Wednesday, December 16, 2009

X360 Espgaluda II Black Label [Regular Edition] - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese distributors started preorders for Espgaluda II Black Label on the Xbox 360 last night. No one knew if the game would be region-free like Mushihimesama Futari v1.5 was since Cave didn't provide this information on the preliminary preorder offer. Based on the international good will that Cave created with Futari, we're somewhat confident that Espgaluda II is going to be region-free but they'll have to confirm before it's a go. We might shed a tear or three if they decide to region-protect their shmups again.

Espgaluda II is a vertically scrolling shooter but firing away isn't the only gist of the game. There's also swarms of gems to be collected; lots of them which burst out of enemies when they're destroyed. Players will also find themselves weaving and dodging a maze of bullets which spiral and scatter throughout the screen. By strategizing and going into three types of
Kakusei mode, players can maximize the score multiplier, throw up an auto-barrier, and affect bullet velocity. Game modes in the Xbox 360 port include an Xbox mode, a Novice mode, Arcade mode, and an Arrange mode for a bit of variation on the horizontal shooting action. In the sequel, a girl named Asagi joins the cast of Ageha and Tateha from the original Espgaluda as a playable hero. She's a scrawny runt at the outset of the game but watch how she does when she's at maximum power.

Distributors have only started preorders for the regular edition of Espgaluda II thus far and the preorder solicitation mentions that every copy of the first printing includes a bonus 2-disc soundtrack that is packaged inside the DVD case. Furthermore, the allocation of the limited edition of Espgaluda II from Cave is dependent on the preorder quantity for the regular edition. For example, if NCS preorders 500 copies of Espgaluda II and Cave's regular-to-limited allocation ratio is 5:1, that means we'll only be allowed to order 100 copies of the limited edition. Due to this type of arrangement, NCS does not expect to be able to stock many copies of the limited edition and it'll likely skyrocket in price on the aftermarket upon release. We'll finalize the actual allocation ratio in the next few days after we submit our preorder numbers for the regular edition. A bonus Xbox 360 faceplate (viewable on our shopping link gallery) is included in the limited edition of the game.

Preorders for Espgaluda II regular edition are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010 at JPY6980 or US$74.90 from NCS. Please wait for information on whether or not the game is region-free in the next few days. Thanks.

PSP QIX++ - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The original coin-op version of Qix gobbled up quarters back in 1981 when the competition consisted of Kangaroo, Donkey Kong, and Pac-Man. Fast forward nearly three decades and Qix++ has already been released on Xbox Live Arcade to mediocre reviews but that's not stopping Taito from porting the game over to the PSP. Qix is a simple block-building game. Players control a diamond-shaped vehicle which draws straight lines in order to create squares and boxes. The aim of the game is to isolate an electrical being called Qix in as small a space as possible by building blocks on the playfield while avoiding the deathly touch of the Qix. The PSP conversion will include all of the downloadable content that's available for the Xbox Live version. Preorders are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010.

X360 No More Heroes: Heroes Paradise - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Sales for No More Heroes on the Wii were below expectations. NCS anticipated much more interest for a game by Grasshopper but maybe the stars weren't aligned properly. How any gamer could resist a protagonist named Travis Touchdown who wields a "Beam Katana" may be one of the great mysteries in this life.
One way to get more sales for a game is to release it on other platforms and that's what publisher Marvelous is trying next year. NCS opened up preorders for the PS3 conversion last week and we're starting reservations for the Xbox 360 version this week. The game is subtitled "Heroes Paradise" which features new voice acting, more event scenes, and a special mode dubbed "Very Sweet Mode," which is an easy level for beginners. Under certain conditions, the female characters in the game appear in bikinis, belly shirts, and generally show as much skin as possible without getting slapped with public lewdness citation.
Preorders are welcome to ship on February 25, 2010 and early preorders will ship with a bonus erotic portrait collection that's being given away in 50% ratio by the publisher. The collection is different from the PS3 bonus.

NEWS General Updates

Final Fantasy XIII Update
All reservations for the Japanese version of FFXIII are shipping tomorrow. The packages have cleared U.S. Customs as of this morning and are scheduled to be delivered on Thursday. Due to the volume of transactions that are being processed and shipped tomorrow, we cannot accept any shipping changes at this time. Invoices and shipping labels have been printed and we'll get everyone's order out on Thursday.
Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Bundle Update
The FFXIII Lightning Bundles are in the process of clearing Customs but based on tracking details this morning, NCS expects split-deliveries so that one big batch will arrive on Thursday and another smaller batch will arrive on Friday. We'll have more information by tomorrow morning once we track the different packages that are currently in transit from Japan to New York City. Please note that UPS Ground should deliver everyone's package (stateside) by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. UPS is treating next Thursday as a normal transit and delivery day.
Classic Linker N64
EMS Industrial (Hong Kong) has released a new controller converter for the Wii with the following features:

Connects N64™ controllers to GC™ / Wii™.
- Built-in two sets of KEY MAPPING.
- Free BUTTON SWAP function.
- Supports ANALOG STICK ADJUST function.
- Supports RUMBLE function.
- Supports N64™ controllers in N64™ games on Wii™ perfectly.
Connects PS™ / PS2™ / Wii™ Classic controllers to GC™ / Wii™.
- Programmable AUTO FIRE function.
- Supports RUMBLE function.
- Supports PS™ dancing mat.

NCS expects our shipment to arrive next week. Preorders are welcome.