NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese distributors started preorders for Espgaluda II Black Label on the Xbox 360 last night. No one knew if the game would be region-free like Mushihimesama Futari v1.5 was since Cave didn't provide this information on the preliminary preorder offer. Based on the international good will that Cave created with Futari, we're somewhat confident that Espgaluda II is going to be region-free but they'll have to confirm before it's a go. We might shed a tear or three if they decide to region-protect their shmups again.
Espgaluda II is a vertically scrolling shooter but firing away isn't the only gist of the game. There's also swarms of gems to be collected; lots of them which burst out of enemies when they're destroyed. Players will also find themselves weaving and dodging a maze of bullets which spiral and scatter throughout the screen. By strategizing and going into three types of Kakusei mode, players can maximize the score multiplier, throw up an auto-barrier, and affect bullet velocity. Game modes in the Xbox 360 port include an Xbox mode, a Novice mode, Arcade mode, and an Arrange mode for a bit of variation on the horizontal shooting action. In the sequel, a girl named Asagi joins the cast of Ageha and Tateha from the original Espgaluda as a playable hero. She's a scrawny runt at the outset of the game but watch how she does when she's at maximum power.
Distributors have only started preorders for the regular edition of Espgaluda II thus far and the preorder solicitation mentions that every copy of the first printing includes a bonus 2-disc soundtrack that is packaged inside the DVD case. Furthermore, the allocation of the limited edition of Espgaluda II from Cave is dependent on the preorder quantity for the regular edition. For example, if NCS preorders 500 copies of Espgaluda II and Cave's regular-to-limited allocation ratio is 5:1, that means we'll only be allowed to order 100 copies of the limited edition. Due to this type of arrangement, NCS does not expect to be able to stock many copies of the limited edition and it'll likely skyrocket in price on the aftermarket upon release. We'll finalize the actual allocation ratio in the next few days after we submit our preorder numbers for the regular edition. A bonus Xbox 360 faceplate (viewable on our shopping link gallery) is included in the limited edition of the game.
Preorders for Espgaluda II regular edition are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010 at JPY6980 or US$74.90 from NCS. Please wait for information on whether or not the game is region-free in the next few days. Thanks.
