It's the Empire vs the Republic once again with Zoids battling it out in tactical theaters of conflict. Unlike the action based Zoids games, Zoids Tactics is all about strategy and the movement of units followed by attack options. Similar to the game play found in S-RPGs, players select a unit and a red grid appears around it to show movement range. Choose a space to move onto and then attack a contiguous enemy unit which is then shown in a short animated sequence.
Along with ground-based Zoids, flying Zoids and submariner Zoids are also available for battling across the world. Pilots from the animation source material appear in the game and players go on missions of destruction which require satisfactory completion before heading on to the next assignment. Zoids base models may be upgraded with weapons and assorted parts to enhance performance on the battlefield.
The Tomy Best re-issue of Zoids Tactics contains the same game as the original release in 2005. The only difference is the variant game cover with the "Tomy Best Collection" imprint. «more»
Mechanical beasts shaped like recognizable animals called Zoids clash and battle in fast-paced 3-D fighting action. A little too fast perhaps. There is a learning curve here due to the speed of the game but once that's down pat, Zoids Struggle is fairly enjoyable as a 3-D fighter. Tomy touts the Armor Break system which has been borrowed from Sega's old Fighting Vipers where the armor of a Zoid breaks if blows are heaped upon a certain point. It's an interesting use of a protection system but ultimately moot in Story Mode because of how powerful some Zoids become.
As a Zoids combatant racks up wins, additional weapons may be bolted onto the beast. After a certain point, a Zoid simply becomes too powerful in the firepower department and one-on-one matches stop becoming reasonably balanced and turn into a shooting game where projectile attacks take precedence over close combat. Perhaps Tomy should have staggered out the weapon upgrades somewhat but as it is, superior firepower decides the outcome of every battle, every time. This isn't a problem in Versus matches between two players however and only affects the Story mode of the game which leads gamers through the events and key battles from the Zoids television series . «more»
The sequel to DJ Max Portable is being released tonight and our shipments are expected to arrive on Monday of next week. A small supply of the Orpheus Packages (Night Black and Silver White) is also expected next week but we'll post an update once we receive them. The Orpheus Packs include a 3-CD soundtrack in gatefold binder, a 64-page Visual Art Book, a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, and a collection of Visual Post Cards. The goodies are then packaged in a long cardboard box that's suitable for collecting...
Preorders for the regular edition of DJ Max Portable 2 are welcome. Please wait for news on the Orpheus editions since the supplies are apparently miniscule.
The first series of Banpresto's SMB Sound Nuigurumi toys were very well received and the two plushes (Goomba and Block) that we keep in our office still get smacked every once in a while to evoke their respective sound effects. To keep the Sound Nuigurumi success rolling, Banpresto has announced the Super Mario Bros Sound Nuigurumi Series 2 toys which are scheduled to ship in mid-late August 2007.
The first Series 2 plush is a golden-colored Question Block which measures 20cm square or 7.87 x 7.87 x 7.87" in dimension. Similar to the Series 1 Question Block, a sound module is inserted inside a flap on the plush which makes a jingling sound when pounded. Punch it with your fist or hammer it with your head and the familiar Mario game jingle plays sweetly. The second series 2 plush features the familiar shell of a Koopa Trooper. The beast within appears to be in hiding as we don't see its head nor any of its appendages. A sound module is also inserted inside the Koopa shell which makes noise when attacked.
Preorders are welcome today to ship in mid-late August at the price of US$25 + shipping.
Flashlights are fine for poking around pipes and plumbing but there's nothing like a lantern when enjoying a summer stroll under a darkening sky. A flashlight only shoots out a tight beam of light whereas a lantern effuses a glow that illuminates the local area. To promote the use of lanterns, Sega has started preorders for a trio of 12cm (4.72") diameter character lights which feature Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and Stitch. Perfect for use during summer strolls or when trick or treating. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2007 at US$10 per lantern.
When exploring the ramshackle shops on Canal Street in lower Manhattan this summer, tourists will be able to purchase a battery-powered fan for about US$1. If you haggle with the vendor, you might be able to get two for a dollar. Powered by a pair of "AA" batteries, hand fans provide a little relief during a hazy and humid day.
Sega's High Street hand fans won't be selling for $1. No, you'll have to cough up nearly US$10 for a Sega Mickey & Friend fan which features a lighted rotor. As the rotor spins, the light creates mesmerizing patterns which may dazzle onlookers while providing a bit of a breeze. Three styles are on offer and preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2007 at US$9.00 per fan.
Ever fumble around in the dark in a futile attempt to locate your bedside clock? The one that's next to your bed (thus the bedside clock label)? That time you were in a drunken stupor?
Nevermore.
Feast your eyes on the Mickey Projector Clock which blazes out the time via laser-sharp light and plasters it on the ceiling. Simply tap the top of the clock and the light shines out like a beacon of hope. After a few seconds it'll blink off but if you need the time again, tap the clock again and the time appears once again. It's magic like that. Preorders ship in mid-late July.
Preorders for the Japanese toy import Monsieur Bome Vol. 21 Honey Bunny featuring Maria and Rio will ship in mid-late May 2007. The set includes the two figures as shown in the photo and a display base. To answer some emails we've received about the figures, please note that they are separate and not connected. Each figure also measures ~10 cm in length.
