Friday, February 13, 2009

Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1054 - New Import, Subscriptions

«©NCSX» Ryu and Chun-Li do their dance on the cover of the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu which contains coverage on the following games and/or special events:

» Celebrities in Japan talk about what games they're playing this winter
» Street Fighter IV character roster and game information
» Mario & Luigi RPG 3 gets some love from Famitsu
» Continuing coverage on Monster Hunter G
» Even more continuing coverage on Biohazard 5 with screenshots and in-game details.

Please note this week's issue of Famitsu is a double issue (February 27, 2009 to March 6, 2009) and the magazine will not be printed next week. NCS is only accepting orders for annual subscriptions to. Famitsu Magazine. We are not able to sell single issues due to the supply contract with our Japanese print supplier.

Masterpiece MP-08 Grimlock - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» If the Transformers echelon were positioned in terms of power ranking, Optimus would be in the prime spot followed by Megatron. Third place would probably be given to Grimlock - a mighty Dinobot who transforms from bulky robot to mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex. In robot mode, Grimlock carries an Energon sword but in Rex mode, his bite does all the damage. Takara finally gives Grimlock his due respect in the eighth Transformers Masterpiece toy which is scheduled to ship next month.

Masterpiece Grimlock is made of a combination of PVC and die-cast metal with numerous points of articulation. A gimmicky LED in its right fist illuminates the sword while its eyes may change color in either robot or dinosaur mode. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late March 2009 at JPY13,000 or US$139.90 from NCS.

Purikon Sofubi Fate Stay Night Saber - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» Saber's been on a tear recently with a bevy of figures being released and announced in quick succession. The latest Saber rendition squishes the blonde knight into the body of a toddler with stubby arms and a squat stature. Although Saber still carries Excalibur in her right hand, she's no longer imposing or threatening in her latest turn - she's just a punk kid with a toy sword.

The Pretty Conscious Series (Purikon) version of Saber from Taki Corporation is made of soft vinyl and features eight points of articulation so her arms, legs, and even the sprig of hair atop her head can move freely. The figure measures 16cm (6.29") tall without the hair but if you count the hair, Saber stands 20cm tall. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around March 31, 2009 at JPY4179 or US$46.90 from NCS.

Dragon Quest IX Character Making Figure - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» Square has delayed the release of Dragon Quest IX by nearly 4 months in Japan but the company continues to announce tie-in merchandise for the game. The DQIX Character Making Figure features heroes and heroines from the upcoming NDS adventure who are all decked out in their in-game costumes. A total of 9 different characters are featured in the collection which measure 4cm or 1.57" tall.

NCS is supplying the figures in complete factory boxes of 12 figures at JPY4200 or US$49.90. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late April 2009.

Excellent Model LTD Hanako Holstein Recharge - Preorder

«©NCSX» A "Holstein" generally refers to a dairy cow with a black and white color scheme. A "Holstein Hanako" refers to an attractive cat girl with a healthy bosom who wears white and black cow decorated apparel.

MegaHouse originally released the 1/8 scale Excellent Model version of Holstein Hanako in 2007 and the figure eventually sold out. To meet outstanding demand from fans and collectors, Megahouse has announced a "Limited" reproduction of the figure which ships in mid-late June 2009. Hanako is sculpted by OSIRIS where the "cow" girl in question is on bended knees and lifts her left hand. She's not waving to anyone but is rather providing a perch for a butterfly that alights upon her hand. Her face beams with childlike marvel as she looks at the insect and perhaps reminds us that there is wonderment in the smallest things. The Holstein Hanako figure is set at 1/8 scale and measures 14cm or 5.51"" in height. Hanako is fully assembled, painted, and ready for display. Preorders are welcome.

General Updates

Dragon Quest IX Delayed
Square Enix announced yesterday that DQIX is being pushed from March 28, 2009 all the way to July 11, 2009. All preorders are on file and will be dispatched once the game is released this summer. NCS is assuming all of the DQIX accessories announced thus far will also be delayed.
Midway Files for Bankruptcy
A news story on yesterday's filing by Midway used the title, "Fatality!" NCS holds shares in most of the major American game publishers and pretty much every company is down 50-80% from their 52-week highs. We might be seeing "Smackdown" or "Burnout" news titles later this year.