Friday, May 28, 2010

NDS Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q! Chinjuu Hunter Mono - New

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX»
Translated as "Travel to the ends of the Earth," Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q! is a popular television variety show with an ensemble cast. One of the characters in the show is a girl named Imoto Ayako who has really big eyebrows and busted teeth. She goes out into the world to experience other cultures and check out different animals. In the Nintendo DS game based on the show, Imoto travels to different places to find assorted animals and compete in mini-games against them. For example, she'll engage in a foot race against a cheetah, play "tug of war" with an alligator, chuck a spear at a motionless target, and answer simple questions about the different creatures that she encounters. All orders will include a few sheets of Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q! decals that are all packaged in a plastic baggie which was given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio.


NDS Soccer Tsuku DS World Challenge 2010 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Sega's been in the soccer game business for over two decades and their latest soccer sim is a top-notch entry on the Nintendo DS. Famitsu blessed Soccer Tsuku DS with Gold in last week's issue (8/9/7/8) and it's a shame that most NDS players outside Japan will never experience the game. Sega includes three European leagues (England, Spain, and Italy), the Japanese national league, and a World Challenge for gamers to explore. The Sakatsuku Mode gives players control of a team and the goal is to build up the ranks with capable team members who level up their stats when they're kicking and punting on the field. The Wi-Fi Mode allows players to hook up and engage each other in soccer action.

Early preorders will include a bonus Ramos Ruy code card that's being given away by Sega in 50% ratio. The card is packed in a blue foil wrapper.

PSP Fullmetal Alchemist: Yakusoku no Hi New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
Update: May 28, 2010
«©NCSX» Ever since ancient times, the knowledge of alchemy and transmutation has been used by those trained in the mystic arts. Closely guarded and hidden by symbols and esoteric terminology, the science of alchemy is limited to only to a small group of practitioners.

In the Fullmetal Alchemist storyline, protagonist Edward Elric loses his sibling Alphonse in an unfortunate accident that occurs when the brothers try to resurrect their mother. To save Alphonse, Edward uses alchemy to capture his brother's soul within a suit of armor. Ed also suffers the loss of his left leg and his right arm but thanks to his knowledge of alchemy, he replaces his limbs with mechanical appendages. Ever the optimist, Edward decides that the Philisopher's Stone - the elusive reagent capable of granting eternal life, changing tin to gold, and other miraculous transmutations, is the key to his woes and sets off on a mission to find it.


Join the Elric brothers in an action-adventure game which takes Edward and Alphonse across the land of Amestris. The game features free-roaming exploration, interactive battle sequences, and a supporting cast of characters such as Winry Rockbell and Roy Mustang. The game is labeled an RPG and the interaction sequences are plentiful to relay the plotline. Battles are of the turn-based variety with the face buttons pushed to trigger attacks from party members.
Early preorders will ship with a bonus Fullmetal Alchemist Hagane Storage Box (50% ratio allocation) which can be used to store about a dozen PSP games or a few PS1 games.

PS2 Strike Witches: Anata to Dekirukoto A Little Peaceful Days

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Earth was once a sparkling jewel of a planet. The word "once" in the previous sentence is operative because in an alternate reality version of Earth, the planet's been devastated by an destructive armed force called the Neuroi. To fight back and perhaps conquer the Neuroi, human scientists pour their creative animus into a contraption called the "Striker Unit" which is an all-in-one device which grants wearers the power of flight, defensive measures, and enhances one's propensity for magic. In the world of Strike Witches, cat-eared girls serve as the warriors who don the Striker Units and thrust through the heavens to battle the insidious Neuroi.

The PS2 adaptation of Strike Witches can be slotted into the "Interactive Novel" genre where players interact with the cast from the animated series and endure lengthy conversation sequences. Occasionally, the game prompts the player to perform a situational decision by way of a button press which leads to a new round of conversation. The PS2 game focuses on two Witches named Amaki Suwa and Nishiki Nakashima (shown on the left side of the game cover) who are stranded on a deserted island and they interact with the Witch protagonist Yoshi Kudou. The limited edition of Strike Witches includes a Drama CD and is packaged in a shiny slipcase.

PS3 Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition Bundle Deluxe

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Square Enix localizes Final Fantasy XIII in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan this week with a Chinese language rendition of the game. Since anyone in those territories (who really really wanted to play the game) has already played the Japanese or North American version of FFXIII already, Square had to think of a gimmick to convince fans to purchase the game again. The gimmick was a multi-pronged one as follows:

Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Edition Bundle Deluxe Contents
»
Final Fantasy XIII game (Chinese with English/Korean subtitles)
» Dual Shock 3 controller with pink Lightning imprint
» FFXIII Original Soundtrack (10 tracks)

» FFXIII CG Illustrations Booklet
» FFXIII Character Poster
» Original FFXIII Sleeve Case
» Playstation Network Card (One of four types for Premium Avatar DLC)
» Sony HDMI Cable (Packaged separately from the FFXIII box)

All re-confirmed preorders at the price of US$138.90 will ship today and new orders are welcome for dispatch this afternoon.

Wii World Soccer Winning Eleven 2010 Playmaker - New

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Violins chirp to start the rousing introductory cinema which kicks off Konami's WSWE 2010 Playmaker that should stir the national pride of Japanese footy fans. The Japanese national team performs ably against international squads amidst glimpses of the billowing flag of Japan. A tear almost ran down our collective eyes but somehow, we held it back.

At the outset of the game, a number of training exercises are presented for players to practice the controls - the default controller setup is the Nunchuk and Remote but an alternate setup allows the use of the Classic Controller and Remote. The first training exercise prompts players to run across the field by using the Remote followed by a passing session and a kicking stint where the ball is passed and kicked around the field.

Game modes includes "Japan Challenge," "UEFA Champions League," "Match," "PM vs WE," and "League/Cup" along with a Replay Gallery to review particularly memorable plays. NCS tried out a Japan Challenge game this morning and found that the camera view pans far above the field so that the players appear small against the backdrop of the field. We prefer this perspective because we're able to watch a big chunk of the players as they ramble around the field. Controls are tight and precise with the combination of Remote and Nunchuk working beautifully to shuffle a player around and shake loose oncoming attackers.

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1121 - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The June 10, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes print coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:

» Preview for Sega's PSP Project K which will bear the name Kurohyou: Ryu ga Gotoku Shinshou when it's released on September 22, 2010. The characters in the game and the voice actors who provide their intonations are profiled in the article along with a look at the battle system.
» Famitsu reviews PSP Fairy Tale Portable Guild (6/7/7/7) and X360
PopCap Arcade: Rakushisa, Ippai, Action & Puzzle 7 Pack (7/5/6/6).
» A retro-view back at the original Metal Gear game from 1987.
» Wii Super Mario Galaxy 2 game guide which spans 20 pages.
» Every copy of Famitsu includes a 32-page MGS Peace Walker game guide which is called a "Hi-Complete Bible."
» Interview with Japanese footballer Ono Shinji who appears in Sega's recent NDS
Soccer Tsuku DS World Challenge 2010 game.
» NDS Super Robot Wars Lord of Elemental game guide.
» Sandwiches are the rage in this week's PICK UP FOOD section.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

X360 DeathSmiles IIX - New Import, Restock Tomorrow

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the original DeathSmiles, the heroines Windia, Caspar, Rosa, and Follet were teenagers who were accompanied by invincible familiars. In the sequel, the girls have devolved and they're no longer teens. They're now "tweens" which accentuates the lolita-gothic theme of the game with a younger-looking cast of immaculately garbed and coiffed junior maidens.

Similar to the first DeathSmiles, the sequel is a horizontal shooter where players fire shots to the right, fire shots to the left, and drop the occasional bomb blast. A lock-shot is also available by pressing the "A" and "B" shot buttons together to lock onto enemies. In the coin-op version, DeathSmiles II featured a cast of four characters with Windia and Caspar returning to reprise their roles. They're joined by a lad named Lei with an identity crisis. Although Lei's a male, he nevertheless dresses up like a maid and appears to be wearing eyeliner. The fourth character is a youngling named Supe (Soupy) who looks like a baby munchkin just emerging from her swaddling clothes. The Xbox 360 conversion improves on the coin-op original by adding Rosa and Follet as playable characters. The 360 game also includes two new stages for a total of 7 to plow through and attendant bosses who guard the new stages. DeathSmiles 2 is designed with 3D in mind so the stages, enemies, and bosses are rendered 3D models which may be off-putting to some 2D shmup purists. We like the game just fine however.

X360 DeathSmiles IIX LE - New Import, Restock Tomorrow

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the original DeathSmiles, the heroines Windia, Caspar, Rosa, and Follet were teenagers who were accompanied by invincible familiars. In the sequel, the girls have devolved and they're no longer teens. They're now "tweens" which accentuates the lolita-gothic theme of the game with a younger-looking cast of immaculately garbed and coiffed junior maidens.

Similar to the first DeathSmiles, the sequel is a horizontal shooter where players fire shots to the right, fire shots to the left, and drop the occasional bomb blast. A lock-shot is also available by pressing the "A" and "B" shot buttons together to lock onto enemies. In the coin-op version, DeathSmiles II featured a cast of four characters with Windia and Caspar returning to reprise their roles. They're joined by a lad named Lei with an identity crisis. Although Lei's a male, he nevertheless dresses up like a maid and appears to be wearing eyeliner. The fourth character is a youngling named Supe (Soupy) who looks like a baby munchkin just emerging from her swaddling clothes. The Xbox 360 conversion improves on the coin-op original by adding Rosa and Follet as playable characters. The 360 game also includes two new stages for a total of 7 to plow through and attendant bosses who guard the new stages. DeathSmiles 2 is designed with 3D in mind so the stages, enemies, and bosses are rendered 3D models.
The Limited Edition includes a bonus soundtrack and slipcase

ETC e-Capcom Okami Teacup Set - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Okami was a beautiful game. Pretty graphics, vibrant sound, and a hard charging wolf-heroine-goddess all conspired to create an engaging Wii experience. There hasn't been an outrageous amount of Okami merchandise released in the market but NCS imported some Amaterasu plushes from e-Capcom a few years back (which we couldn't resist) and we'll be getting some Okami-themed tea cups next month.

The e-Capcom exclusive Okami Teacup Set ships in a wooden box and two heat-sensitive cups are included. The first cup features a flaming image of Amaterasu whilst the second cup is imprinted with an illustration of Amaterasu and a little girl astride her back. To reveal these images, a liquid that's warmer than 40˚C or 104˚F must be poured into the cup to trigger the heat-sensitive paint on the cup. Preorders are welcome to ship in late June 2010 at US$65.90 per set. Please note pricing reflects special arrangements to import the Teacup Sets from e-Capcom.

TOYS Michael Jackson Impressive Pose Statue - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In a 1983 performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television program, Michael Jackson performed a repertoire of dance moves that captivated the crowd. Michael did his interpretation of the Moonwalk, renditions of the Stanky Legg, and a spin attack where he rotated about five times. At the end of the spin, Michael did a tiptoe move where he balanced himself on the tips of his shoes for roughly a second before continuing the performance. Since the Moonwalk and the spin moves would be too difficult to interpret in a static statue, Japanese manufacturer Dive had a choice between the Stanky Leg and the Tiptoe. They chose to immortalize the latter in a Michael Jackson Impressive Pose Statue which features Michael's disembodied legs which are sculpted at the optimum tiptoe hold position. Compelling stuff. Preorders for the 22cm statue are welcome to ship in July 2010 at JPY12800 or US$149.90 each.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

BOOK One Voice: Shunya Yamashita Anthology 3 - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Artist Shunya Yamashita specializes in illustrations of the fantasy female form in all of its dimensions and scantily clad proportions. Shunya doesn't draw office ladies or schoolmarms with their Cateye glasses since they wouldn't be found in a fantasy environment. Shunya focuses on girls like Yoko Ritona of Gurren Lagann fame, Asuka Langley from Evangelion, and Aya of Oneechan Bara.

The upcoming One Voice: Shunya Yamashita Anthology 3 book from publisher Kotobukiya collects recent works from Shunya Yamashita's portfolio in a 120 page volume (A4 size which measures
8.27 X 11.69 in area). Illustrations of well known characters as well as some obscure original characters are coupled with commercial work that Shunya was commissioned to do. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late July 2010 at JPY2800 or US$36.90 from NCS. Japanese: OneVoice 山下しゅんや作品集III

NDS Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! DS Flame Rumble XX - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The cast of Katekyoo Hitman Reborn! is inducted once again in a fighting game where up to four combatants battle simultaneously in a 2D free-for-all. The previous volume of Flame Rumble featured a cast of 50 characters but Flame Rumble XX bumps the roster up to 100 characters so there's someone for every type of player. Vongola Boxes are usable in the game which kicks up the weapon repertoire that's available to the fighters. Thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, gamers across Japan can join in on four-player tournaments to determine top dog status.

All preorders will ship with a bonus Hitman Reborn! Special CCGX Trading Card that's being given away inside every copy of the game
.

NDS Quiz! Hexagon II - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Fuji Television televises Quiz! Hexagon II every Wednesday and the show has built up a loyal viewership thanks to its cast of amicable characters, engaging hosts, and celebrity guests. The Nintendo DS adaptation of the television show features host Shinsuke Shimada reprising his role along with members of the regular cast. The game's contestants are high school students who have been invited to the show in order to compete against each other in 50-question written tests and quiz battles. Bandai touts over 4500 questions in the game which are given in 15 types of quizzes.

Preorders are welcome to ship on July 22, 2010 at JPY4800 or US$53.90 from NCS. Early preorders will ship with a bonus Nintendo DS pouch which is being given away in 30% ratio.

TOYS Rockman 1/10 Scale Model Kit - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Rockman celebrated his 20th anniversary in 2007 and the blue armored hero is recognized by fans in countries where gaming handhelds and consoles are available. That makes Rockman merchandise easier to sell to a global audience than Crayon-Shinchan products since Shin-chan is primarily known only in Japan. That's also why Kotobukiya is releasing a Rockman 1/10 Scale Model Kit (13cm or 5.12" tall) instead of a Shin-chan Mode Kit later this summer.

The Rockman Kit is requires assembly and paint to prep it for display but once completed, Rockman is articulated so that his limbs may be postured and positioned into various action poses. Three removable faces are included to change Rock's expression along with a container of E-Tank and a Blaster which is part of his right arm. Preorders are welcome to ship in September 2010 at JPY3150 or US$36.90 from NCS.

TOYS Star Wars Sound Lightsaber Flashlight - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» A couple of weeks ago, we had one of our locks replaced because the Medeco cylinder assembly apparently went bye-bye. The locksmith that did the work needed a flashlight but the first light we tried was dead. Did you know that you're supposed to change the batteries in flashlights at least once every 10 years? We didn't. The second flashlight we tried was one of those shake-lights where you joggle it around for a minute or two to charge up the internal battery. That worked and the locksmith was so grateful, he only overcharged us by 50% instead of the usual 80%.

The next time the need arises for a flashlight, we might reach for Taito's Star Wars Sound Lightsaber Flashlight (say that three times quickly) which shoots out a beam of white light to scare away the darkness. A second function on the 20cm saber allows it to make energy-swooshing sounds to impress the girls, the Star Wars nerds fans, and the occasional light-needing locksmith. Preorders are welcome to ship in mid-late September 2010 at US$18.90 each. Two styles are available.

NEWS General Updates

X360 DeathSmiles IIX - Tomorrow
Most preorders for the regular and limited editions of DeathSmiles IIX will ship tomorrow. Please note that later orders placed within the past two weeks and new orders that are placed today will ship on Thursday when the second batch of the game arrives.
X360 Tales of Graces Exchange Update
All remaining TOG exchange discs will be shipped back to customers on Thursday or Friday of this week. The final batch of discs were sent from Japan over the weekend and they're on the way to NYC. Please note that the TOG exchange program is no longer available and NCS is unable to accept any new exchange requests at this time.
PS3 Final Fantasy XIII Deluxe - Chinese Language Edition
Based on information from Hong Kong dealers, the Asian-Chinese language edition of FFXIII with the special Lightning Dual Shock 3 won't be allowed for distribution until Thursday. Due to this later release, please note that we may not receive our shipments until next Monday. Further, there may be a shortage but we'll update accordingly later this week.

Monday, May 24, 2010

TOYS R-Type Madou Gokin RWF-9A Arrow Head - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Fledgling Japanese toy manufacturer "A-Label" releases an R-Type RWF-9A Arrow Head diecast toy which is a limited to a mere 2000 units. The ship is made of ABS, PVC, and diecast metal which is packaged with a stand and a Force Unit. Upon opening up the surprising large retail box, a protective Styrofoam shell may be found inside. Slit the packing tape that covers all four sides of the shell to reveal the Arrow Head within along with a mounting stand, the massive Force Unit, and metal rods that are used to mount the parts that require mounting.

The Arrow Head looks good with fully painted body, transparent purple cockpit canopy, and a Force Unit that's positioned directly ahead of the ship. No, it's not floating on its own volition but mounted on a metal stalk that rises from the mounting stand. The Arrow Head measures 13cm or 5.11" in length and the complete Force Unit is almost as big as the ship itself. Preorders have shipped as of last week and new orders are welcome. One of our Japanese vendors is hoarding this particular toy and we'll be able to restock it if our inventory is depleted in the next few months. Japanese Product Name: R-TYPEシリーズ 魔導合金Rwf-9-A アロー・ヘッド

NDS Let's! Mangaka DS Style - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» A "mangaka" is a comic artist who usually uses pencils or pens to illustrate panels in a manga serial. Although manga sales in Japan have been dropping in the past few years, the sizable amount of comic book content created per annum ensures that legions of mangaka will continue working for the foreseeable future.

In Let's! Mangaka DS Style, players enter the world of manga by initially working as an assistant to a writer/artist in a production studio. By performing her duties well, the protagonist eventually gets to become a mangaka herself. The game features a comic toolkit which allows players to layout panels, draw line art, color, and ink pencils to create the final product. In addition to original works, preset images and stamps may also be used to create illustrations. Preorders are welcome to ship on July 29, 2010 at JPY4800 or US$53.90 from NCS.

NDS Odoru Daisosasen The Game Sensuikan ni Sennyuseyo

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Shunsaku Aoshima was a computer salesman who became dissatisfied with the business of peddling products. Aoshima decides to change careers and enters the police force after being trained as a detective. He's assigned to the Wangan Police Department by a board of elderly police officials who express some doubts as to his qualifications. However, there's a shortage of policemen in Japan and they grudgingly send him to Wangan to be a jurisdictional officer.

The Oforu Daisosasen (Bayside Shakedown) television series and movies were very popular in Japan and "The Game" adaptation arrives later this year. In the game, players take on the role of Shunsaku who battles the monsters of bureaucracy, professional animosity, apathy, and general inefficiency in the Japanese crime fighting ranks. The game is played by way of interactive sequences, cut scenes, and decision-making through a simple menu system. A total of 50 missions may be explored and solved by using intuition, clues, and investigation. Early preorders will ship with a bonus "Frog Express" touch pen which measures 13.6cm in length and is being given away by the publisher in 50% ratio. Preorders ship on July 15, 2010.

NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Wednesday-Thursday

NDS

G.G Series Collection Plus Genterprise

Kunio-Kun no Chou Nekketsu! Soccer League

Arc System

Medarot DS: Kabuto Version

Rocket

Medarot DS: Kuwagata Version

Rocket

Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Lord of Elemental

Bandai

PSP

Blaze Union

Atlus
360 DeathSmiles IIX [Expected on Wednesday] Cave

DeathSmiles IIX Limited Edition [Ditto] Cave

DeathSmiles IIX Stick

Hori

Wii

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Nintendo

NEWS USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Monday-Thursday

NDS Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers Atari

Club Penguin: Herbert's Revenge Disney
Dawn of Heroes Majesco
PS3 Blur Activision

Modnation Racers Sony
UFC 2010 THQ
PSP Hexyz Force Atlus

Modnation Racers Sony
Wii Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers Atari
360 Blur Activision

Backyard Sports: Sandlot Sluggers Atari
UFC 2010 THQ

SOTW SS Pro Commander for Sega Saturn - Clearance

NCS Sale of the Week Offering: May 24, 2010
Original Release in Japan: July 10, 1996
«©NCSX» Brand new and factory packaged SS Pro Commander for the Sega Saturn which is the only controller we've ever stocked that is packed with a user manual that's as big as a poster. Really. As big as a poster to explain the myriad functions that the controller is capable of. The special buttons on the face of the joypad are: SLOW, PLAY, EDIT, TEACH, STEP, TIME, COPY, DEL which means that gamers can pull of moves, store them, and then replay them ad infinitum. While supplies last, NCS will include a bonus SS Pro Commander Memory Card which plugs into the bottom of the joypad. Optec used to sell the memory cards separately instead of being good blokes and including them with each controller.

Product Condition
NCS' remaining inventory is brand new and factory boxed in the original cardboard containers. The packaging is in very good
structural shape but there is denting and scuffing n the cardboard due to years of warehouse-to-warehouse transport and storage. NCS' inventory does not suffer from "sun-fading" which is caused when product are left out in the open so that sunlight bleaches and fades the colors from once-pretty packaging.

Sale Offering

Pricing per SS Pro Commander is set at US$25.90 each. If you reside in the USA, NCS recommends USPS Media Mail shipping for the most economical domestic service. For our customers outside the USA, NCS recommends normal Airmail International service. «Photo Gallery»