Thursday, October 15, 2009

PS2 BeatMania IIDX 16 Empress + Premium Best - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» We were waiting for it. Maybe we've been waiting for the past couple of years but it eluded us in 2007 and 2008. We're all going to hear it this year however. The Beatmania IIDX PS2 swansong sounds off this week and NCS sheds a tear or three for all the Beatmania memories, the sales, and the fun we've had over the past 9 years.

Konami released Beatmania IIDX 3rd Mix on the PS2 all the way back in November 2000 and we've studiously imported every IIDX game after that along with a few Konamistyle exclusives. The final game in the series for the PS2 is a 2-DVD spectacular that include over 180 songs such as "Jack" by DesQ, "MY FUTURE" from Ping Pong, "Colorful Cookie" courtesy of Lucky Vacuum, and "naughty girl@Queen's Palace" by DJ Mass MAD Izm. The usual game modes such as "Arcade," "Expert," and "Free" are intact along with a "Tutorial Mode" for novices.

The visual theme in Beatmania IIDX 16 Empress is feminine royalty... ergo, Empress. Not a Queen but an Empress which ranks higher than a mere Queen. There's purple, pink, and fuchsia colors to contend with along with sparkling jewels and a whole lot of gloss as well.

PSP Metal Slug XX - Japan Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» SNK's Metal Slug 7 was released in the summer of 2008 for the Nintendo DS and one year later, SNK re-releases it on the Playstation Portable with a few new features for added value. Six army grunts are featured in the game including Slug stalwarts such as Marco and Eri. Ralf Jones and Clarke Still from the King of Fighters are also in the cast. Similar to the previous Metal Slug releases, the soldiers run from left to right across seven horizontally scrolling battlefield stages and shoot, jump, and lob bombs at enemy forces. The end of each level is blocked by a boss which is generally challenging.
New features in the PSP release include a large collection of mini-games and ad-hoc cooperative play so gamers can link up and blast away like a two-person army corps. According to SNK's preorder solicitation, a pair of Metal Slug blue-striped boxers will be given away to early preorders in 50% ratio. This means that if we preorder 100 copies of the game, we'll only receive 50 pairs of boxers which we'll give away to the first 50 preorders.

PSP Naruto Shippuuden: Narutimett Accel 3 - Japan Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Naruto Narutimett series graduates from the PS2 to the PSP with Bandai's upcoming Narutimett Accel 3 which is a cconventional 2D fighting game. In addition to the fighting, there's also an action-adventure mode with accompanying story line which involves the Akatsuki organization. Narutimett Accel 3 features a cast of 50 fighters and 1-vs-1, 1-vs-2, and 1-vs-3 competitive fighting modes. Early preorders will ship with three bonus Icha-Memo booklets which contain Accel 3 secrets and techniques that's being given away by Bandai in 50% ratio. Preorders are welcome to ship on December 10, 2009 at JPY4890 ($53.90).

BOOK BAYONETTA Witch of Vigrid Photo Book - Japan Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» From what we've seen of Bayonetta, she'll never be described as a shrinking violet or a timid bookworm. She's flashy, skilled with firearms, and an extrovert but don't take our word for it. Enterbrain's going to show Bayonetta off in their upcoming Bayonetta Witch of Vigrid Photo Book which contains high-resolution images of the leather-clad heroine in various poses and action shots. We'd like to see her wearing a potato sack with a Bloody Mary in her left hand but that's just us. An interview with Bayonetta is also included in the book which should prove amusing. Preorders are welcome to next week at JPY2100 or US$33.90 from NCS.

TOYS Transformers Donald Duck Holiday Vehicle - Japan Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Donald Duck runs a distant second to Mickey's premiere position in the Disney empire but the excitable duck gets some recognition and respect in Takara's upcoming Transformers Donald Duck Holiday Vehicle.

The second toy in the Disney Label Transformers Series features a Donald Duck robot which may be described as a "Duckbot" which transforms into Bumblebee. A skateboard accessory with wheels is included which the Duckbot may stand upon to go cruising. In addition to the large Duckbot, a little Donald Duck toy is also included which can be positioned in a receptacle atop the Duckbot or inside the Bumblee vehicle.
Preorders are welcome to ship in February 2010 at JPY3800 or US$49.90 from NCS. Please note the ship date has been delayed from Dec 2009.

PS3 Assassin's Creed 2 Black Edition - ASIAN Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Preorders are welcome for the Asian-English edition of Assassin's Creed Black Edition which includes the following bonuses:

» Rare “Master Assassin” upgrade Ezio figurine - This highly collectible figurine produced in limited quantities introduces a unique and powerful design of upgraded Assassin cloak that Ezio will only access in the advanced stages of the adventure.
» 3 in-game bonus quests - Enter & explore the most prestigious moments of the Renaissance. Reveal mysterious unique artifacts hidden within their walls. 1) Palazzo Medicis in Florence 2) Santa Maria Dei Frari In Venice
3) Arsenal Shipyard Warehouse In Venice
» Conspiracy book - this unique piece of art brings together exclusive insights on the game art, story and background direct from the developers of Assassin's Creed II. Secret faces are also revealed from the game's overarching conspiracy. The 64 page book comes with a finely crafted leather style hardcover and parchment finish pages.
» Game Soundtrack by Jesper Kyd (British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominee for "2009 Best original score in a game")
» DVD All videos, behind-the-scene interviews and e-goodies about Assassin's Creed II
»
Collectible black packaging featured with unique authentic holographic signature

We were originally planning on importing the UK version of the game which is exclusive to Play.com but our London-based vendors wanted to tack on too much of a handling fee on top of Play's price of £69.99 or US$112.18. Swooping in to save the day, vendors in Hong Kong have begun accepting reservations for the Asian-English edition which includes the same bonuses that are included with the European version. Preorders are expected to ship on or around November 20, 2009 at US$139.90.