Sega Taikan Game Collection - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» We grew up during the 80s and watched the video game industry as it boomed, busted, and boomed again. Atari kicked off the home gaming explosion but the company fizzled, only to give way to Nintendo which ruled the mid-late 80s with the Famicom in Japan and the NES stateside. Billions upon billions in profits were minted on the backs of Mario, Rockman, Samus, Simon, and more. Right in there with the Nintendo juggernaut was Sega, fighting for the gaming dollar with a procession of arcade hits, the Master System, and eventually the MegaDrive. While the original Atari is a footnote at this point, Nintendo and Sega are still going strong.

The Sega Taikan Game Collection from Organic looks back at Sega's custom sit down coin-ops which rocked and veered from side to side to simulate the onscreen action. Four games are lovingly recreated in miniature PVC form as follows:

» Space Harrier
» Super Hang-On
» Outrun
» Thunderblade

The product solicitation mentions a secret fifth game which we're pretty sure is Afterburner based on the silhouette. It's not Galaxy Force II since the silhouette on the flyer isn't shaped like an orb. Each miniature arcade game measures 10cm or 3.93" in length and roughly that much in height. Organic packages the toys in factory boxes which contain 6 individually sealed figures. This means each factory sealed box will contain all five arcade game miniatures and a duplicate of one of the toys. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late April 2009 at JPY4284 or US$48.90 from NCS.

Gundam Giren no Yabou - Axis no Kyoui V - New Import

«©NCSX» Relive the events in the Gundam Universal Century timeline which chronicle the aggression of the Axis (Neo-Zeon) as they wage war against the Earth Federation and the AEUG. Continuing the strategic campaigns that kicked off in the earlier Axis no Kyoui game on the PSP, players choose a side from various factions including the Anti Earth United Government, the Earth Federation, the Titans, or the Axis. At the outset of the game, a total of five forces are selectable but an additional nine factions are hidden by static and waiting to be unlocked.

The chapters covered in the game span the events in Char's Counterattack (Second Zeon War) to Hathaway's Flash which take place over a decade after the war. The game features tactical-strategy action where mech forces battle opposing forces on terra and across the reaches of space in a turn-based war game. Between battles, interactive scenarios move the story along and allow players to make choices that affect the course of the game and potentially change Gundam history entirely.

Previous Gundam Giren tactical simulations have invariably been highly challenging so Bandai gives casual gamers a fighting chance by including a special Very Easy Mode. Mech handlers in the game are equipped with their best robots early in the game so that their attacks are more formidable and do a lot more damage to the enemy. If you're a professional Gundam tactician, you can opt for the Very Hard or the Hell modes.

Revoltech Fraulein No. 12: 'Movie' Yoko - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» Yoko Ritona of Tengen Toppa Gurren-Lagann fame is second only to Kanu Unchou in terms of the amount of toys she has engendered in Japan over the past two years. Yoko has her own Figma, MMS, and Revoltech toys as well as numerous figures from the usual PVC purveyors. However one Revoltech isn't enough. No, a second Revoltech is demanded by the fan base and Kaiyodo obliges with the Revoltech Fraulein No. 12: Gurren Lagann - 'Movie' Yoko Action Figure (No Boota Version) which ships this summer.
The new 1/10 scale Revoltech measures 15cm or roughly 6" in height and features 19 points of articulation so she's highly posable. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2009 at US$30.90 each.

Doraemon Hearty Dora Stardust Glass - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» A couple of years ago, Sega released a Doraemon Zodiac Plush product which linked the portly cat with the stars. When the summer of 2009 rolls around, it's Taito's turn to throw Doraemon into the heavens with the Doraemon Hearty Dora Stardust Glass product. Three drink glasses are on offer as follows: (A) Love: Doraemon winks and the word "Love" may be seen on the underside of his foot, (B) Relax: D sits on the moon and closes his eyes for a visit with the Sandman, (C) Cheer: The wide-awake cat looks more "caffeinated" than "cheer" but we'll have to trust Taito's consumer product sensibilities. Preorders for the 11cm glasses are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2009 at US$13.90 each.

Basket King Kantan Ball Mawashi - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» Have you ever wanted to spin a basketball on the tip of your finger just like Curly of the Harlem Globetrotters spins it? Neither have we but it's a unique human trick that might help you win friends and influence people. Curly probably spent the better part of his life perfecting the spin-trick but you can do it in less than 3 seconds with Taito's upcoming Basket King Kantan Ball Mawashi which operates on battery power and stays balanced on your finger with the help of an internal gyroscopic mechanism.

The special basketball measures 18cm or 7.08" in diameter and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2009 at US$29.90 each.

Hokuto no Ken Crazy Heads Raoh LE - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» The blonde-haired Raoh of Hokuto no Ken fame was recently the protagonist in the PSP Hokuto no Ken: Raoh Gaiden game where he kicked and punched his way to the top. The merchandising train rolls onwards with another new product that's all about the older brother of Kenshiro. The Crazy Heads toys are basically clones of the famous Bobble Heads figures where a character is fitted with an oversized head which wobbles atop a disproportionately sized body.

The Crazy Heads Limited Edition Raoh figure features silver hair instead of the blonde locks that Raoh normally sports on his head. Raoh also wears a blue cape which is different from the red cape that's on the regular Crazy Heads Raoh figure. The figure is limited to only 300 pieces and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late March 2009 at JPY3800 or US$45.90 from NCS.