X360 Ketsui: Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra LE - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Japanese Xbox 360 continues to solidify its position as the de facto console of choice for shoot 'em up fans and shmup adherents with yet another upcoming release. This time, it's Ketsui Kizuna Jigoku Tachi Extra from 5pb which is scheduled to ship on April 22, 2010 which is delayed from the original release date of May 28, 2009. That's right, the game's been delayed for nearly a year without much of a peep or word from the publisher but it's back on track for Spring 2010.

Ketsui is a horizontal shooter where players commandeer a ship that faces off against waves upon waves of ground and air resistance. The game starts off with the player's ship being towed into battle by a larger plane. Once the tether is broken, the ship hurtles ahead and into the thick of an incoming enemy assault. Tanks attack from the ground and jets swoop in from all sides as the player's ship flies deeper into enemy territory. The shots get pretty thick but are manageable if you're able to map them on the fly and twitch through them accordingly. The first mid-level boss is a chubby helicopter which sprays out a latticework of shots that move vertically and horizontally for added challenge. For added offensive power, the player's ship is accompanied by sidearms that bolster the amount of vulcan spray that flies into the enemy's collective faces.

The First Print Limited Edition of Ketsui Kizuna is bundled with a Ketsui Kizuna Original Soundtrack CD and a bonus "Ketsui Capture Guidebook" in 1:1 ratio. Preorders are welcome to ship on April 22, 2010 at JPY9300 or US$109.90 from NCS.

X360 Senko no Ronde DUO - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Way before the original Senko no Ronde made the rounds in amusement centers across Japan, a vector-based game with a similar theme was being enjoyed stateside. Cinematronics' Space Wars pitted two ships against each other against a starry black backdrop that sort of looked like outer space. By thrusting, shooting, swerving, and thrusting some more, the two ships engaged in a deadly ballet of space-based warfare. 'Twas good times and it only took 30 years for another company to explore and update the one-vs-one space fighter theme.

Senko no Ronde features mech-ships known as "Rounders" which are capable of dashing around the screen, pivoting on its own axis, and shooting like the dickens. On any given stage, one Rounder faces off against another Rounder and the two blast away at each other with conventional vulcan fire, exotic ordnance, and the occasional mega blast while attempting to dodge incoming fire of varying intensities. The sequel Senko no Ronde DUO is more of the same game bolstered with new characters, brand spanking new ships, technique updates, and partner mechs who lend a helping hand. Preorders for the Japanese X360 import Senko DUO are welcome to ship on April 28, 2010 at JPY6800 or US$73.90.

X360 Senko no Ronde DUO First Print LE - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Senko no Ronde features mech-ships known as "Rounders" which are capable of dashing around the screen, pivoting on its own axis, and shooting like the dickens. On any given stage, one Rounder faces off against another Rounder and the two blast away at each other with conventional vulcan fire, exotic ordnance, and the occasional mega blast while attempting to dodge incoming fire of varying intensities. The sequel Senko no Ronde DUO is more of the same game bolstered with new characters, brand spanking new ships, technique updates, and partner mechs who lend a helping hand.

The long-awaited (in certain circles) Xbox 360 conversion of Senko no Ronde DUO will be accompanied by the release of a First Print Limited Edition which includes a "Character Voice Drama CD" at the price of JPY8800. The cover artwork for the limited edition of the game hasn't been released yet but we'll update our shop listing once the graphic is available.

Preorders for the Japanese X360 import Senko no Ronde DUO First Print LE are welcome to ship on April 28, 2010 at JPY8800 or US$95.90.

TOYS Super Modeling Soul of Rockman Set - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Rockman has been a presence in the video game market since the days of the original Famicom. Over the years, Capcom has expanded the franchise with colorful new heroes, radical storylines, and extensions of the original platform game format. Capcom isn't in the toy crafting business but they do license their properties to toy manufacturers such as Bandai and it is through this collaboration that the "Super Modeling Soul of Rockman" reaches fruition later this summer.
The new collection of figures features 11 characters from the Rockman games such as the original Rockman, Rockman X, the relatively newfangled Zero, Air Man, and many more. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2010 at JPY7800 or US$85.90 from NCS.

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1105 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The February 18, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage on the following games and/or events in the Japanese market
» Preview for X360/PS3 Clash of the Titans which will be available as a download on Xbox Live and the Playstation Network later this year.
» Famitsu's reviewers rank NDS Dragon Quest VI (9/9/8/8), NDS Dragon Ball DS 2: Totsugeki! Red Ribbon Gun (7/7/8/7), PS3 Sacred 2: Fallen Angel (8/7/8/8), and Wii Zangeki no Reginleiv (8/7/7/6).
» Special feature on the Kingdom Hearts franchise and a look back at the games that captured the imaginations of fans the world over.
» Interview with two members of the FFXIII voice cast - Mabuki Andou who plays Oerba Yun Fang and Yukari Fukui who plays Oerba Dia Vanille.
» Game & Watch retrospective on "Flagman," "Vermin," "Fire," and "Ball" which were simple yet addictive diversions back in the day.
» Valentine's Day is anon so this week's PICK UP FOOD section focuses on Godiva, Potager, and Juchheim chocolates for sweethearts across Japan.
» Four page photo spread for Beckii Cruel who found fame on Youtube.

NEWS General Updates

PS3 No More Heroes Delayed The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of No More Heroes have been delayed from February 25, 2010 to an unspecified date in April. Sure, Marvelous advertised the game on the back cover of this week's Famitsu magazine but please note that ad buys are usually made months in advance.

Wii Rajirugi NOAH and others Delayed NCS will have to wait a little bit longer for Wii Rajirugi NOAH which has been delayed from February 10 to February 25. PSP Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker and the Peace Walker Accessory Pack from Hori have also been delayed from March 18 to April 29, 2010. Hori will release the Peace Walker Accessory Pack in the USA which is expected on May 25, 2010 along with the domestic release of the Peace Walker game. Since our last update, PSP Fate Extra (Regular and Limited Edition) is still listed as TBA 2010 which is delayed from the original release date of March 18, 2010.