Sega Taikan Game Collection - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» We grew up during the 80s and watched the video game industry as it boomed, busted, and boomed again. Atari kicked off the home gaming explosion but the company fizzled, only to give way to Nintendo which ruled the mid-late 80s with the Famicom in Japan and the NES stateside. Billions upon billions in profits were minted on the backs of Mario, Rockman, Samus, Simon, and more. Right in there with the Nintendo juggernaut was Sega, fighting for the gaming dollar with a procession of arcade hits, the Master System, and eventually the MegaDrive. While the original Atari is a footnote at this point, Nintendo and Sega are still going strong.

The Sega Taikan Game Collection from Organic looks back at Sega's custom sit down coin-ops which rocked and veered from side to side to simulate the onscreen action. Four games are lovingly recreated in miniature PVC form as follows:

» Space Harrier
» Super Hang-On
» Outrun
» Thunderblade

The product solicitation mentions a secret fifth game which we're pretty sure is Afterburner based on the silhouette. It's not Galaxy Force II since the silhouette on the flyer isn't shaped like an orb. Each miniature arcade game measures 10cm or 3.93" in length and roughly that much in height. Organic packages the toys in factory boxes which contain 6 individually sealed figures. This means each factory sealed box will contain all five arcade game miniatures and a duplicate of one of the toys. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late April 2009 at JPY4284 or US$48.90 from NCS.

OutRun2 Special Tours

Slither into the cockpit of a Ferrari and make sure your sweetheart in the passenger seat is comfy. Once settled, throttle onto winding highways which cut through scenic backdrops. Outrun 2 SP features 15 courses from OutRun 2 and 15 courses from the arcade version of Outrun 2 SP. Throw in the reverse-courses and a total of 60 tracks are available for reckoning.

New to the nuts and bolts of OutRun racing is the "SlipStream" element where following in a competitor's wake allows your vehicle to accelerate with smooth energy. Hairpin turns that twist in vicious angles may be navigated by tapping the brakes and wheeling the vehicle into the direction of the turn. Perform the maneuver well and you're drifting sideways while your passenger finds love in her heart for your skills. Botch the race however and you'll find yourself being assaulted by the once loving girlfriend. When the Ferrari makes contact with the sides of a race course, it'll bounce off like a bocce ball. If the Ferrari crashes and swivels 360°, it's no big deal - simply tap the accelerator and you're on your way again. Overlook the unrealistic nature of the game and you'll find yourself enjoying the ride with melodious tunes and an overly enthusiastic passenger.