Shin Sangoku Musou DS: Fighter's Battle

The expansive battlefields and armies of Shin Sangoku Musou migrate from the Playstation 2 to the confined interiors of the Nintendo DS. SSM: Fighters features the same theme and spirit of the "bigger" Sangoku Musou games but the execution and experience is on a much smaller scale. Prior to the Nintendo DS, Koei's Sangoku Musou has gone portable before on the PSP which was a fairly faithful rendition of the PS2 original. The NDS version can't match the technical aspects of the PSP or PS2 games and sacrifices were made to scale the game downwards. For one, the action is throttled down into a very straightforward and rigid hack fest with the occasional special attack thrown in to mix up the action. Collecting coins from fallen enemy soldiers gives players the currency to ignite «more»

Gundam Seed: Rengou vs Z.A.F.T Portable

Gundam warriors throttle onto the battlefield once again with Striker / Wizard Packs in tow which enhance a suit of armor such as the Mobile Suit GAT-X105 Strike with additional weaponry and other offensive options such as increased mobility.

Gundam Seed: Rengou vs Z.A.F.T. was originally released in 2005 for the Japanese coin-op market and a PS2 conversion followed up in November of that same year. The PSP version of the game features new game modes and additional mechs such as the ZGMF-X565/Gamma Blast Impulse Gundam, MBF-02 Strike Rouge Gundam, GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam, and many others for a total of 50 mechs that are playable in the Arcade Mode. As in previous Gundam games, the action runs hot with Gundam mechs jump-jetting, slashing, and firing ordnance in fast-paced missions. When an enemy mech or a group of mechs ramble up close, expert handlers will be able to perform rapid slash clashes and run 'n gun attacks for exciting and occasionally frustrating battles.

New to the home versions of Rengou vs Z.A.F.T. is an enhanced dash move called a "Boost Dash" which eats up the Boost Gauge but is extremely useful for close range attacks and quick exits. Mechs can also jump-jet upwards and then continue thrusting the boosters for a short period of sustained flight. Battles take place on the ground, in the air, and in outer space for a variety of scenarios to tackle. The PSP version of the game also features a multiplayer Arcade Mode where up to four gamers may link up in the Cooperate Lobby for cooperative play. «more»

Juicy Honey Celebrities

The Juicy Honey card collection library expands with another set dubbed "Celebrities." The gals in the new card collection are well known adult models and film actresses in Japan - Emi Fukatsu, Fuka Sasaki, and Yuri Amami. A total of 72 regular cards are featured in the set along with special cards as follows:

Autograph Cards / Message Cards / Jersey Cards
Kiss Cards / Photo Cards / Autographed Photo Cards
Instant Photo Cards / Bra Hook Cards / Actress DNA Cards

NCS supplies the cards in complete boxes only which contain 12 packs inside. Each pack contains 7 cards that are randomly sorted which means each box includes a total of 84 cards. Re-confirmed preorders will ship today and new orders are welcome at US$55/box. Next up: Maria Ozawa.

Transformers MP-05 Megatron

The latest and possibly greatest Transformers Masterpiece toy features the imposing bulk of Megatron, leader of the Destrons (aka Decepticons). Ol' Mega ships in robot form inside the glossy packaging but he may transform into a Walther P38 in gun mode with a scope on top.

Upon opening up the package, Megatron lies upon a plastic tray with accessories arrayed around him as follows:

» Black scope that's nearly as tall as Megatron
» Miniature Kremzeek figure in trademark hands-to-the-side pose
» Mini purple-colored PVC energy saber that's sort of transparent
» Mini purple-colored PVC mace with chain attached to a hand-grip
» Mini violet and silver-colored PVC handgun that's perfect for munchkins

All preorders will ship today and new orders are welcome. Please note that the version that NCS is supplying is the unmodified version and all boxes are still sealed with the original factory tape.

Famitsu Wave DVD [May 2007]

The May 2007 issue of Famitsu Wave DVD features print and video coverage of the following Japanese products and import software:

» ARC Sangokushi Taisen
» TCG Monster Hunter Trading Card Game
» NDS Gyakuten Saiban 4
» PSP Final Fantasy Tactics Shishi Sensou
» NDS Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings
» PS2 Persona 3 Fes
» PS2 Hokuto no Ken
» PS2 Wrestle Kingdom 2
» X360 Saints Row
» NDS Machigai Museum 2

... and the usual assortment of general interest features, game challenges, sit-down chats, and Famitsu-flavored tomfoolery. «more»

Naruto Shippuuden Narutimett Accel

Naruto grows as time passes and the Shippuuden animation series follows the events in Naruto's life two years after the story in the original series. Naruto left Konoha Village to train under the tutelage of Jiraiya but returns after 2.5 years. Older, taller, and somewhat wiser, Naruto reunites with Sakura and Kakashi to form a new Team 7. The trio embarks on new adventures against the Akatsuki and endeavors to find Sasuke. New characters introduced in the Shippuuden animation include Sai and Yamato.

At the outset of the Master Mode (Story) game, Jiraiya and Naruto are traveling and training when they reach a village in need of help. The first area in town that Naruto explores is a cavern with tall rocky columns inside which require a lot of jumping and double jumping to navigate. Other modes include Versus Mode, Training Mode, and a Gallery which contains movies, music, and character cards. The Versus Mode allows 1P vs 2P or 1P vs COM where players choose a hero from four rosters of fighters. The first roster features Series 1 versions of characters such as the young, orange-suited Naruto while the second roster stars Shippuuden characters such as the older, taller, and black/orange-suited Naruto. «more»

Pro Baseball Spirits 4

The first baseball game for the Japanese Playstation 3 continues the popular Pro Baseball Spirits franchise from Konami which features all 12 Japanese professional teams, their respective stadiums, and a control scheme that will be familiar to anyone who's ever played a Jikkyou Powerful Pro Yakyu (Baseball) game.

When batting, the outline of a bat may be moved around to meet an incoming ball. When pitching to a batter, a pitch selector pops up followed by a targeting cursor which designates the location of the throw. Although the controls are intuitive, gamers who need a little virtual spring training may learn the ropes by going through the 11 exercises in the Tutorial Mode and the 90 lessons in the Trial Mode. Once you've mastered the practice drills, start a Pennant Race where you select a team and play an entire season of games. In addition to a multitude of offline modes such as Spirits, MVP Mode, and the Homerun Competition, players may also compete against each other online to ascertain primacy on the diamond. «more»

General Updates

Split Narutimett Accel Shipments Please note that the remaining shipments of PS2 Naruto Shippuuden Narutimett Accel are expected tomorrow. We'll be able to ship the first half of our preorders today and the remainder will ship tomorrow.

DJ Max Portable 2 Another batch of the regular edition of DJMP2 is scheduled to arrive on Monday of next week. The limited edition Orpheus Pack - Night Black is sold out but we'll update our sites if we are able to locate any more stock.

Transformers MP-05 All preorders will ship tomorrow for the unmodified version of the toy. Suppliers saw that MP-05 shipped in robot form and decided it wasn't worth the hassle or time investment to modify each and every toy with a safety cap. Collectors everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief.