Thursday, March 31, 2011

 3DS Pro Yakyuu Famista 2011 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Namco's Pro Yakyu Famista game series has been around since 1989 and is the longest running baseball franchise in Japan. It bests Konami's Powerful Pro series by six years and appears destined to be a market mainstay for the foreseeable future. The ball players in previous Famista games had a distinctive pudgy and rounded appearance and they arrive on the 3DS with the same overall body shape and stance. The top 3DS screen shows off the baseball action in eye-popping 3D where the pitch zooms into the screen while the bottom 3DS screen shows the entire infield. The twelve teams from the Japanese professional baseball league appear in the game along with all of the players for a taste of the majors.

 PSP Oneechanbara Special - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» It's been a few years since the zombie-killing sisters Aya and Saki swung their swords on the PS2 and Xbox 360. Unfortunately, time hasn't scuttled the lurking contagion of zombies. The undead are stirring once again and Aya, Saki, the policewoman Anna, and two additional woman warriors are called into battle once again. The new inductees to the zombie killing carnage are Misery, a blue-haired ghoulish-looking girl and Reiko who's leather-clad and bears some resemblance to Bayonetta.

   Oneechanbara Special pits the girls against hordes of zombies and ghastly cohorts who raise their arms and attack from all directions. By using sword handling skills, Aya and her compatriots dismember their adversaries with slashes and chops which cause blood and gore to eject in splotches. That's serious business. The blood jets onto the floor and occasionally spills onto the PSP screen for a short stint before evaporating. Each stage is guarded by a boss who offers more resistance and challenge than the zombie minions, spiders, and oddly apportioned creatures who look like gaping maws with limbs. 

   A sword is standard equipment when it comes to gutting zombies but over 300 types of weapons may be used and synthesized during the course of the carnage. Oneechanbara Special supports ad hoc mode for 2-player action.

 3DS BlazBlue Continuum Shift II - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The coin-op version of Blazblue Continuum Shift II reached Japanese arcades in December 2010 and featured a rebalancing of the fighters and three new combatants from the console DLC fpr CSI (Makoto Nanaya, Valkenhayn Hellsing, and Platinum the Trinity). The game gets a port to the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Portable this week with features intact and new game modes to boot. The "Legion Mode" adds a strategy-conquer-map element to the fighting action while the "Abyss Mode" mode has fighters battling their way to the depths of a dungeon. The" Story Mode" was written by producer Toshimichi Mori and a "Gallery Mode" contains illustrations for players to peruse. Gamers who need to hone their skills may engage the "Training Mode" for practice. 

 PSP BlazBlue Continuum Shift II - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The coin-op version of Blazblue Continuum Shift II reached Japanese arcades in December 2010 and featured a rebalancing of the fighters and three new combatants from the console DLC fpr CSI (Makoto Nanaya, Valkenhayn Hellsing, and Platinum the Trinity).

   The game gets a port to the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Portable this week with features intact and new game modes to boot. The "Legion Mode" adds a strategy-conquer-map element to the fighting action while the "Abyss Mode" mode has fighters battling their way to the depths of a dungeon. The" Story Mode" was written by producer Toshimichi Mori and a "Gallery Mode" contains illustrations for players to peruse. Gamers who need to hone their skills may engage the "Training Mode" for practice. 

Cast of Fighters
Ragna the Bloodedge | Jin Kisaragi |  Noel Vermillion | Iron Tager
Rachel Alucard | Taokaka | Litchi Faye Ling |  Arakune | Bang Shishigami
Carl Clover | Hakumen | Lambda-11 | Tsubaki Yayoi | Hazama
 Mu-12 | Makoto Nanaya |  Valkenhayn Hellsing | Platinum the Trinity

   Gamers can play multiplayer matches via ad hoc mode but please note that online connectivity is not supported.

 PS3 Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
Update: March 31, 2011
«©NCSX» The arcade version of Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta was released on Naomi cartridge in the summer of 2008 at the price of JPY178,000. There was no way we were paying nearly US$2000 for a cartridge-based game but we did pick up a used copy from an operator for about $600. Mamoru-kun has already been released on the Xbox 360 at a much lower price than the coin-op kit and a PS3 version is headed home.
 
   The game follows the adventures of a lad named Tomoka Mamoru who's been involved in a car accident. After he's hit by a speeding vehicle, his soul is immediately spirited to the underworld by a priestess who calls herself Fululu Jigokudani. As the story goes, the gateway to the underworld is under attack and the spirits who reside there have been cursed by malevolent forces. Since Fululu can't fight the oppression by herself, she has summoned Mamoru and three other heroes to fight on the underworld's behalf. The summoned protagonists are:

» Tomoka Mamoru - A grade school student who enjoys baseball
» Miyuki Mayuno - Passive girl with no memory of her previous life
» Narai Kinya - High school rebel with a yen for riding motorcycles
» Higatera Beniko - A posh young lady who seems to enjoy the underworld


  Upon starting the game, the camera settles on a revolving tree which is what Fululu conspired with to bring Mamoru and company to the underworld. Players may select any of the five heroes who differ in their firing patterns which is shown on the lower right corner of the character selection screen. For example, Mamoru shoots straight ahead while Beniko fires her shots in a outwards radiating arc. Fululu is also a straight shooter but her shots are governed by orbiting spheres which give her shots a bit of a twist. Although Mamoru-kun is a shooter which features vertically scrolling stages, the stages share commonalities with the old school run 'n gun games such as Commando, Ikari Warriors, or Guerilla War. In game, the characters walk around on the ground and players move at their own pace instead of being continually forced upwards. You can walk left, stop, shoot, walk right, shoot, stop, and then move upwards towards the inevitable end-level boss. 

   Similar to the Xbox 360 home conversion, the Playstation 3 version of Mamoru-kun features updated graphics, two new playable characters (downloadable), a Practice Mode, a new Story Mode, and an Image Gallery. Preorders for the regular edition the the limited edition package which includes a 150-page Art Works booklet, a BGM Soundtrack CD, and a Superplay Capture DVD "The Perfect Terror" that's published by INH of Insanity DVD fame are shipping today.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

 3DS BioHazard: The Mercenaries 3D - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The "Mercenaries" missions from Biohazard 4 and Biohazard 5 are gathered together for a rehash on the Nintendo 3DS. In the game, players take on the role of a hero such as Chris Redfield, Albert Wesker, Jack Krauser, or Jill Valentine and eviscerate zombies within a given time frame. Thanks to the wireless cooperative mode, players can link up with other players and kill zombies together like a gang. The action and carnage takes place on the top Nintendo 3DS screen while inventory and rudimentary commands are shown on the 3DS touch screen. The 3DS game features new characters, maps, modes, and weapons to utilize. 

   Preorders for the 3DS mport BioHazard: The Mercenaries 3D are welcome to ship on June 2, 2011

 PS3 Meruru no Atelier: Arland no Renkinjutsu 3 - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Alchemists tend to stick together and in the third Arland no Renkinjutsu game, Totori from the Atelier Totori game is training the new protagonist Meruru to become a proper practitioner.
   Reservations are welcome for a regular edition of the game and a limited edition which includes a blue crystal paperweight, a Meruru Petit Nendoroid, and an Atelier Meruru Drama CD. Preorders for both versions fo the game are welcome to ship on June 23, 2011.

 TOYS Xenosaga Episode III KOS-MOS Ver. 4 - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Alter has already released a rendition of KOS-MOS Ver. 4 from the Xenosaga III game but it was fixed-pose and static. Sure, it was pretty to look at but KOS was just a statue to be displayed on a shelf.  Alter's upcoming Xenosaga Episode III KOS-MOS Ver. 4 is different however - it's poseable and includes a variety of weaponry that may be gripped in her hands or positioned adjacent to her limber frame. A pair of self-standing gatling guns which are mounted on movable stalks are part of KOS-MOS' arsenal. The new version of KOS-MOS Ver. 4 measures 17cm or 6.69" tall.

   Preorders are welcome to ship in July 2011 at JPY9800 or US$139.90 from NCS.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PSP Classic Dungeon X2 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The original Classic Dungeon gave gamers an adventure game filled with old school flavor. Retro features such as 5-channel-sounding music, big-pixel graphics, and beeping-booping sound effects all conspired with a simple quest to hearken back to the olden days of gaming. Nippon Ichi releases a sequel which offers another classic RPG experience but this time around, there's a lot more to love.

   At the outset of the game, players can opt to use pre-made character archetypes for the protagonist or create a unique character on a simple illustration grid by using a pencil tool and paint. New to the construction kit is the ability to animate characters and create linkages between party members to show their relationship. Players who have characters from the original Classic Dungeon can transfer them to the sequel.

   Once created, the character roams the world with a party to explore, slay monsters, and level up. The action runs in real-time with seamless battles that take place on the overworld as the party explores. The "X2" in the game title refers to the doubling of elements in the game - there's twice as many weapons, magic circles, and even jobs that heroes can occupy. Players can create their own theme music by using a the built-in
Music Macro Language facility to compose up to five tracks that play during dungeon exploration or in the tavern.   

 TOYS Big O: R. Dorothy Wayneright Figma - Preorder

From the Manufacturer
   A figma of the unsociable android. From the mecha anime 'The Big O' comes a figma of the android who serves Roger, R. Dorothy Wayneright.

» Using the smooth yet poseable joints of figma, you can act out a variety of different scenes. Flexible plastic is used for specific areas, which allows proportions to be kept without compromising posability.
» She comes with two expressionless faces perfect for her personality, the direction of her eyes differs in the two faces.
» The black cat 'Pero' from Act 08: 'Missing Cat' is also included, as well as a posable mop.
» She includes replaceable parts to pull out the band in her hair to reveal the memory drive inside.
» A poseable figma stand is included, which allows for various poses.

 TOYS To Heart 2 XRATED: Kousaka Tamaki Beach Side - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the To Heart 2 game and subsequent OVA series, Tamaki Kousaka was an compelling character with depth and complexity. Poised, honorable, and capable of playing the piano, Tamaki had admirers from the entire student body. All of those refined qualities are for naught in the upcoming Kousaka Tamaki Beach Side figure where Tamaki's reduced to a beach trophy.

   Tamaki's seated on a blue beach chair in a red bikini which matches her hair. She's not a lady however - her left leg's lifted upwards in an inexplicable show of unladylike behavior. Tamaki holds a bottle of spray in her right hand which might be lotion since she's on the beach. Preorders are welcome to ship in July 2011 at JPY9800 or US$123.90. 

 TOYS Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls Yagyu Jubei - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Yagyuu Jubei Mitsuyoshi is a legendary samurai whose life and times have been chronicled and fictionalized by numerous written works, manga, and television series. Jubei is a male figure (trust us, we checked) from Japanese history but in Samurai Girls, Jubei has become an attractive ginger with big eyes, an attractive figure, and a sassy attitude. She also has a thick length of braided white rope attached to her back and a pair of thinner braided ropes which encircle her thighs.

   The
Hyakka Ryouran Samurai Girls Yagyu Jubei figure measures 23cm or 9.05" in height and is constructed of pre-painted PVC. Yagyu is fixed-pose and grasps two swords which she thrusts out in front of her. Two black scabbards are affixed to the sides of her thighs to ensure that the blades have a resting place when the moment of antagonism has passed. Yagyu's outfit is pink and red so she looks like a flower. Sort of.

   Preorders are welcome to ship in July 2011 at JPY6800 or US$100.90 from NCS. Due to the size of the figure, NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States to avoid onerous air-service charges.

 TOYS Kusanagi Motoko SEBURO M-5 & HK-VP70 ver. - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Hailing from Masamune Shirou's epic Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society, Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg under the employ of Public Security Section 9. Battle hardened, gritty, and full of spirit, Motoko is a reliable operative who gets important and meaty assignments from her overlords.

   The
Kusanagi Motoko SEBURO M-5 & HK-VP70 ver. 1/6 Cold Cast from Alphamax features Motoko in a skintight outfit that's basically painted on. She's carrying handguns called the SEBURO M-5 and HK-VP70 which are apparently cocked, locked, and ready to fire. Preorders for the cold cast are welcome to ship in late August 2011 at JPY168,000 or US$239.90 from NCS.

 NEWS General Updates

Game & Watch Emulation
   Pica Pic is a website which emulates over twenty games from the olden Pocket Game and Watch series by Nintendo as well as pocket LCD games from other vendors. Visit the site at
http://www.pica-pic.com.
 
Huckster Shivs Suckers
  
This sordid story speaks for itself. No commentary needed.

Monday, March 28, 2011

 3DS Gundam the 3D Battle - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Relive the adventures chronicled in "Mobile Suit Gundam," "Mobile Suit Z Gundam," and "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack" in Bandai's 3DS Gundam the 3D Battle. The game features over 70 mechs and over 70 missions to conquer by way of mobilizing Gundam armor on 3D battlefields that pop out of the screen. When raging against an adversary, mechs run, jump, jump-jet, and swing their swords while avoiding the same from the opposition. As mech handlers and their mechs level up, attributes may be boosted by allocated points earned from battlefield exploits and successes.

   In addition to the action-packed 3D histrionics, players may view a Gallery which contains 3D models of mobile suits.

 PSP Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis 
«©NCSX» In Final Fantasy IV, Cecil Harvey leads the Red Wings on a thieving run where they take the Water Crystal from Mysidia and bring it back home. After questioning the King about the theft, Cecil is stripped of his command and dishonorably discharged. He decides to make amends for his actions and quests to stop a sorceror named Golbez who's about to use the Crystals he's been collecting to destroy the world. Final Fantasy IV was most recently reissued on the Nintendo DS in 2007 and mobile online in 2009 but Square's re-releasing the game on the PSP.

   The Playstation Portable version of the game includes two titles as follows:

» Final Fantasy IV

» Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

   The first game is a remake of the original and the second is a port of a mobile phone game that was originally released in 2008. The After Years is also available as a download on WiiWare. In the game, the cast of Cecil, Kain, and others  face a new threat to their world. Preorders for the reqular edition of FFIV Complete Collection are shipping today but please note the Square Enix online exclusive edition is not available.

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1164 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The April 07, 2011 issue of Weekly Famitsu contains coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:
» Preview for 3DS Biohazard: The Mercenaries 3D and PS3/X360 Biohazard Revival Selection which includes remakes of Biohazard Code Veronica and Biohazard 4. 
» Reviews for 3DS Naruto Shippuden: Ninrattai Emaki! Saikyou Ninkai Kessen!! (7/7/7/6), 3DS Virus Shooter XX
(7/7/7/5), 3DS Pro Yakyuu Famista 2011 (8/8/7/8), 3DS BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (8/8/7/7), PSP BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (8/8/7/7), PSP Onechanbara Special (7/7/7/5), PS3 Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! Meikai Katsugeki Wide-Han (7/8/7/8).
» Coverage on PSP Final Fantasy Type-O which introduces the characters in the game and ships later this year.
» Beverages such as Mountain Dew Grape, Mitsuya Cider and The Sparkling are featured in this week's PICK UP FOOD.

 NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday?

NDS
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional
Square
3DS
BlazBlue Continuum Shift II ArcSys
 
Nikoli no Sudoku 3D: 8-tsu no Puzzle de 1000
Hudson
 
Pro Yakyuu Famista 2011
Bandai
  Pro Yakyuu Spirits 2011 Konami
 
Virus Shooter XX
Dorart
PS3 Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! CyberF
  Mamoru-kun wa Norowarete Shimatta! LE CyberF
  Troy Musou Koei
PSP
BlazBlue Continuum Shift II
ArcSys
  Clover no Kuni no Alice Quinrose
 
Clover no Kuni no Alice Gorgeous Edition
Quinrose
  Suzumiya Haruhi-Chan no Mahjong Kadokawa
  Suzumiya Haruhi-Chan no Mahjong DX Pack Kadokawa

 NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Wednesday

PS3 Dynasty Warriors 7 Koei
  Shift 2 Unleashed EA
  WWE All-Stars THQ
PSP Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Sony
  The 3rd Birthday Square
  WWE All-Stars THQ
360 Shift 2 Unleashed EA
  WWE All-Stars THQ

Friday, March 25, 2011

 TOYS Amagami: Trading Figure Collection - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The classmates of Amagami are presented in a trading figure collection which depicts the girls in super-deformed fashion. Ayatsuji Tsukasa, Sakurai Rihoko, Tanamachi Kaoru, and other are depicted with big heads, big eyes, and small triangle-shaped bodies which support those oversized noggins. The figures measure 45mm or 1.76" tall and are fixed-pose and fully painted for immediate display.
   Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late May 2011 at JPY5850 or US$76.90 per factory sealed box of 10 toys.

 TOYS Aria the Scarlet Ammo: Color Collection Trading Figure

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Preorders are welcome for a set of figures based on the cast of characters from Aria the Scarlet Ammo which ships in June as follows:

»
Aria H Kanzaki A
» Aria H Kanzaki B
»
Durandal
»
Reki
»
Riko Mine
»
Shirayuki Hotog

   Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late June 2011 at JPY4000 or US$59.90 from NCS.

 TOYS Gyakuten Saiban Rubber Strap Collection 01 - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The cast of Gyakuten Saiban are inducted into a collection of rubber straps which feature the likenesses of the characters in quaint and diminutive form. The first collection of straps include characters such as Phoenix Wright, Maya Fey, Mia Fey, Apollo Justice, Godot, Kristoph Gavin, and Trucy Wright.

   Each strap measures approximately
35~60mm × 6 (height x width) and is made of soft and pliable PVC. Each factory box contains a total of 10 straps which include the nine standard versions shown in the product photo and one secret strap of a character. Preorders are welcome to ship in late May 2011 at JPY5000 or US$65.90 for a factory box of straps. 

 TOYS Gyakuten Saiban Rubber Strap Collection 02 - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The cast of Gyakuten Saiban are inducted into a collection of rubber straps which feature the likenesses of the characters in quaint and diminutive form. The second collection of straps include characters such as Miles Edgeworth, Dick Gumshoe, Franziska von Karma, Kay Faraday, Shi-Long Lang, Hakari Mikagami, and Tateyuki Shigaraki.

   Each strap measures approximately
35~60mm × 6 (height x width) and is made of soft and pliable PVC. Each factory box contains a total of 10 straps which include the nine standard versions shown in the product photo and one secret strap of a character. Preorders are welcome to ship in late May 2011 at JPY5000 or US$65.90 for a factory box of straps. 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

 NEWS General Updates

Import Shipments
   PSP Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection and 3DS Gundam the 3D Battle have shipped from Japan but due to the later than normal dispatch, NCS expects this week's new import shipments to arrive on Monday of next week. Preorders will ship upon arrival. 
Eschatos
  
There's no new ship date for Eschatos yet and the official site only mentions that the game's been delayed due to the earthquake. The game is region-free and playable on North American Xbox 360 consoles.
Japan
  
Business seems to be slowly going back to normal but employees at our distribution companies based in Tokyo are still wary of contamination of water and food. Even though the Japanese government recently stated that radioactive iodine in the water supply was at "acceptable levels," they're continuing to distribute bottled water. 

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

 NEWS General Updates

Import Delays
   The following Japanese imports have been confirmed to be delayed due to the recent events in Japan. Our suppliers in Japan are also not working at optimal capacity because of what's happening in Fukushima and the attendant contamination. Please note that neither PSP Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection nor 3DS Gundam the 3D Battle reached our suppliers yesterday even though the games appear to be on schedule for this week. We'll update again tomorrow with an update.
3DS Dead or Alive: Dimensions [Delayed to TBA 2011] Koei
PS3 Pro Yakyuu Spirits 2011 [Delayed to April 14, 2011] Konami
PSP Pro Yakyuu Spirits 2011 [Delayed to April 14, 2011] Konami
360
Eschatos [Delayed to TBA 2011]
Qute
 
Otomedius X Excellent [Delayed to April 21, 2011]
Konami

 PSP Gungnir Mayari no Gunshin to Eiyuu Sensou - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Sting's upcoming Gungnir game bears a passing resemblance to Yggdra Union, probably because the same creative team is working on the game. In Gungnir, players take on the role of a lad named Julio Ragwell who's a member of a rebel group known as the Esperanza. Together with his cohorts, Julio fights against the ruling powers in an effort to bring about some semblance of equality. Julio wields a powerful weapon called the "Gungnir" which is an elaborate lance which apparently holds the power of Ares. The game fits into the S-RPG genre where exploration and battles take place on an isometric-projected game world. The game systems include a "Tactics Gauge" which allows heroes in the game to perform a number of actions and special moves.

   Preorders for the Japanese PSP import Gungnir Mayari no Gunshin are welcome to ship on
May 19, 2011 at JPY5800 or US$69.90 from NCS.

 TOYS M Icon Bruce Lee Action Figures - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Hot Toys has started preorders for two versions of a new Bruce Lee poseable action figure which is being released under the "M Icon" lineup as follows:

» Bruce Lee in Business Suit - Bruce looks dapper in a brown 3-piece suit which shows that he's ready for wheeling and dealing.
» Bruce Lee in Casual Wear - A shirt that's strung together with cord is what Bruce wears when it's time to get casual.

   The Bruce Lee figures measure 30cm or 11.81" tall and are fully articulated for a momentous amount of posing possibilities. Reservations are welcome to ship in September 2011 at JPY18858 or US$249.90 from NCS. Please note NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground.

 TOYS Angel Beats Beach Queens - Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Angel Beats animation, the setting is a school which represents Purgatory where the students learn to relinquish their Earthly longings. Once they've accomplished their goals, the students head on over to the afterlife or to a fruitful reincarnation. Wave is producing toy figures inspired by two of the characters in the series as follows:

» Kanade Tachibana - Student council president at school. Kanade is dressed in a nightgown and appears somewhat pensive.
»
Yuri Nakamura - Leads the SSS Group which rebels against God. She's a ginger... well, purple-haired and wears a 2-piece bikini.

   Each figure is fixed posed and measures 16cm or 6.29" tall and is mounted on a circular base which is included. Preorders are welcome to ship in August 2011 at JPY3800 or US$58.90 from NCS.