Friday, October 30, 2009

TOYS Strike Witches Plush Toys - Japan Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In an alternate reality, the Earth has been ravaged by the effects of an armed force known as the Neuroi. To counter their assaults, humanity has developed the "Striker Unit" which is an all-in-one device which grants wearers the power of flight, defensive measures, and enhances one's propensity for magic. In the world of Strike Witches, cat-eared girls serve as the warriors who don the Striker Units and thrust through the heavens to battle the insidious Neuroi.
Japanese manufacturer Aoshima has started preorders for a trio of Strike Witches plushes featuring main heroine
Yoshika Miyafuji who wears her school uniform, a sandy-haired ace named Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen, and a gray-haired 13 year-old who'll turn her head when someone bellows out Sanya V. Litvyak. Each plush measures 20cm tall and reservations are welcome to ship in mid-late January 2010 at JPY3800 or US$46.90 each.

TEE Final Fantasy XIII Shiva Custom Tee - Japan Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the upcoming Final Fantasy XIII game, the character known as Snow Villiers will occasionally call upon the power of two Shiva sisters named Styria and Nix who make up his bike. When the two siblings are summoned and commanded to merge, a dazzling animation sequence plays where the girls join hands and wind themselves around to become a rip-roaring motorcycle. The kind that runs up on monsters.
Square Enix has started preorders for a
Final Fantasy XIII Shiva Custom Tee which features stark inky artwork of Styria and Nix who are facing each other. The shirt is crewneck and is made of 100% cotton. Preorders are welcome for men's shirt which is available in Medium, Large, and X-Large along with a women's shirt in Medium or Large. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late December 2009 at JPY3800 or US$46.90.

TEE Monster Hunter: I Love Chop T-Shirt - Japan Preorder

NCS Game Synopsis
«©NCSX» Instead of wearing an "I Love New York" t-shirt which is corny, wrap yourself in a lovely "I Love Chop" tee which gets to the meat of the matter. By putting the shirt on, wearers are making a statement to the world that steak, brisket, lamb, and even pork chops are the preferred vehicle of sustenance. Preorders are welcome to ship in late November and the shirt is available in white or black and in multiple sizes from XS to XL.

NEWS General Updates

Japanese Imports Pushed to Tomorrow (AGAIN)
«©NCSX» Due to a continuing delay with a Japanese import shipment being handled by BROWN, the remainder of this week's new Japanese imports such as Wii Sin & Punishment 2 and PSP Kenka Banchou Portable are scheduled to arrive tomorrow (Saturday). We'll sign for the packages but there's little else we can do over the weekend within a 2-hour window.
Japanese Bayonetta Restock
«©NCSX» The restock of Bayonetta for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 expected today was on the same flight as our other delayed import shipments so we won't receive the shipment until tomorrow. Shameful.
Agarest Europe
«©NCSX» The remaining shipments of Agarest Regular and Collector's EUR have also been rescheduled for delivery on Monday. It's a conspiracy.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

PS3 Agarest Generations of War - New Import, Partial Arrival

-Partial Stock Alert
Due to the partial arrival of Agarest this morning from our European vendor, some early preorders will ship today but all remaining reservations will ship tomorrow once the rest of the shipments arrive.

NCS Game Synopsis
«©NCSX» In a world known as Agarest, five continents hold sway over the lineage of a family which spans five generations. The game starts off with an aristocrat-cum-knight named Leonhardt who's decked with feathered hair and wears a crisp military uniform with white Versace overcoat. Leonhardt has been assigned to a guard post but deserts the military life after much disenchantment with the ravages of war. In the process of going AWOL, he's mortally wounded by a conspiracy of events but he's given a second chance at life by a deity named Dishana. In exchange for his services and loyalty, Leon is revived and made into a Soul Container which allows him to live a normal life and sire offspring with one of three possible maidens (Fyuria, Elaine, and Luana) to continue his bloodline.

PS3 Agarest Generations of War Collector's - New, Partial

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The special Agarest Generation of War Collectors' Edition includes the following bonus items:

»
Collectors’ Edition slipcase
» Collectors’ Edition inlay
» Limited edition 48 page hardcover book featuring the unique art from the game which focuses on the Princesses.
» Six collectable art cards featuring images from the game
» A3 size limited edition poster

-Partial Stock Alert

Due to the partial arrival of Agarest this morning from our European vendor, some early preorders will ship today but all remaining reservations will ship tomorrow once the rest of the shipments arrive. Thanks.

NEWS General Updates

Japanese Bayonetta Restock
«©NCSX» The Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions of Bayonetta are scheduled to be restocked tomorrow. All backorders received since late Tuesday afternoon will shop on Friday.
Demon's Souls Deluxe Edition
«©NCSX» The USA Deluxe version of Demon's Souls was restocked a few days ago and is currently available for same-day shipping if your order is received before 4PM EST. We snagged the final batch from Atlus.
Japanese Imports Tomorrow
«©NCSX» The remainder of this week's new Japanese imports such as Wii Sin & Punishment 2 and PSP Kenka Banchou Portable are scheduled to arrive tomorrow due to a weather-related flight delay last night.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

ZIPPO Sega Memorial: Mega Drive Zippo Lighter

NCS Preorder Synopsis
Update: October 28, 2009

«©NCSX» A few years ago when we were still dabbling in Zippo lighters, NCS bought USA versions in bulk for under $15 each. Some were as low as $5. Imagine our bewilderment back in 1998 when we received a preorder offer from a Japanese vendor for the Beatmania 3rd Mix Zippo. Cost to us? A lofty $60. For a lighter. Sure, the Beatmania lighter was limited to only 500 pieces but it was a Zippo and we normally paid a quarter of that asking price. The Beatmania Zippo was our introduction to Japanese Zippos and over the years, we've imported even pricier models featuring Transformers, Lupin, Final Fantasy, Sakura Taisen, and many more.

NCS opens up preorders for yet another limited edition Zippo today and this one's a doozy. The price is pretty high but that's because the lighter is limited to sale only on a Banpresto website for a limited time between October 23 to November 6. Add in the yen/dollar exchange rate, shipping charges from Japan, and vendor handling costs and we have severe price inflation on our hands. We had to get them for our own collection (the Sega historical vault) however and we're offering them for general preorder as well starting today.

The Mega-Drive Zippo looks like a perfect recreation of Sega's 16-bit console complete with power button, reset button, and the cosmetic ridges on the left of the console. The only giveaway that this is a Zippo is the little hinge on the side which allows the top to be popped over so you can light up a cigarette, ignite a firecracker, or illuminate the darkness with a handheld torch. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late December 2009 and if we get it in time, the Mega Drive Zippo might be the perfect gift for that special someone in your life who still plays Mega-Drive games. In the basement. Late at night and usually accompanied by crunchy snacks.

ZIPPO Sega Memorial: Sega Saturn Zippo Lighter

NCS Preorder Synopsis
Update: October 28, 2009

«©NCSX» Back in the early 90s when we were still dabbling in Zippo lighters, NCS bought USA versions in bulk for under $15 each. Some were as low as $5. Imagine our bewilderment in 1998 when we received a preorder offer from a Japanese vendor for the Beatmania 3rd Mix Zippo. Cost to us? A lofty $60. For a lighter. Sure, the Beatmania lighter was limited to only 500 pieces but it was a Zippo and we normally paid a quarter of that asking price. The Beatmania Zippo was our introduction to Japanese Zippos and over the years, we've imported even pricier models featuring Transformers, Lupin, Final Fantasy, Sakura Taisen, and many more.

NCS opens up preorders for yet another limited edition Zippo today and this one's a doozy. The price is pretty high but that's because the lighter is limited to sale only on a Banpresto website for a limited time between October 23 to November 6. Add in the yen/dollar exchange rate, shipping charges from Japan, and vendor handling costs and we have severe price inflation on our hands. We had to get them for our own collection (the Sega historical vault) however and we're offering them for general preorder as well starting today.

The Sega Saturn Zippo looks like a perfect recreation of Sega's original Japanese 32-bit console which was colored gray. We sold the Saturns for about $600 back in the day. The Zippo's Saturn facade includes the power button, eject, and reset buttons along with the cartridge port on top and snazzy Sega Saturn lettering. The only giveaway that this is a Zippo is the little hinge on the side which allows the top to be popped over so you can light up a cigarette, stave off the cold, or set fire to kindling. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late December 2009 and if we get it in time, the Sega Saturn Zippo might be the perfect gift for that special someone in your life who still enjoys a classic Saturn game. In the basement. Late at night and usually accompanied by Cap'n Crunch cereal with a splash of milk.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

PS3 Bayonetta - New Import, In Stock and Shipping Today

From the Publisher
Original Update:
August 14, 2009
Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by creator Hideki Kamiya and being released on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. A member of an ancient witch clan and possessing powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces off against countless ethereal enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action action place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its face-pace, dynamic climax combat.

Preorders for the PS3 version of Bayonetta are shipping today. The first production of the game includes a bonus soundtrack titled "Rodin's Selection" that's being given away in 50% ratio by Sega.

BOOK Bayonetta Witch of Vigrid Photo Book - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» From what we've seen of Bayonetta, she'll never be described as a shrinking violet or a timid bookworm. She's flashy, skilled with firearms, and an extrovert but don't take our word for it. Enterbrain shows Bayonetta off in their new Bayonetta Witch of Vigrid Photo Book which contains high-resolution images of the leather-clad heroine in various poses and action shots. We wanted to see her wearing a potato sack with a Bloody Mary in her left hand but that's just us. An interview with Bayonetta is also included in the book which is somewhat enlightening and entertaining. All preorders are shipping today at JPY2100 or US$33.90 from NCS. New orders are also welcome for dispatch this afternoon.

X360 Bayonetta - New Import, On Back Order

From the Publisher
Original Update:
August 14, 2009
Bayonetta is a stylish and cinematic action game, directed by creator Hideki Kamiya and being released on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. A member of an ancient witch clan and possessing powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces off against countless ethereal enemies, many reaching epic proportions, in a game of 100% pure, unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action action place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions, Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre, bringing to life its face-pace, dynamic climax combat.

Preorders for the Xbox 360 version of Bayonetta are shipping today. The first production of the game includes a bonus soundtrack titled "Rodin's Selection" that's being given away in 50% ratio by Sega.

Stock Alert: Please note the Xbox 360 version of Bayonetta is currently pre-sold out. New orders placed today will not ship until the end of the week (Friday) or early next week (Monday) when the second batch arrives.

Wii Chin Sports - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In Chin Sports, Sega presents ten left-of-center sporting events that test a participant's strength, resolve, and in some cases, culpability. The "Tuna Toss" event is similar to "Hammer Throw" except a huge tuna is whirled around and then flung for distance. To help grip the tuna, a wooden handle is bolted onto its fishy body to the delight of PETA members. In "Furniture Race," cars are scuttled in favor of droopy pieces of furniture that have been fitted with wheels and an engine so that racers can motor down highways and byways while seated on a living room sofa, couch, or other living room fixture. Other events include running, rolling, ironing, pole vaulting, and boxing for a well rounded assortment of inane sporting goodness. The emcee for the whole shebang is a lanky and highly flamboyant carnival barker who goads the contestants onward with a loud voice and spinning antics. Up to four players can participate in the games and most importantly, finally determine who can hurl a tuna the farthest.

The first production of the game includes a bonus 2-CD soundtrack that contains a total of 32 tracks. Please note that Sega is only giving away the OST in 50% ratio with the first printing of the game.

Wii Super Robot Taisen NEO - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» Banpresto releases a new Super Robot Taisen game for the Wii which features robots from 14 franchises as follows:

» Galaxy Cyclone Braiger (銀河旋風ブライガー)
» Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbaruger (元気爆発ガンバルガー)
» Hao Taikei Ryū Knight (覇王大系リューナイト)
» Great Mazinger (グレートマジンガー)
» Jushin Liger (獣神ライガー)
» Kanzen Shouri Daiteioh (完全勝利ダイテイオー)
» Mazinger Z (マジンガーZ)
» Mobile Fighter G Gundam (機動武闘伝Gガンダム)
» Nekketsu Saikyo Go-Saurer (熱血最強ゴウザウラー)
» NG Knight Lamune & 40 (NG騎士ラムネ&40)
» Sengoku Majin GoShogun (戦国魔神ゴーショーグン)
» Shin Getter Robo (真ゲッターロボ)
» Shippu! Iron Leaguer (疾風!アイアンリーガー)
» Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh (絶対無敵ライジンオー)

Battles are depicted by way of 3D rendered robots... which is a disappointment since we're of the opinion that nothing beats 2D animation in a SRW game. The first production of the game will ship with a bonus Super Robot Taisen NEO booklet that's being given away in 50% ratio.

NDS Umihara Kawase Jun Second Ed. - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The story of Umihara Kawase and her grappling hook began over a decade ago on the Super Famicom. Since then, she's made it to a couple of sequels and a remake on the Playstation Portable. The PSP remake had issues with the way the grappling hook worked (the heart and soul of the game) but publisher (株)Genterprise is giving gamers a more accurate rendition that's being supervised by the original series programmer Sakai Kiyoshi.
Umihara Kawase Jun Second Edition Kanzenban is based on the updated Playstation version of the game which was originally released in 2000 by Xing Entertainment.
The heroine Umihara Kawase swings around platforms with the use of a rubbery grappling hook which may also be swung at enemies for offensive maneuvers. The DS remake features new stages that were supervised by Sakai Kiyoshi. For added value, new character artwork by Makoto Satoshi is also peppered in the game.

Monday, October 26, 2009

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1090 - Annual Subscriptions

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The November 5, 2009 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:

» Scoop on Final Fantasy XIII which spans 17 pages and features big 'n crisp screenshots of the characters, battle scenes, and game world.
» Famitsu's reviewers rank N
DS Hikari no 4 Senshi: Final Fantasy Gaiden (9/8/8/8), NDS Sword World 2.0: Game Book DS (6/7/5/5), PSP Jigen Kairou (8/8/7/8), PSP Persona 3 Portable (8/8/8/8), PS3 Bayonetta (10/10/9/9), X360 Bayonetta (10/10/10/10), PS3/X360 Tekken 6 (9/8/8/8), and Wii Super Robot Taisen NEO (8/7/7/7).
» Tokyo Game Show 2009 booth babe recap.
» Every copy of the magazine includes a pull-out Monster Hunter 3-Tri guide which contains 35 pages and a Tekken 6 centerfold starring key characters.
» Pastries and coffee are in the focus in this week's PICK UP FOOD.
» Preview for Sin & Punishment 2.
» Ryu Ga Gotoku 4 is shaping up nicely on pages 286-289.

NEWS General Updates

Japanese Bayonetta Tomorrow
«©NCSX» An early shipment of the PS3 and X360 versions of Bayonetta has shipped from Japan and we'll be able to process and ship pretty much all preorders tomorrow morning. If you ordered the game with overnight shipping, please look out for the parcel to arrive on Wednesday.
Demon's Souls Deluxe Edition
«©NCSX» The USA Deluxe version of Demon's Souls is currently sold out but we expect one final batch to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. All backorders for DS Deluxe will ship when the game is restocked again. The regular edition of the game has been stocked in depth and we expect to keep it in our inventory up until the week of the big holiday.
Crowded Trades
«©NCSX» About 2 weeks ago, it looked like the U.S. dollar would begin its final death spiral to nothingness. Then something strange happened. It started rallying. It's still rallying this morning. When a trade becomes too crowded - such as short USD - the revenge snapback can be ferocious.

NEWS Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday-Friday

NDS

Hikari no 4 Senshi: Final Fantasy Gaiden

Square

PS3 Tekken 6 Namco

PSP

Kenka Banchou Portable

Spike


R-Type Tactics II: Operation Bitter Chocolate Irem

360

Bayonetta

Sega

Wii

Chin Sports

Sega

Super Robot Taisen NEO

Banpresto

Tsumi to Batsu Uchu no Koukeisha Nintendo

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Wednesday

NDS Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? THQ

Chronicles of Mystery: Curse o/t Ancient Temple City

Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter THQ

Nickelodeon: The Backyardigans 2K Play

Sushi Academy City

TouchMaster 3 WB
PS3 DJ Hero + Turntable Kit Activision

Fairytale Fights Playlogic
360 DJ Hero + Turntable Kit Activision

Fairytale Fights Playlogic

Forza Motorsport 3 Microsoft
Wii All Star Cheer Squad 2 THQ

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 Konami

DJ Hero + Turntable Kit Activision

Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter THQ