenager who's fanatical about video games and anime. Call her the female personification of what is commonly known as an otaku... a creature which is usually of the male gender. Konata's classmates and confidantes are Kagami Hiiragi, Tsukasa Hiiragi, and the aristocratic Miyuki Takara. Together, the quartet enjoy life, play video games, and find themselves involved in assorted escapades. In the new PSP Lucky Star game, Konata and friends are aspiring internet idols who train and go on auditions to become an online superstar to revitalize the electronic business district of Akihabara. Players take on the role of a manager who helps the girls reach their full potential.
Net Idol Meister kicks off with an interactive sequence which establishes the story but mini-games eventually pop up which include button-tapping rhythm exercises, a rapid-fire retail service game, side scrolling running and dodging, quizzes, and a very rudimentary and stilted one-on-one fighting challenge.

NEWS General Updates

FFXIII First Printing NCS will restock Final Fantasy XIII on Monday (December 28) and our restock will still be from the first printing of the game which includes the bonus DLC card. Please note that the second printing of the game has already been released which no longer includes the DLC card. We'll update our product description once our first printing copies are sold out.

UPS Holiday Schedule UPS Ground packages will be delivered today along with air packages that are scheduled for delivery today. Please note however that UPS won't be picking up Ground packages from our company today.

Seasons Greetings We forgot to get a tree for the office this year. It got too busy, hectic and frenzied over the past few weeks. We do have a big and spiky aloe plant that we wrapped a little tinsel around to make the joint somewhat festive. NCS will be on hiatus tomorrow in observance of Christmas but we'll return to normal operations on Monday. Season Greetings to everyone.

NDS Lina no Atelier: Strahl no Renkinjutsushi - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Lina and her friend Luon are wandering around the woods one day when a fire erupts. The silly forest fairies accuse Lina of arson and hold her responsible for the extensive damage to the forest. The devastation is so bad that all the trees have been stripped of their leaves and all that remains are burnt out trunks. Despite her innocence, Lina decides to help the fairies rebuild the woodlands by using her alchemy skills.
Instead of working in a comfortable studio like previous heroines in the Atelier games, Lina becomes a traveling alchemist who goes around in a horse drawn cart and peddles her newly synthesized products to reap riches and rewards. Joining her are a number of friends and supporters such as Gerard Doche, Farrah Wesheit, Marcherra Waschen, and Herrenlose Spada.