| Happy New Year Revelers in the Pacific have already welcomed the New Year and North Americans will do likewise later tonight. NCS wishes everyone a Happy New Year. We think 2011 will be booming in more ways than one. |
| Still Snow Some roads in NYC are still unplowed. It's a comedy at this point. |
| Japanese Trade As mentioned earlier in the week, all of our Japan-based vendors and distributors are on their New Year's holiday until January 4, 2011. No new software is being released in Japan next week and there's no new issue of Famitsu this week because last week's issue was a double issue. |
NCS vends games and toys to customers around the world.
Friday, December 31, 2010
NEWS General Updates
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
TOYS Black Lagoon Revy 2-Hand Ver. Polystone Statue - Preorder
«©NCSX» Revy of Black Lagoon fame is a skilled shooter who mows down her targets with two Beretta 92FS pistols which have been modified with elongated barrels. To carry those two Berettas, Revy needs two hands and Japanese toy manufacturer New Line realizes this simple fact. To celebrate Revy's skill with firearms, the company is producing a "2-Hand" polystone statue where Revy carries both of her guns in her two hands. Revy is dressed in short shorts, a tight shirt, and her right arm is tattooed.
The upcoming Revy figure was designed by Fujiura Toi and Komatsuhara Hiroyuki and is sculpted to 1/5.5 scale which measures 28cm or 11.02" tall. Preorders are welcome to ship in May 2011 at JPY14,800 or US$189.90 from NCS. Due to the size of the figure, NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States to avoid air service shipping charges.
TOYS Ikkitousen XX Kanu Unchou Last Battle Version - Preorder
«©NCSX» Kanu's kinda melancholy as evidenced by her usual facial expression and her inability to crack a smile. In Alphamax's new Ikkitousen XX rendition of Kanu, she's melancholy and resting awkwardly on a battle-damaged stairway and leaning against a shattered wall of bricks. The "Last Battle" version of the Ikkitousen heroine depicts Kanu as seemingly resigned and dressed in a battle-damaged shirt which is split entirely down the middle. Although Kanu's shirt is ruined, her stockings and skirt are untouched by the rigors of conflict.
The dimensions of the Kanu figure and backdrop measure 125 x 200mm or 4.92 x 7.87" (Height x Width) and the figure is sculpted to 1/7 scale. Preorders are welcome to ship in April 2011 at JPY9400 or US$109.90 from NCS. Due to the size of the figure, NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States to avoid air service shipping charges.
TOYS BlazBlue: Rachel Alucard 1/6 Scale Figure - Preorder
The conceited, egotistical vampire.
From the 2D fighting game "BlazBlue" comes a 1/6th scale PVC figure of the head of the noble Alucard family, Rachel Alucard. She has been sculpted preforming her Drive attack, 'Silpheed', which causes her trademark twin-tail hair and frilly goth-loli dress to blow upwards in the wind. Her black cat umbrella "Nago" as well as her red bat "Gii" are also both included!
The Rachel Alucard figure measures 34cm or 13.38" tall and the figure is sculpted to 1/6 scale. Preorders are welcome to ship in May 2011 at JPY12191 or US$179.90 from NCS. Due to the size of the figure, NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States to avoid air service shipping charges.
NEWS General Updates
| Big Snow, NYC Cont'd Some side roads still haven't been cleared in the local area but our UPS and Postal shipping has returned to normal as of yesterday. |
| UPS Schedule Similar to last Friday which was Christmas Eve, please note that UPS is not picking up any Ground packages on Friday since it's New Year's Eve. |
| ASP Issue Our shop at www.shopncsx.com is encountering server issues where ASP isn't being served up. The problem should be resolved within the next hour or so. Apologies for the inconvenience caused. |
Monday, December 27, 2010
PSP AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... - New Import
«©NCSX» Unknown in the West but somewhat big in Japan, AKB48 is a girl group that was formed in December 2005. Unlike most other girl groups however, AKB48 is comprised of 48 members who are split into three squads of 16 girls each as follows:
Team A - Minami Takahashi leads team A
Team K - Akimoto Sayaka was team captain but resigned in October
Team B - Yuki Kashiwagi leads team B
As a comparison, the American girl group "The GoGos" was made up of a mere five members. Anyway, the teams in AKB48 are A, K, B and there's 48 girls so when you put it all together, they're literally AKB48.
In the PSP ABK1/48 game, players get a chance to interact with the idols and possibly find one girl to perform a love confession. Thousands of images of the idols were used to create the game and 80 minutes of video are included for the interaction sequences. Although NCS hasn't played much of AKB48 thus far, the plan is to go after Tomomi Itano of Team A even though she has a wicked snaggle-tooth. If that doesn't pan out, the backup plan involves Yūko Ōshima of Team K who doesn't have a snaggle-tooth.
Every copy of the first printing of AKB1/48 includes a photo of one of the members in the group which is packaged inside the UMD case.
PSP AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... Limited Ed - New Import
«©NCSX» The limited edition of AKB1/48 includes the following bonuses:
» AKB1/48 "Making of" DVD set
» A set of 10 AKB48 member photo cards
» Set of 48 replacement UMD case inserts for the AKB1/48 game
» Six Kiss Cards which contain 8 imprints each of the idols' lips
» UMD-Video which contains footage of the AKB48 teams
All preorders have shipped as of Friday but this item is currently sold out.
NEWS General Updates
| Big Snow, NYC A major snowstorm swept across the Tri-State area on Sunday and the snow continued falling until the early hours of Monday. As such, NYC is digging out from over a foot of snow this morning. We're not sure if the Postal Service or UPS will be able to make any package pickups today since the roads are icy, slushy, and hazardous but we'll post an update later this afternoon on the outbound shipment status. --Update 12:32PM EST Please note that no packages are going out today. There's about 8' of snow that accumulated in the front of our building and trucks are not going to be coming in at all today. |
| Holiday in Japan Most of our Japanese vendors and distributors are starting their New Year hiatus on December 29 and it doesn't look like anyone's going to be back to normal business operations until January 4, 2011. |
NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday
| A light week for new releases but restock for the Japanese version of Virtual On Force should arrive on Wednesday-Thursday. | |||
| PS2 | Kaeru Batake de Tsukamete | Takuyo |  |
| 360 | Dream Club Zero | D3 | |
| Wii | Milestone Shooting Collection 2 | Milestone | |
Friday, December 24, 2010
MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1152 - New Import
«©NCSX» The January 13, 2011 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:
» Namco is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Tales franchise by announcing a new game in the series titled, Tales of Zillia which is headed to the Playstation 3 in 2011. An interview with the developers is included.
» Previews for PSP Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep Final Mix and PSP Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection.
» Famitsu reviews DS SaGa 3: Jikuu no Hasha - Shadow or Light (8/8/8/8).
» The 2010 Awards for best games will be given out soon in a future issue of the magazine but until then, a look back at the Famitsu Awards for 2005-2009 are presented so readers can reminisce and reflect.
» A chronicle of notable events for the 12 months of 2010 may be viewed on pages 64 to 87 which are followed by 2011 projections.
» PSP The Third Birthday game walkthrough and details.
» Sit-down meals at eateries are shown in this week's PICK UP FOOD.
» PS3 Catherine preview and two pages worth of screenshots.
TOYS One Piece Portrait of Pirates Jinbei - New Import
«©NCSX» The One Piece manga/animation property has introduced fans to numerous characters who had cranky dispositions, heroic hearts, or odd appearances. NCS categorizes Jinbei in the "odd appearance" category because he's colored blue, blubbery, and has webbing on his hands and feet. As if that wasn't enough, Jinbei also possesses a face that only a mother could love thanks to the tusks that protrude from his mouth and Jin's perennial angry demon face. Won't easily find a smile on that mug.
Megahouse is inducting Jinbei into its popular Portrait of Pirates series of toys which is known for its build quality and well-sculpted forms. Jinbei measures 25cm or 9.84" tall which is roughly 1/10 scale since series creator Eiichiro Oda lists his "actual" height at 301cm. A crimson hippari is wrapped around Jinbei's prodigious girth which is tied together with a blue sash. Beneath the hippari, witnesses may view a few red tats that are etched on Jinbei's skin. Preorders have shipped as of yesterday.
General Updates
| Virtual On Force - Asian Territory We received a new shipment of the Virtual On Force today but the version that arrived is the Asian-territory version of the game which does not include the bonus DLC code or the bonus Border Break booklet. The Asian-territory version of the game is priced at US$59.90 instead of US$65.90 for the Japanese version. The Asian-territory version of the game is still the Japanese software but is distributed within Asian regions. Similar to the Japanese-territory version which arrived yesterday, the Asian-territory release is Region-Free. |
| UPS Holiday Schedule Due to the Christmas holiday, UPS is not picking up any Ground packages today but normal Ground shipping will resume on Monday. |
| Virtual On Force Premium A small batch ^ may arrive next week and we'll contact everyone who requested a backorder once we know for sure. |
| Seasons Greetings NCS wishes everyone Happy Holidays. |
Thursday, December 23, 2010
PSP The 3rd Birthday - New Import
«©NCSX» In the original Parasite Eve game released on the Playstation in 1998, Aya Brea was a New York Police Department rookie who had a little problem with an entity named Eve and mitochondria. In the sequel to the game, Aya Brea has graduated to the FBI where she investigated Mitochondrial life forms, fought them, and dealt with a reincarnation of Eve herself who returned to wreak havoc on the environs of Los Angeles.
Aya's adventures took place over 10 years ago but she's back in The 3rd Birthday and facing a new threat on the sanctity of Manhattan. Tentacled creatures called the "Twisted" have invaded the island and Aya is part of a newly formed investigative team dubbed "Counter Twisted Investigation" or "CTI" who are on the case to stem the threat of the malevolent life forms. Thanks to Aya's special mitochondrial makeup, she looks as young as she was in the Parasite Eve games even though she's almost pushing 40 years of age. She's also still limber and as durable as she was back in the day.
Aya Brea isn't just one woman in the adventure and she has a team backing her up. Thanks to a new system called "Overdive," Aya can leap into the body of a fellow CTI operative and go through the world within that person's skin. She's good like that. Aya's Overdive also gives her the ability to devastate the Twisted from within. In addition to the role-playing aspects of 3rd Birthday, Aya also roams the streets and shoots down malcontents in action-packed sequences where the camera paces behind Aya as she runs, guns, and takes evasive action.
X360 Dennou Senki Virtual On Force - New Import
«©NCSX» Nearly a decade has passed since Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force debuted on Sega's Hikaru arcade hardware. In those years, home gaming technology has caught up with the specs of the Hikaru and Sega's opting for a Force release on the Xbox 360.
Virtual On Force is a 2-vs-2 robot fighting game where players commandeer mechs known as Virtuaroids. The Xbox 360 conversion of the game adds a Cooperative Boss Battle mode, a Mission Mode which contains 91 stages, achievements, and online gameplay. Sega is also giving away a bonus "Fetish" DLC code with the first production of the game which allows players to augment the physical attributes of the mechs named Fei-Yen and Angelan. By inputting the code, Angelan and Fei-Yen's flat bosoms blossom into what appears to be a "D-Cups" which might boost their self-esteem. Once-flat robotic bottoms also grow into what's known as a ghetto onion.
It's unclear why Sega didn't broadcast that the game would be region-free when they started accepting preorders but the game is region-free. We probably would have sold 20X what we did if we had known. C'est la vie.
Virtual On Force is a 2-vs-2 robot fighting game where players commandeer mechs known as Virtuaroids. The Xbox 360 conversion of the game adds a Cooperative Boss Battle mode, a Mission Mode which contains 91 stages, achievements, and online gameplay. Sega is also giving away a bonus "Fetish" DLC code with the first production of the game which allows players to augment the physical attributes of the mechs named Fei-Yen and Angelan. By inputting the code, Angelan and Fei-Yen's flat bosoms blossom into what appears to be a "D-Cups" which might boost their self-esteem. Once-flat robotic bottoms also grow into what's known as a ghetto onion.
It's unclear why Sega didn't broadcast that the game would be region-free when they started accepting preorders but the game is region-free. We probably would have sold 20X what we did if we had known. C'est la vie.
X360 Dennou Senki Virtual On Force Premium - New Import
«©NCSX» Nearly a decade has passed since Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Force debuted on Sega's Hikaru arcade hardware. In those years, home gaming technology has caught up with the specs of the Hikaru and Sega's opting for a Force release on the Xbox 360.
Virtual On Force is a 2-vs-2 robot fighting game where players commandeer mechs known as Virtuaroids. The Xbox 360 conversion of the game adds a Cooperative Boss Battle mode, a Mission Mode which contains 91 stages, and online gameplay. Sega is giving away a bonus "Fetish" DLC code with the first production of the game which allows players to augment the physical attributes of the mechs named Fei-Yen and Angelan. By inputting the code, Angelan and Fei-Yen's flat bosoms blossom into what appears to be a "D-Cups" which might boost their self-esteem. Once-flat robotic bottoms also grow into what's known as a ghetto onion.
The limited edition of the game includes a fan book which contains illustrations and data from the Virtual On games, a miniature Tangram ball that you can throw around the room, and a 6-CD soundtrack that's dubbed "Virtual On Official Sound Data." A Border Break booklet is also included with the game for some reason.
Virtual On Force is a 2-vs-2 robot fighting game where players commandeer mechs known as Virtuaroids. The Xbox 360 conversion of the game adds a Cooperative Boss Battle mode, a Mission Mode which contains 91 stages, and online gameplay. Sega is giving away a bonus "Fetish" DLC code with the first production of the game which allows players to augment the physical attributes of the mechs named Fei-Yen and Angelan. By inputting the code, Angelan and Fei-Yen's flat bosoms blossom into what appears to be a "D-Cups" which might boost their self-esteem. Once-flat robotic bottoms also grow into what's known as a ghetto onion.
The limited edition of the game includes a fan book which contains illustrations and data from the Virtual On games, a miniature Tangram ball that you can throw around the room, and a 6-CD soundtrack that's dubbed "Virtual On Official Sound Data." A Border Break booklet is also included with the game for some reason.
PSP Togainu no Chi True Blood Portable - New Import
«©NCSX» "Boys Love" games aren't screaming up the sales charts but they have their loyal audiences. Sometimes all one can hope for is a successful niche in the wild, woolly, and fickle world of gaming. Togainu no Chi was originally released for the Japanese PC in 2005 and has garnered a devoted (mostly female) fan base over the past few years. The publisher Nitro+ ported the game to the Playstation 2 in 2008 where it went on to sell 50,000 copies. This week, Togainu no Chi attempts to find yet another audience on the PSP.
The backdrop of the game is a dystopian Japan after the ravages of a third World War. The story follows the tribulations of a reluctant warrior named Akira who fights for his freedom in the Igura Tournament which is administered by a drug kingpin. Fighters in the Igura battle each other to the death and gather their opponents' dogtags as they move their way up to the final conflict against the kingpin of the Vischio mob.
The backdrop of the game is a dystopian Japan after the ravages of a third World War. The story follows the tribulations of a reluctant warrior named Akira who fights for his freedom in the Igura Tournament which is administered by a drug kingpin. Fighters in the Igura battle each other to the death and gather their opponents' dogtags as they move their way up to the final conflict against the kingpin of the Vischio mob.
The mature content in the PC original has been wiped from the PS2 console and PSP handheld conversions of the game to make it somewhat family friendly. The characters in the game are invariably chiseled, dark, somber, and apparently appealing. The PSP version features a new character named Yukihito whose voice is provided by Hiroshi Kamiya, a new opening movie, exclusive CG events, new voice dubs, and updated music to present a more palatable value proposition to players who've already played the game on the PC and/or PS2. Players may choose to view the game in 16:9 ratio (new PSP mode) or the original 4:3 aspect with borders.
PSP Togainu no Chi True Blood Portable LE - New Import
«©NCSX» "Boys Love" games aren't screaming up the sales charts but they have their loyal audiences. Sometimes all one can hope for is a successful niche in the wild, woolly, and fickle world of gaming. Togainu no Chi was originally released for the Japanese PC in 2005 and has garnered a devoted (mostly female) fan base over the past few years. The backdrop of the game is a dystopian Japan after the ravages of a third World War. The story follows the tribulations of a reluctant warrior named Akira who fights for his freedom in the Igura Tournament which is administered by a drug kingpin. Fighters in the Igura battle each other to the death and gather their opponents' dogtags as they move their way up to the final conflict against the kingpin of the Vischio mob.
The mature content in the PC original has been wiped from the console conversion of the game to make it somewhat family friendly. The characters in the game are invariably chiseled, dark, somber, and apparently appealing. The PSP version features a new character named Yukihito whose voice is provided by Hiroshi Kamiya, a new opening movie, exclusive CG events, new voice dubs, and updated music. Two bonuses are included in the limited edtion of Togainu no Chi as follows:
» Akira Nendoroid Petit figure with knife prop and circular display stand
» Mobile phone strap which features an image of Akira holding his blade
The game and bonus items are packaged in a compact cardboard box.
» Akira Nendoroid Petit figure with knife prop and circular display stand
» Mobile phone strap which features an image of Akira holding his blade
The game and bonus items are packaged in a compact cardboard box.
TOYS Black Rock Shooter: OVA Set w/ Petit Nendoroids - New
From the Manufacturer
A Blu-Ray, DVD and Nendoroid Petites! The super special edition to keep forever! Just one simple picture and music by ryo has expanded into a fully animated feature by ordet! The popular anime "Black Rock Shooter" is here in the best possible audio and video quality on a Blu-Ray disc. The Blu-ray edition also has various retaken scenes and a pilot trailer of the BRS Stop Motion, as well as the making of the Stop Motion.
A Blu-Ray, DVD and Nendoroid Petites! The super special edition to keep forever! Just one simple picture and music by ryo has expanded into a fully animated feature by ordet! The popular anime "Black Rock Shooter" is here in the best possible audio and video quality on a Blu-Ray disc. The Blu-ray edition also has various retaken scenes and a pilot trailer of the BRS Stop Motion, as well as the making of the Stop Motion.
The story of two girls bound in friendship, as well as BRS's struggle unfolding in another world. But when the two worlds come together... what will happen? The innocent yet intense feelings in the girls of Black Rock Shooter can now be yours to watch and rewatch with this special package!
Kuroi Mato: Kana Hanazawa
Takanashi Yomi: Miyuki Sawashiro
Yuu: Kana Asumi
[Staff]
Original Work: huke
Music: ryo
Director: Yoshioka Shinobu
Scenario: Nagaru Tanigawa and Yoshioka Shinobu
Character Design/Photography: Yuusuke Matsuo
Supervising Editor: Yutaka Yamamoto
Animation Work: Ordet
Theme Song: Braveheart by THE GOMBAND
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
TOYS P.O.P One Piece Neo DX Trafalgar Law - Preorder
«©NCSX» Trafalgar Law is one of the "Eleven Supernovas" in the One Piece animated series and Captain of the "Pirates of Heart." Similar to Marco the Phoenix, Trafalgar likes tattoos and he has several on his hands and forearms. Law's special power is the ability to mix and match parts of anything that he slices with his nodachi - Law can slice off a person's arm and leg and then swap them with each other. Nice.
The "Portrait of Pirates" rendition of Trafalgar Law is sculpted to 1/8 scale and measures 22cm or 8.66" tall. Trafalgar's outfit from the animated series is intact and all of his tattoos are evident, including the word, "D-E-A-T-H" which is imprinted on the fingers of both of his hands. Preorders are welcome to ship in late April 2011 at JPY6800 or US$89.90 from NCS.
TOYS Final Fantasy Creatures KAI Vol. 3 - Preorder
The visually striking Eidolons from Final Fantasy XIII will soon invade your desktop as Final Fantasy Creatures Kai mini statues! Intricately detailed and artfully posed to show the beautiful, flowing nature of Eidolons, this is a must-have set that needs to be seen to truly appreciate. Final Fantasy Creatures Kai Vol. 3 includes the following figures in a display package:
» Odin
» Shiva
» Bahamut
» Hecatoncheir
» Brynhildr
In addition to the North American version of FFC Kai Vol. 3, NCS is also accepting reservations for the Japanese version which adds a sixth secret figure to the set in a factory box of 8 figures.
TOYS P.O.P One Piece Neo DX Marco the Phoenix - Preorder
NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the One Piece animated series, Marco the Phoenix leads the Whitebeard Pirates and is a lanky individual who has a cross and crescent tattoo etched on his chest. True to Marco's namesake, he has the ability to transform from a mop-topped man to a blazing blue phoenix thanks to his consumption of a Mythical Zoan type Devil Fruit.
Marco's "Portrait of Pirates" debut features the pirate in a confident pose where he stands with legs apart and hands at the ready for grappling. Washboard abs are on display for the world to see along with this purple shirt, distinctive tattoo, and blonde mop-top. Marco is sculpted to 1/8 scale and measures 23.5cm or 9.25" tall. Preorders are welcome to ship in late April 2011.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
TOYS Tobidase! Kagaku-kun: Chikyu-Daitanken! - Import Preorder
«©NCSX» The biodiversity on Mother Earth is amazing. From paramecium to the blue whale, Earth's partner in crime - Mother Nature, has created a vast number of species to populate the planet. To catalogue and nab exotic creatures across the Earth, the hosts of the Tobidase! Kagaku-kun (Travel! Science Boy) television variety show are inducted into a game where they travel to the four corners of the world. Hosts Naoki Tanaka and Shoko Nakagawa are joined by a skinless humanoid named Kagaku-kun who looks like he's ready for the barbecue pit. We would have preferred the third host to be Yuichi from the show but whatever.
The aim of the game is collecting all manner of creatures for a museum that's a tribute to Mother Nature's animal kingdom. Preorders are welcome to ship on March 3, 2011 at JPY4800 or US$53.90 from NCS.
TOYS figma Michael Jackson Thriller Version - Import Preorder
«©NCSX» The Thriller video from the early days of MTV depicted Michael Jackson as a popcorn-eating boy, a zombie, and a cat-like man beast who knocked down a tree with one smack. According to director John Landis, Thriller cost $500,000 to make in 1983 when most videos only had a budget of $50,000. The video went on to become a smashing success and was the first and only music video to be archived in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.
Max Factory pays homage to Michael Jackson's Thriller turn with a figma toy which features multiple points of articulation so that pretty much all of Michael's moves and poses from the video may be recreated. For fans of the video, there's the shuffle step, the two-arm raise, the victory pose, and more. The figma's default face is a smiling Michael but it may be swapped out for a ghoulish zombie face. Preorders are welcome to ship in May 2011 at JPY2800 or US$38.90 from NCS.
TOYS Tales of Vesperia One Coin Grande - Import Preorder
«©NCSX» Reservations are welcome for Kotobukiya's reissue of the Tales of Vesperia One Coin Grande figures which are packaged 8 per factory box. Each box contains the full set of four standard figures as follows:
(1) Yuri Lowell, (2) Estelle, (3) Judith, (4) Karol Capel
The preorder solicitation mentions a fifth secret figure which is included in every factory box. The fifth figure is Yuri's faithful pooch, Repede, which is made of two parts - its body and its tail. Preorders are welcome to ship in February 2011 at JPY5040 or US$78.90 per factory box of 8 figures.
NEWS General Updates
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Monday, December 20, 2010
TOYS Pixtone Black Rock Shooter - Import Preorder
«©NCSX» Good Smile Company has started preorders for the first two figures in their new "Pixtone" series of toys which are inspired by dot-graphics. What are dot-graphics? If you look back to the 8-bit era when the original Mario was comprised of big pixels so that he looked pixelated, that's one example of dot-graphics on display. In recent years, dot-graphics have made a sort of comeback in art, games, and toys. Could it be the precision of the orderly dots that makes dot-graphics attractive? No one knows.
GSC chooses two characters from the popular Black Rock Shooter series to be their debut heroines for the Pixtone toys. The first character is Black Rock Shooter herself, with the blazing blue eye, choppy hair, and blank expression. Her rock cannon lies to the side in an apparent moment of peace. The second figure is the Black Rock's nemesis, Dead Master in all of her dot-graphics glory. DM's eyes are green and her hair is less choppy than Black Rock's tresses. Dead Master wields a scythe which she raises in her Pixtone incarnation. Both figures are fixed-posed, measure 5cm tall, and are mounted on checkered bases.
Preorders for both figures are welcome to ship in May 2011 at JPY680 or US$11.90 each. The Pixtone figures are fully assembled, pre-painted, and ready for display.
TOYS New Super Mario Bros Crystal Maze - Restock Import
«©NCSX» Japanese manufacturer Epoch is primarily a toy maker although they've dabbled in video games and related products in the past. The company dabbles a little bit more by releasing two board games based on New Super Mario Bros. The first game on offer today is called the "Crystal Maze Board Game" which ships in a large cardboard box and is suitable for children at least 4 years old and adults with a penchant for anything related to Mario gaming and frivolity.
Anyone who's played Super Monkey Ball will take to Crystal Maze like a fish to water. By using the red joystick/lever located at the bottom of the game, players tilt the play board to move three metal marbles (one at a time) from the START area at the bottom of the board to the GOAL located at the upper left corner of the board. It's pretty challenging due to the convoluted and tight-spaced maze one has to maneuver through.
MAG Dengeki G's Festival Vol. 19 [Jan 2011] - New Import
«©NCSX» The animation property featured in the latest issue of Dengeki G's Festival magazine is Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai! or Oreimo for short. The special bonuses included with the magazine are:
» Kirino Kōsaka microfiber big towel which measures 125 x 60cm (49.21 x 23.62") in area and depicts Kirino in a green 2-piece bikini. Her name is printed on the right side of the towel.
» Niitengo "Kuroneko" figure which is mounted on a circular pedestal. The figure is a 2.5 figure which refers to the ratio of Kuroneko's head to her body.
» Oreimo Travel Edition CD
Preorders have shipped as of Friday and new orders are welcome to ship today.
» Kirino Kōsaka microfiber big towel which measures 125 x 60cm (49.21 x 23.62") in area and depicts Kirino in a green 2-piece bikini. Her name is printed on the right side of the towel.
» Niitengo "Kuroneko" figure which is mounted on a circular pedestal. The figure is a 2.5 figure which refers to the ratio of Kuroneko's head to her body.
» Oreimo Travel Edition CD
Preorders have shipped as of Friday and new orders are welcome to ship today.
NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday
| PS3 | Nobunaga no Yabou Online: Shinsei no Shou | Koei | |
| Nobunaga no Yabou Online Premium Box | Koei | | |
| PSP | The 3rd Birthday | Square | |
| AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... | Bandai | | |
| AKB1/48: Idol to Koishitara... First Print Limited | Bandai | | |
| Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4 Aizouban | Koei | | |
| Togainu no Chi: True Blood Portable | Kadokawa | | |
| Togainu no Chi: True Blood Portable Limited | Kadokawa | | |
| 360 | Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force | Sega | |
| Dennou Senki Virtual On Force Limited Edition | Sega | | |
| Wii | Mom-Chan Diet Wii: Figureobics | IE Inst. | |
Friday, December 17, 2010
MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol 1150 - New Import
«©NCSX» The December 30, 2011 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage for the following games and/or events in the Japanese marketplace:
» Preview for PSP Photo Kano which is a dating game where the protagonist takes photos of his virtual girlfriends by tapping the "R" trigger.
» Famitsu reviews PSP The 3rd Birthday (10/9/8/9), PSP Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4 Aizouban (8/8/7/8), PSP Uta no * Prince-Sama: Amazing Aria (7/7/6/6), X360 Dennou Senki Virtual-On Force (7/7/8/7), and PS3 Borderlands Game of the Year Edition (9/8/8/7).
» PSP Dogma Wars and Another Century's Episode Portable previews.
» Konami reveals their Nintendo 3DS lineup which includes Doctor Lautrec and the Forgotten Knights and Winning Eleven 3D Soccer.
» Continuing coverage on PS3 Gran Turismo 5.
» Confections from Lotte, Meiji, and Glico are featured in PICK UP FOOD.
» IdolStudio photo spread for cover model Nanami Sakuraba.
» Preview for PSP Patapon 3 which ships sometime next year.
» Wii Last Story preview which spans 4-pages.
TOYS Revoltech Yamaguchi 097: Lupin the Third - New Import
«©NCSX» Arsene Lupin is a master thief who's highly skilled, good with a gun, and would probably outsmart Danny Ocean if another sequel to Ocean's Eleven got the greenlight. Despite being somewhat goofy, Lupin has the wherewithal to get what he wants and he does it with panache and style.
Lupin gets his proper respects from Kaiyodo in the form of a Revoltech toy figure which ships in a few months. The Lupin Revoltech contains 13 joints which allow for remarkable poses including a wiry kneeling posture and another one where Lupin has apparently dislocated his neck. Props included with the Lupin figure include a table that looks like the same one that was included with the Professor Layton Revoltech, a chair, a safe (to crack), three extra faces, nine extra hands, a wired hook to ride, a mounting stand, and five bullet marks to create scenes where Lupin is being shot at.
MAG Ore No Imouto Ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga nai 3 - New
«©NCSX» Dengeki Comics presents another volume of Ore No Imouto Ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga nai (translation: My Little Sister Cannot Be This Cute) which spans 178 pages of black & white manga. The special bonus that's included in this issue is a limited edition "Nitengo" Ayase Aragaki figure which is packaged in a separate cardboard box in pieces. The figure is made up of Ayase's head, a front hairpiece, her entire body in 1 piece, and a circular stand which Ayase's hoof-like feet plug into for stability. The fixed-pose figure measures approximately 2.5" in height and is made of PVC.
All preorders have shipped as of yesterday and new orders are welcome to ship this afternooon.
All preorders have shipped as of yesterday and new orders are welcome to ship this afternooon.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
X360 Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Black Label - Import Preorder
«©NCSX» Preorders are welcome for the X360 port of Dodonpachi Daifukkatsu Black Label which originally reached Japanese arcades in January of this year. What does the "Black Label" version of the game feature that the previous 1.5 release didn't? For starters:
» The capacity to unleash vulcan shots and lasers at the same time. A new "Red Mode" in Black Label adds an energy bar on the top of the screen which tracks the simultaneous usage of the vulcan and laser. Use both weapons too much and the bar changes to a red color which ramps up the difficulty level of the game. Stop shooting both weapons at the same time and the difficulty ramp eventually subsides.
» Updated ship selection process where players choose the fighter followed by the choice of bomb-type, power-type, or strong-style (easy, medium, hard) and then opt-in or out for auto-bomb.
» The music in Black Label has been replaced entirely with tracks by Manabu Namiki, Yoshimi Kudo, Noriyuki Kamikura, and Azusa Chiba which are pretty sweet ear candy.
» The onslaught from the final boss Hibachi's attack is ferocious and magnificent and much tougher than 1.5.
Preorders are welcome to ship on February 3, 2011.
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