Hoshigami + Bonus Visual Book

The Valaim Empire is on the warpath and their actions rouse resistance from two neighboring countries. The protagonist is a mercenary named Fazz who's services have been employed by the Nightweld Empire to guard the Tower of Wind from attack. From a simple assignment, Fazz eventually goes on mission to save the land of Mardias from utter cataclysm. Originally released on the Playstation in 2001 to mixed reviews, Hoshigami on the NDS is an overhaul of the original which makes for a more enjoyable gaming experience. The game features updated graphics, new missions, a new character named Kasha who looks like Fazz but with red eyes, three difficulty levels including an Easy Mode, multiple endings, more save spots, and complete stylus control if desired. «more»

Kurikin: Nano Island Story

Wee beasties are on the rampage and it's your prerogative to make sure they are marshaled properly to destroy other wee beasties. In the early missions, players control masses of nano creatures known as kin that look like dispersions of dust on the touch screen. The top display features a magnified examination of the kin, some of which look like paramecium. To send the beasties into war, scribble a circle around them and then swish the stylus in a direction to mobilize them against enemy forces. When two opposing groups meet, the attack is shown on the top screen where the enemy beasties are devoured and destroyed by fevered gangs of your little kin. Groups may be divided intro smaller attack forces to perform a two-pronged attack or even quartered to swarm the enemy. «more»

Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 + Bonus

The latest and possibly greatest Bleach: Heat the Soul on the PSP features a sizable roster of characters, a new Soul Blaze system, and new special attacks for all of the participants. At the outset of the game, players may opt to transfer data from Bleach HTS 1-3 which unlocks main characters and partners in the game. If you don't have any Bleach data to convert, you'll have to unlock the characters and partners on your own. At the outset of the game, only 16 playable fighters are available but there's a total of 51 playable characters and 17 partner-only characters for a total cast of 68 fighters.

Game Modes
Character Master / Choose a champion and 2 partners; battle the ranks
Mission Battle / Engage opponents where conditions must be met
Vs CPU / Battle the CPU in Time Attack, Survival, 100 Survival, Free Battle
Soul VS / Wireless versus play against another player
Training / Practice with a fighter and 2 partners from 16 available choices
Appendix / Sound Mode, Gallery Mode, Movie Mode, Convert
Option / Game Setting, Sound Setting, Key Config, Save/Load

All preorders shipping today will include a bonus file folder which features colorful Bleach artwork. The file folder can be used to hold a few sheets of paper, currency, or anything else that's thin enough to slip inside. Sadly, we don't have any extra file folders for new orders that are submitted today.

Shining Wind Kureha 1/7 Scale Figure

Max Factory has started preorders for a 1/7 scale PVC figure which features the willowy form of Touka Kureha from the Shining Wind game as well as the Shining Tears X Wind animation serial. In the television series, Kureha is transported along with Souma Akizuki to a land known as End Earth. Although Kureha is an average student, she serves double duty as a shrine maiden and works with Souma as well as Kiriya and Seena while stranded on End Earth. Kureha is also one part of a love triangle where she has strong feelings for the aloof hero Kiriya while Souma has unrequited love for Kureha.

The Shining Wind Kureha figure is set at 1/7 scale or 25cm which converts to 9.84" tall. Her eyes are hazel, a lavender bow adorns the top of her head, and a flower-like bloom billows out from the back of her outfit. Kureha's weapon of choice is a long bow which she tucks behind her right arm. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007.

Samurai Shodown Iroha 1/5 Scale Figure

If a crane ever morphed from avian frame to human form, you'd get something that looks like Iroha. Decked out in black and white duds which flow like airy gossamer, Iroha is a study in contrasts. Her face is sweet and unassuming but she carries two killing blades named Hourin and Ousai. Iroha is seemingly childlike but her body is that of a woman. The winsome maiden first made her appearance in Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuten and toy sculptors have served up a steady supply of Iroha renditions ever since. The latest incarnation is from Good Smile Company which clocks in at 1/5 scale or 30cm (11.81") tall.

The new Iroha figure is fixed pose where she perches on her right leg (note the thick meaty thighs) while her left leg is lifted up. Cranes and flamingos generally perch like that. Similar to other Iroha figures, the posture is fairly relaxed and she looks like she might be out for a Sunday stroll. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2007.

Ghost in the Shell Nendoroid Tachikoma

Good Smile Company's line of Nendoroid toys such as the Sabre (Fate Stay Night) figure and the Mesousa set invariably feature rounded sculpts and big heads. There's a Death Note Yagami Nendoroid figure shipping this summer which sports a huge melon head. The company has recently started preorders for a 130mm Nendoroid Tachikoma which represents the first mechanical construct in the product line.

The new Tachikoma features the rounded proportions that have come to define the Nendoroid line but neither the pod nor the body are exaggerated in size. The four legs are stubby and are fitted with wheels while Tachikoma's pincers are functional and may be opened and closed to grip the Eneuron Organic canister included with the toy. The default weapon that is affixed to the undercarriage of the mech is a grenade launcher but it may be swapped out for a gatling gun. A sheet of decals is also included to paste on Tachikoma's body. Preorders are welcome to ship in Oct 2007.

Samurai Spirits Zero Mina Majikina 1/4 Scale

Japanese toy manufacturer Daiki Kogyou originally released the 1/4 scale Mina Majikina toy in resin kit form last year and buyers flocked to it like chickens to cracked corn. After selling out of the kits, Daiki Kogyou rewards patient collectors with an assembled and fully painted figure which ships in October 2007. The toy is limited to only 3000 units and pricing is set at JPY23,100 or US$289 from NCS.

The figure is sculpted to 1/4 scale or 45cm tall which converts to a magnificent 17.71" from blue tabi socks to the top of Mina's flowing silver tresses. Although the product photo doesn't show the full expanse of her bow, the Chinsei Hachijou in her left hand spans 50cm or 19.68" in length. In her right hand, Mina grips three arrows which are pointed downwards and a green quiver is lashed to her back. Champuru is missing but we imagine that the little demon is out gathering berries. Or squirrels.

Please note the packaging for this figure will incur dimensional weight shipping charges. It's a big one. As such, NCS recommends only shipping via UPS Ground within the United States. Preorders are welcome today.

General Updates

Imports Tomorrow All of this week's new import shipments are scheduled to arrive tomorrow and preorders for PSP Bleach: Heat the Soul 4 will ship on Thursday.

Japanese Console Restock Another batch of Japanese Wii consoles are expected tomorrow and all backorders will ship on Thursday. Slim Japanese PS2 consoles will also be restocked tomorrow.

USA Wii Consoles Since we receive many inquiries: Distributors in New York are still trying to get US$350 for USA territory Wiis. NCS isn't stocking any at that price but we'll add the consoles back to our shop when prices are more reasonable.