Friday, April 30, 2010

PSP MGS: Peace Walker Premium Package - New Import

NCS Product Update

«©NCSX» Konami adds another sliver to the PSP hardware rainbow with the new MGS Peace Walker PSP-3000 which sports a camouflage "Soldiers Without Borders" design. In addition to the limited edition PSP (Model PSP-3000 XZC), the bundle includes the following items:

» MGS Peace Walker software
» Drab-olive colored PSP carrying case
» Strap for tethering carrying case
» Camouflage-colored cleaning cloth «Photo Gallery»

NDS Dragon Quest Smile Slime Touch Pen DSi Colorful Special

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» Smile Slimes are friendly monsters who populate the world of Dragon Quest. In recent years, the Slimes have become merchandising fodder for Square Enix and they've appeared in the form of plushes, joypads, touch pens, and assorted trinkets. This week, the Slimes appear in a new set of touch pens for use with the Nintendo DS Lite. Each blister pack includes a green, blue, and orange Smile Slime touch pen that's made of clear plastic. When inserted into the NDS Lite's side pocket, the Slime's little face peers out with wide-eyes and a cordial smile. Each pen measures W7.0 x H9.0 x D5.0mm in dimension. «Photo Gallery»

NDS Dragon Quest Smile Slime Touch Pen DSi Metal Special

NCS Product Update
«©NCSX» Square Enix shows love to the Metal Slimes by creating a pair of silver-colored Smile Slime touchpens which are designed for the Nintendo DSi. One of the pens features the teardrop-shaped face of a silver Slime whilst the second pen sports the chubby and well-fed face of a silver Slime who wears a jeweled crown. He's royalty.

When inserted into the NDS Lite's side pocket, the Slime's little metallic face peers out with wide-eyes and a cordial smile. Each pen measures W7.0 x H9.0 x D5.0mm in dimension. «Photo Gallery»

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1118 - New Import, Sold Out

NCS Product Update
«©NCSX» The May 13, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes print coverage on the following games and/or events in the Japanese marketplace:
» Preview for The Last Story which is being developed by Mistwalker for the Nintendo Wii. The game looks like a PS3/X360 title in terms of graphical sheen. Illustrations of characters in the game are also presented.
» Famitsu takes a gander at Neo Geo Heroes Ultimate Shooting for PSP.
» Hiromichi Tanaka and Nobuaki Komoto talk about Final Fantasy XIV.
» Coverage on Chaos Rings which is an RPG from Square for the iPhone.
» Game guides for MGS Peace Walker, Splinter Cell: Conviction, and NieR RepliCant / NieR Gestalt.
» Summer's on the way so Famitsu suggests a number of ice cream treats that are currently available including Lotte's Crunky (Crunch Chocolate Ice), Haagen Dazs Berry Berry Strawberry Crispy Sandwich, Pino Dessert, and offerings from Cold Stone Creamery.
» Continuing coverage on Nintendo's Super Mario Galaxy 2 which should rule the sales charts when it's released in Japan next month.

X360 Super Street Fighter IV Collectors Package - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The various Street Fighter games have sold over 27 million units in the two decades that they've been shipping on a succession of console and handheld hardware. Street Fighter IV did big numbers last year and Capcom follows up the fanfare with Super Street Fighter IV which this week in Japan, Europe, and North America. Players can look forward to ten new characters (for a total of 35 combatants), bonus challenges, new stages, ultra combos, game tuning, and much more.

For the Japanese market, Capcom is releasing a Collector's Pack along with the regular edition of the game which includes a Soundtrack CD, a SSFIV Video DVD (Region-2), and a Character Collection Booklet.
The goodies are all packaged in a shiny cardboard case which is suitable for insertion into a Street Fighter shrine/library. The one in your basement.

NCS has restocked the Xbox 360 version of the SSFIV Collector's Pack but please note that the Playstation 3 version should be restocked by next week when our suppliers return from the Golden Week holiday.

NEWS General Updates

BOOK No More Heroes Bible - Update
The release of the No More Heroes Bible missed our weekly shipments from Japan and we now expect them to arrive during the week of May 10. Please note that our Japanese suppliers are now on their Golden Week holiday and they'll return to normal operations on Friday of next week.
NEWS Playstation Network and Xbox Live Cards
All backorders for the PSN and XBL tickets were processed yesterday and new orders are welcome. We currently have PSN JPY3000, PSN JPY5000, and XBL 3500 Points cards in stock for same-day fulfillment if your order is placed before 6PM EST.
NEWS Golden Week Holiday
Due to the week-long holiday currently in progress across Japan, NCS doesn't expect any new imports next week. We have a bunch of Japanese Xbox Arcade systems on the way to bolster our inventory but other than that, next week looks like a ghost town.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

NDS Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2 - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The original Dragon Quest Monsters Joker sold 1.6 million copies in Japan alone and that sort of success tends to engender sequels. DQM Joker 2 features a new spiky-haired hero courtesy of Toriyama who runs around the countryside battling monsters and collecting them. This time around, over 300 monsters may be battled, recruited, and even merged to create brand new beasts worthy of the protagonist's party. The new Wi-Fi connection features allows players to compete against other players across Japan in online bouts.
All copies of the first printing of DQM Joker 2 include a bonus game card that may be used in the highly enjoyable Dragon Quest Monsters Battle Road II Legend coin-op game.

PSP Ikkitousen Xross Impact - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Marvelous enjoyed a decent hit with Ikkitousen Eloquent Fist from October of 2008 and the sales numbers were adequate enough to compel future releases. The game's already been re-issued under the "Best" banner and Marvelous milks Eloquent Fist with a full-blown sequel that's bound to bring fans back into the fold.

Ikkitousen Xross Impact
features the same side-scrolling punching and kicking action from Eloquent Fist but the story is brand new and six new characters join the cast to increase the roster to 22 heroines. New moves are also available to the girls so they can fight with whippy panache and somewhat graceful style. Watch-worthy finishing moves may also be pulled off for onscreen fireworks. Similar to the original game, Xross Impact is replete with bouncing breasts and clothing that shatters when smacked with a strategic hit. For example, if Kanu gets punched extra hard by a hooligan, a cut scene plays where Kanu's blouse explodes and her bosom juggles something fierce. The same principle of physics applies to the other girls when they're attacked and their bosoms undulate from the impact.

Up to two players may cooperate in the action via ad-hoc mode. Upon starting the game, the playable modes are: Story Mode, Arcade Mode, and Challenge Mode. The additional selections on the title screen are: Option, Gallery Mode, and Ad Hoc Mode.

PSP Ikkitousen Xross Impact New Gentei Bakuretsu Pack- New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Marvelous enjoyed a decent hit with Ikkitousen Eloquent Fist from October of last year and the sales numbers were adequate enough to compel future releases. The game's already been re-issued under the "Best" banner and Marvelous milks Eloquent Fist with a full-blown sequel that's bound to bring fans back into the fold.

Ikkitousen Xross Impact
features the same side-scrolling punching and kicking action from Eloquent Fist but the story is brand new and six new characters join the cast to increase the roster to 22 heroines. New moves are also available to the girls so they can fight with whippy panache. Similar to the original game, Xross Impact is replete with bouncing breasts and clothing that shatters when smacked with a strategic hit. Up to two players may cooperate in the action via ad-hoc mode.

The "New Gentei Bakuretsu Pack" version of Xross Impact includes a few bonuses as follows:( 1) Kanu Unchou Petit Nendoroid figure (2) Set of 24 Ikkitousen POGs (3) Original Drama CD (4) Poster which depicts a new character taking a bubble bath.

PS3 NieR RepliCant - New Import

From the Publisher
Jump into the title role of the unyielding Nier as he begins his desperate quest to discover a cure for his daughter, Yonah, who is stricken with the deadly Black Scrawl disease. Armed with powerful magic as well as mighty swords, Nier will battle alongside formidable allies against waves of dark enemies and giant bosses to discover the truth about the disease, his daughter...and himself.

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix's latest Action-RPG game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors. With NIER, experience seamless in-battle cinematics and explore hauntingly familiar lands, intense action-packed battles, and storytelling like only Square Enix can do.

PS3 Super Street Fighter IV Collectors Package - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The various Street Fighter games have sold over 27 million units in the two decades that they've been shipping on a succession of console and handheld hardware. Street Fighter IV did big numbers last year and Capcom follows up the fanfare with Super Street Fighter IV which this week in Japan, Europe, and North America. Players can look forward to ten new characters (for a total of 35 combatants), bonus challenges, new stages, ultra combos, game tuning, and much more.

For the Japanese market, Capcom is releasing a Collector's Pack along with the regular edition of the game which includes a Soundtrack CD, a SSFIV Video DVD (Region-2), and a Character Collection Booklet.
The goodies are all packaged in a shiny cardboard case which is suitable for insertion into a Street Fighter shrine/library. The one in your basement.

NCS is also shipping out preorders for the Xbox 360 SSFIV Collector's Edition today but please note that both versions of the game are sold out. We expect restock by next week. Thanks.

PS3 Super Street Fighter IV - New Import

From the Publisher
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV will further redefine the fighting game genre with classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action, a host of new and returning characters, more advanced online gameplay, enhanced ultra combo system and more. Super Street Fighter IV features the full roster of 25 characters from Street Fighter IV such as Ryu, Ken, Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus, while adding about eight new characters to the world of Street Fighter IV. The impressive new roster includes classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games like T. Hawk, DeeJay, Guy, Cody and Adon as well as all-new characters such as the mysterious and deadly female fighter, Juri.
The addition of Juri also brings another first to the Street Fighter franchise as she is the first fighter in series history to utilize the legendary Tae Kwon Do fighting style. Beyond characters, Super Street Fighter IV adds an enhanced Ultra Combo system as well as major enhancements to the online and offline gameplay modes introduced in Street Fighter IV.

X360 Super Street Fighter IV - New Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV will further redefine the fighting game genre with classic 2D Street Fighter fighting action, a host of new and returning characters, more advanced online gameplay, enhanced ultra combo system and more.

Super Street Fighter IV features the full roster of 25 characters from Street Fighter IV such as Ryu, Ken, Crimson Viper, Abel, El Fuerte, and Rufus, while adding about eight new characters to the world of Street Fighter IV. The impressive new roster includes classic combatants from previous Street Fighter games like T. Hawk, DeeJay, Guy, Cody and Adon as well as all-new characters such as the mysterious and deadly female fighter, Juri.

The addition of Juri also brings another first to the Street Fighter franchise as she is the first fighter in series history to utilize the legendary Tae Kwon Do fighting style. Beyond characters, Super Street Fighter IV adds an enhanced Ultra Combo system as well as major enhancements to the online and offline gameplay modes introduced in Street Fighter IV.

PSP Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker - New Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
Stories tell of a legendary solider who once waged war against the world. His name was Naked Snake, a.k.a. Big Boss, and the truth behind this legend will finally be told. The era is the 1970’s. Big Boss had stationed his “Soldiers Without Borders” in Colombia, South America, where he was approached by a visitor from Costa Rica, a “nation without a military”. In the wake of the Cuban Missile Crisis, as Latin America became a key to maintaining the power balance between East and West, Costa Rica had miraculously managed to maintain its peace and neutrality. However, in various regions of the country, a mysterious armed force seemed to be engaging in suspicious activities. Now, to preserve peace in this nation without a military, the “Soldiers Without Borders” move into action. In time, they would be known as the founders of “Outer Heaven”. Forge a new path and live the legend with Metal Gear Solid Peacewalker, the first official Hideo Kojima game on the PSP system.

Game Features

» Replaying missions in Peace Walker earns players new stuff and experiences for Snake that can potentially change your experience. Also includes in-game sound synthesis technology will allow players to create songs / voices within the game.
» A true continuation of the franchise that started the stealth action genre, Peace Walker is the first title on the PSP system in which mastermind Hideo Kojima has fully taken up the reigns to direct, write, and design the game himself.

PSP MGS: Peace Walker Accessory Set - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker Accessory from Hori includes four items as follows:

» Camouflage carrying case which holds a PSP and up to two UMDs
» "Military Without Borders" themed PSP-3000 flip-top faceplate
» MGS Peace Walker PSP screen cleaner dogtag with strap
» A set of three MGS Peace Walker decals

A special DLC code for a special character to be used in the MGS Peace Walker game is also included in the package.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Server at www.ncsx.com down

Our server which hosts www.ncsx.com is currently down. It should be back up within a few hours once we finish replacing the HDD and transfer all data over.

PS3 Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition Bundle - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Square Enix is localizing Final Fantasy XIII for Hong Kong and Taiwan next month with a Chinese language rendition of the game. Since anyone in those territories (who really really wanted to play the game) has already played the Japanese or North American version of FFXIII already, Square had to think of a gimmick to convince fans to purchase the game again. Three gimmicks were dreamt up but NCS will only participate in two of them:

Gimmick #1: FFXIII Lightning Edition Bundle
Square packs the FFXIII game with a PSN card and a white Dual Shock 3 which is decorated with a stenciled image of Lightning on the right grip.
Price: US$108.90

Gimmick #2
: FFXIII Lightning Edition Bundle Deluxe Pack
Includes the game, the white Dual Shock 3, FFXIII Original Soundtrack (10 tracks), a CG illustrations booklet, an Original FFXIII sleeve case, Playstation Network Card, and an exclusive FFXIII character poster.
Price: US$118.90

The pricing scheme makes no sense since everyone will probably purchase bundle #2 which includes a lot more stuff for a few measly dollars more. Preorders are welcome to ship on or around May 27, 2010.

TOYS Hello Kitty Face Kei Earphones - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Hello Kitty has appeared in consumer goods of all types and Kitty earphones of different stripes have been available in Japan and Asia for a few years now. When August 2010 rolls around, Japanese manufacturer Eikoh will release new Hello Kitty earphones which feature a simple bud design and a 120cm cord. Two styles are available for preorder:

» Aqua-Green Kitty with pink eyes and a pink bow
» Candy-Pink Kitty with purple eyes and a matching bow

Both versions of the earphones are adorned with three rhinestones for some girlish sparkle. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late August 2010 at US$18.90 each.

TOYS Persona 3 Aegis EX Resinya Series - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Persona 3 game, Aegis is an android who battles the dastardly Shadows with a volatile range of weaponry. Her prerogative in the game is to protect the protagonist of Persona 3 and she serves in that capacity with able-bodied determination. NCS took delivery of Max Factory's figma rendition of Aegis late last year and in a few months, we'll bring in Cospa's EX Resinya version of the blonde Shadow-killer.

Cospa's known more for their apparel and accessories than their toys but the Aegis Resinya sculpture is an ambitious piece of work. The figure is mounted on an overly ornate vehicle and she's standing on one hoof. Aegis' left hand is pointed at something in the distance but she doesn't have any fingers - there's only miniature gun barrels that are ready to let loose. Her right hand is smoking and bullets are scattered in the air around the wisps of smoke. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2010 at JPY16,000 or US$169.90 from NCS.

TOYS One Piece Super DX Portgas D. Ace - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Banpresto has started preorders for a "limited edition" Portgas D. Ace prize figure that's generally only sold to amusement centers in Japan. We're citing the figure as "limited edition" because vendors are only allowed to purchase 1 carton from distributors.

"What are prize figures?," someone might ask. You know those Japanese UFO catcher machines where saps players try to grab a slippery prize/toy/figure with a mechanical claw that's endowed with a loose grip? That's where the Super DX Portgas will be available in a few months. You could try to grab the Super DX Portgas D. Ace with a mechanical claw for an entire day and spend your week's wages to boot but NCS has a better way. Instead of loading Super DX Portgas into a UFO Catcher, NCS will just sell the figures to anyone interested in one. We'll grab Portgas straight from the manufacturer's cardboard boxes (packaged 12/carton) and ship them out.

The fixed-pose figure measures 26cm or 10.23" tall and is made of PVC. Portgas is bare-chested but wears a pair of trunks and heavy boots. His trademark hat is present along with his cynical smile. Preorders are welcome to ship is mid-late August 2010 at US$30.90 from NCS.

BOOK No More Heroes Perfect Bible - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» If your personality skews towards descriptors such as "perfectionist" and "completist," the upcoming No More Heroes Perfect Bible might help you achieve a state of gaming nirvana only known by select players. Kadokawa's No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise book contains information on the game world and locations, characters, and commentary from the producers. Since the game system has been updated from the Nintendo Wii original, the book also covers the following:

» All of the game's locations are mapped out in precise detail
» Pointers and strategies on defeating enemies
» A total of over 50 cheats that may be used by... cheaters
» Character portraits and background information

Preorders are welcome to ship later this week (probably). This book was a late preorder item and reservations should ship out on Thursday or Friday of this week. Please note however that if the release of the book misses our weekly shipment, we won't receive it until the week of May 10 because the Golden Week Holiday starts on April 29.
ISBN4047265497

Monday, April 26, 2010

TOYS Star Wars Light Saber Kei MP3 Player - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
Update: April 26, 2010
«©NCSX» Generic MP3 players from fly-by-night operations in China cost about $2.70 each in bulk. Add an FM radio function and you might bump the price up by about $0.45 each.

We don't want those.

We want Taito's officially licensed Star Wars Light Saber Kei MP3 Player which isn't generic. It's specialized and looks like a light saber handle with nifty and ornate detailing - the one on the lower-left photo even has a ribbed design. Won't find that in a no-frills generic player.

The Star Wars MP3 player measures 8cm or 3.14" in length and accepts songs stored on microSD memory card which is inserted in the slot near the base of the player. There's no LCD screen to view the song list but tracks are played in the order that they're stored on the memory card's directory. Three buttons built into the saber handle are used to control dual functions as follows: VOLUME UP / FORWARD, VOLUME DOWN / REVERSE, and PLAY / STOP. An LED on the top of the handle shines when the player is spooling music which is next to the audio jack. A mini-USB port is located on the bottom of the player and the whole shebang runs on a single AAA battery (not included).

Preorders have started shipping as of last Friday and any remaining reservations and new orders will ship this afternoon. Pricing is set at US$28.90 each. «Photo Gallery»

MAG Weekly Famitsu Magazine Vol. 1116 - New Import

NCS Product Update
«©NCSX» The May 6, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes print coverage on the following games and/or events in the Japanese marketplace:
» Preview for PSP "Project K" from Sega which bears resemblances to Ryu Ga Gotoku and features a similarly sullen but younger protagonist. An interview with
Nagoshi Toshihiro follows the preview.
» Famitsu reviews NDS Cosmetic Paradise (7/7/7/5), PSP Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact (6/7/6/6), PSP MGS: Peace Walker (10/10/10/10), PS3 Super Street Fighter IV (9/9/9/8), and Bass Fishing Wii (6/6/5/5).
» Major feature on MGS: PW which spans 14 pages and includes information on the key characters, the machines, and a Kojima interview.
» Famitsu shows love to an XBL shooter titled Shoot 1UP where players control multiple ships at the same time.
» Prepackaged ramen and soups that are stuffed into Styrofoam bowls are featured in this week's PICK UP FOOD section.

» Idol Studio photo spread for actress Kitano Kii who's also on the cover.
» Previews for X360 Monster Hunter Frontier, NDS Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2, and PS3/X360 Majin.

PSP Disgaea Infinite - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Update
«©NCSX» Originally released as a download on the Japanese Playstation Network last November, Nippon Ichi stamps Disgaea Infinite onto a UMD and releases it for conventional retail sale. The interactive novel takes place in the Disgaea universe where a lowly Prinny protagonist uses time travel, possession, and guile to solve an almost-murder-mystery.

At the outset of the game, the Prinny has to earn money by working in order to pay for the poor choices that he made when he was still alive. The Prinny finds employment as a servant in Laharl castle where he cleans and takes abuse from the likes of Etna. On one particular day, Etna has a special pudding treat that she's going to eat but when Laharl hears about, he decides that he's going to steal the pudding for himself.
While doing his chores around the castle, the Prinny finds a magical watch which allows him to possess others and travel through time. Later, when Laharl is in his bedroom, an explosive attack is launched against him but he survives the assassination attempt. Laharl meets with Etna and Flonne to get to the bottom of the assassination attempt and they eventually charge the Prinny servant with rooting out the would-be killers. To find answers and uncover the culprit, the Prinny uses the game's mind-control system to take possession of characters and discover clues that'll help him get to the bottom of the mystery. Time travel also comes in handy to look at events in the past and gauge how they'll affect future events and timelines.

NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Thursday

NDS

Cosmetic Paradise: Kirei no Mahou

Global A

Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2

Square

Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! DS Fate of Heat III Marvelous
PS3

Fight Pad for Playstation 3

MSY

Super Street Fighter IV Capcom

Super Street Fighter IV (Collectors Package)

Capcom
PSP Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact Marvelous

Ikki Tousen: Xross Impact New Gentei Bakuretsu

Marvelous

Metal Solid: Peace Walker

Konami

Metal Solid: Peace Walker Accessory Set

Hori

Metal Solid: Peace Walker Premium Konami
360 Super Street Fighter IV Capcom

Super Street Fighter IV (Collectors Package)

Capcom

Wii

Bass Fishing Wii: World Tournament

ArcSys

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Thursday

360 Dead to Rights: Retribution Namco
Nier Square
Record of Agarest War IFactory

Super Street Fighter IV

Capcom
Sherlock Holmes vs. Jack the Ripper Adv Co
2010 Fifa World Cup: South Africa EA
PS3 Dead to Rights: Retribution Namco
Nier Square

Super Street Fighter IV

Capcom
2010 Fifa World Cup: South Africa EA
PSP Harvest Moon: Hero of Leaf Valley Natsume
2010 Fifa World Cup: South Africa EA
Wii 2010 Fifa World Cup: South Africa EA