Friday, July 30, 2010

BOOK One Voice: Shunya Yamashita Anthology 3 - New, In Stk

NCS Product 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 because they're bold, brash, and larger than life even in the fantastical realms that they inhabit.

The new 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 such as Rogue of the X-Men and the Scarlet Witch (Avengers) are joined by obscure original characters along with commercial work that Shunya was commissioned to do. On page #38 and 39, Shunya shows readers his technique from pencil sketches to computer draft to completed illustration. The creative tools listed include Corel Painter X, Photoshop CS4, and a Wacom Intuos3 PTZ-631W tablet. A section titled "The Original Works for Video Games" includes illustrations for characters from Valkyrie Profile 2, Lord of Vermillion, and more.
Japanese Product Name: OneVoice 山下しゅんや作品集III
«Photo Gallery»

PSP Geijutsuka Art Design Class Slapstick Wonder Land LE - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Kisaragi Yamaguchi is a glasses-wearing high school student who's an aspiring artist. She attends the Geijutsuka Art Design Class (GA) to learn visual design along with four fellow students named Miki Noda, Miyabi Omichi, Namiko Nozaki, and Tomokane. Together, the five artists learn the principles of design, help each other with their artistic endeavors, and engage in madcap situations. The animated series weaves elements and fundamentals of design into the narrative - for example, in the first episode, viewers learn what pictograms are and proper pictogram design.

The PSP adaptation of the Geijutsuka Art Design Class franchise is an interactive adventure with a brand new storyline written exclusively for the game. New characters are introduced who provide dramatic foil and the adventure features multiple endings which are determined by the player's choices that are made in the course of the interaction. The voice actresses from the animated series were hired to provide the characters' utterances. The limited edition of
Geijutsuka Art Design Class Slapstick Wonder Land includes three exclusive items as follows:

» Plush chicken toy (white); the chicken appears to be sleeping
» Illustrations booklet which features colorful GA event scenes
» Omnibus Drama CD which contains an original audio scenario

PSP Takuyo Mix Box First Anniversary - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Our first Takuyo-published game import was a Saturn title named E'tude Prologue. That was back in the winter of 1998 when Sega's Saturn was still in contention. Takuyo had published Super Famicom and Gameboy games prior to their transition to the Saturn and eventually the Dreamcast and Playstation 2 where it unleashed a bevy of RPGs and interactive adventures. The company's still going strong and this summer, they're releasing a collection of 10 mini-games featuring characters culled from 10 selections in Takuyo's library of software as follows:

» e'tude prologue (Sega Saturn, 1998)
» Kaitou Apricot (Dreamcast and Playstation 2, 2003)
» for Symphony ~with all one's heart~ (Dreamcast, 2003)
» Cherry Blossom (Dreamcast and Playstation 2, 2004)
» Little Aid (PC and Playstation 2, 2005)
» HimeHibe -princess days- (Playstation 2, 2006)
» panic palette (Playstation 2, 2007)
» Sorayume (Playstation 2, 2008)
» HimeHibe -New Princess Days!!- Zoku! Ni-Gakki (Playstation 2, 2009)
» Kaeru Batake de Tsukamaete (Playstation 2, 2010)

Fans get to challenge an assortment of characters in the various mini-games, watch a new cinematic introduction, and win credits upon successful completion of the mini-game challenges. The credits may be used to purchase and unlock special features in the software such as voice samples, illustrations, and BGM.
Takuyo Mix Box ファーストアニバーサリー

PSP Project Diva 2nd Accessory Set - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» When Project Diva 2nd was released earlier this week, it was a fairly big deal in Japan. Not Final Fantasy big but more like Puyo Puyo big. This dimension of "big" means satisfactory sales and merchandising tie-ins to captivate the fans. Hori has two such tie-ins for PD2 and their PSP accessory set boasts an assemblage of goodies as follows:

» White PSP carrying case with a green Miku silhouette design on front
» A second PSP carrying case with a Miku-Hatsune-front-of-shirt design
» UMD slipcase which holds a single UMD disc within its confines
» Green silicone PSP cover and a PSP screen cleaning cloth
» Miku Hatsune PSP carrying strap which is painted green
» A set of four PSP decals which feature the characters from the game

PSP Project Diva 2nd Accessory Pouch - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis

«©NCSX» When Project Diva 2nd was released earlier this week, it was a fairly big deal in Japan. Not Dragon Quest big but more like Chocobo Magical Dungeon big. This dimension of "big" signifies satisfactory sales and merchandising tie-ins to captivate the fans. Hori has two such tie-ins for PD2 and their PSP accessory pouch includes two needful items as follows:

» PSP carrying pouch which uses zipper technology to open and close
» PSP carrying strap
which may be tethered to the pouch

The Project Diva pouch is worthy of its namesake because it's shiny silver colored with metallic blue trim. That's value right there.

MAG Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1130 - New Import, Sold Out

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The August 12, 2010 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes print coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace: » News scoop on the Halo Reach Xbox 360 Bundle which is packed with a silver Xbox 360 Slim console and two silver controllers. We want it. » This week's "FACE" interviews Takanori Nishikawa of T.M. Revolution who sang the theme song "Naked Arms" for Sengoku Basara 3.
» Preview for NDS Radiant Historia which is accompanied by advertising from the publisher Atlus.
» Famitsu takes a look at Street Fighter vs. Tekken which is slated for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Concept art and illustrations are squeezed onto four pages along with a creator interview.
» Reviews for NDS
Jewel Pet: Maho no Oheya de Issho ni Asobou (8/7/7/7), NDS Mame Goma 3: Kawaii ga Ippai (6/6/6/7), NDS Heart Catch PreCure! Oshare Collection (7/7/7/7), PSP Oretachi no Survival Game Versus (6/5/4/5), PSP Storm Lover (8/7/8/7) and PSP Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X (9/8/9/8). » Turn to page 264 for the start of Famitsu's gaming retrospective which recounts the gaming consoles and handhelds through the years.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

BOOK The Eyes of Bayonetta - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Bayonetta was/is a hot game. We're still replaying it. Whenever a new Bayonetta-related product is announced, we'll order it for ourselves even if we don't bring it in for mass consumption since there's a global recession going on and yadda yadda yadda. Even if a company is crazy enterprising enough to solicit preorders for Bayonetta hair extensions or Bayonetta soup dumplings, we're going to get them.

Enterbrain's The Eyes of Bayonetta book isn't a crazy kind of product. It'll actually sell more than 3 copies because it's a comprehensive tome packed full of designs, illustrations, and artwork of the heroine Bayonetta, the cast of characters, locations, and the weapons featured in the game. What we're most interested in perusing through are the illustrations of characters and weapons that weren't used in the game but are featured in the book. As an added bonus, a DVD is included which contains staff commentary on the design process and how Bayonetta went from pencil sketch to full-blown action heroine. As second bonus, two foldout posters are included in the book. All preorders and new orders are shipping this afternoon at JPY3500 or US$68.90 from NCS. Pricing reflects the overnight shipping costs to import a 233-page hardcover book from Japan to the USA.

CDM Piano Collections Final Fantasy XIII - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Tickling the ivories and creating beautiful music isn't something that all mortals are capable of. In other words, all men aren't created equal when it comes to playing the piano, along with a host of other things. One artist who's been tickling a storm out of the ivories is Aki Kuroda and she collaborates with composer Masashi Hamauzu once again to create Piano Collections Final Fantasy XIII. Aki's formidable skills are on display where she recreates entire FFXIII songs with only a piano at her disposal and no accompaniment from wind or percussion instruments.

Piano Collections Final Fantasy XIII contains 10 tracks including the whimsical "
FINAL FANTASY XIII - The Promise ~ The Sunleth Waterscape" and the cheery "Vanille's Theme ~ Memories of Happier Days ~ The Road Home." The full track listing may be viewed on NCS' product page for the disc along with a link to Square's official website which contains samples of the songs included in the new Piano Collection. The first printing of the CD includes a bonus slipcase which won't be present in the second printing.

NDS Kamen Rider Battle Ganbaride Card Battle Taisen - New

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Kamen Rider Battle: Ganbaride coin-op that was released in 2008, Bandai coupled the Riders with data cards for a somewhat enjoyable arcade experience. The special cabinet that housed the Kamen Rider game featured a big-center-button along with three additional buttons per player and a card scanner. By using only buttons and cards, players made a pair of Riders battle another pair of Riders in a card-inserting, button-pressing, virtual-slot-spinning, stutter-step of a card fighting game.

Fans of Kamen Rider will enjoy the round-by-round simulated attacks but non-fans will probably scratch their heads and mumble something that sounds like "WTF." The NDS game features 700 cards and the first printing of the NDS conversion will include a pack of 11 Rider Kick Cards which is packaged inside the game case.

NDS Let's Mangaka DS Style - New Import, In Stock

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.

NDS Metal Max 3 - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Data East released the original Metal Max on the Famicom back in 1991 and a sequel was released on the Super Famicom in 1993. For the third canonical release in the series, fans had to wait 17 years but we think it'll be worth it. Metal Max is now under the control of Kadokawa Shoten and the third volume in the game follows in the dystopian scenario footsteps of the first two Maxes.

The hero in MM3 is a ginger-haired lad who has been brought back to life through the use of electro-shock
resuscitation in a laboratory operated by a scientist named Dr. Mince. Since humans tend to lose memories when they die, the protagonist suffers from amnesia but he wanders into the wilderness to find himself, battle enemies, and man a tank-like vehicle. Reservations will include a bonus booklet of Metal Max manga that's being given away in 1:1 ratio.

PS3 Sengoku Basara 3 - New Import, Restock Soon

From the Publisher
The next evolution in producer of Devil May Cry 4, Hiroyuki Kobayashi’s BASARA series is coming to PLAYSTATION®3 and Wii with Sengoku BASARA 3. Set during a tumultuous period of Japanese history, Sengoku BASARA 3 follows players as they fight their way to the dramatic battle of Sekigahara. Players will take up the swords and spears of more than a dozen fierce samurai warriors in huge battles against hundreds of opponents in many exciting stages that lead up to the main event.

Featuring unique playable characters, as well as supporting generals who will make it easier to command and lead armies, players will see the battle from the perspective of each military commander with the ultimate goal of re-writing history to rule all of 16th century Japan. In the dynamic new “Hero’s Story” mode, the player’s decisions impact history with a redesigned story mode. Based on choices made by the player, new drama unfolds as friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and a new Sengoku story unfolds. Adding a new strategic element to the game, forces can fight for control/taking over of camps and ultimately entire battlefields.

PSP Neo Geo Heroes Ultimate Shooting - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Originally released for the Japanese coin-op market on Taito Type X hardware, King of Fighters Sky Stage was a vertical shooter where the cast of SNK's KOF series took to the heavens and shot bullets at waves of enemies. It was a new venue for normally ground-based strikers such as Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami.
SNK is expanding on the Sky Stage premise with a new PSP title dubbed Neo Geo Heroes: Ultimate Shooting. By changing KOF in the title to Neo Geo Heroes, the game is more inclusive and characters are recruited from other SNK properties so they can also take to the heavens and shoot. The cast of characters in the game is as follows:

KOF Sky Stage Returnees:
Athena Asamiya | Iori Yagami | Kula Diamond
| Kyo Kusanagi | Mai Shiranui | Terry Bogard

New SNK Shmup Inductees: Akari Ichijou (Last Blade) | A.S.O. SYDIII female pilot | Iroha (Samurai Spirits) | Marco Rossi (Metal Slug)


A number of game modes may be enjoyed by players as listed below:

» Story Mode | Challenge | Multi Play | Sky Stage | Museum

The "Sky Stage" mode refers to the inclusion of the coin-op version of KOF Sky Stage on the UMD as a bonus. The two games on the UMD may be played in default horizontal (Yoko) or vertical (Tate) viewing aspect by the simple act of setting the screen aspect and rotating the PSP.

PSP Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki Alternative Saga - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Ever bolt up in the dead of night and wonder who'd win if Adol Christin of Ys fame and Joshua Bright of Sora no Kiseki ever came to blows? We neither but this week in Japan, that query and many other ponderous questions will be answered... to the satisfaction of fans who've been bolting up in the dead of night for the past decade.

Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki: Alternative Saga is a clash between the camps of the Ys series and the Sora no Kiseki games. On the side of Ys is the aforementioned Adol, his friend Dogi, Aisha, and five others while Sora no Kiseki's crew includes Joshua Bright, Estelle Bright, Krose, and five more. Lloyd Burnings from the upcoming Eiyuu Densetsu: Zero no Kiseki also makes an appearance along with Lloyd's partner Elie MacDowell is a striker or supporting character in the game. A motley assortment of supporters also make their way into the fighting theatrics to provide backup power. Emceeing the whole affair are the creatures named Rappy and Mona who provide a modicum and mirth and frivolity to the fighting antics. Unlike standard 2D or 3D fighting games where combatants go one-on-one, Ys vs Sora is a more open-ended fighting game for up to 4 fighters who ramble around and attack each other on a 3D battlefield.

All preorders will include a bonus 2-disc Ys vs Sora no Kiseki Collective Music Files original soundtrack and an illustrations booklet which are being given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio. The soundtrack contains music as well as new arrangements from the Ys vs Sora game.

PSP Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki Alternative Saga LE - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Ys vs. Sora no Kiseki: Alternative Saga is a clash between the camps of the Ys series and the Sora no Kiseki games. On the side of Ys is the aforementioned Adol, his friend Dogi, Aisha, and five others while Sora no Kiseki's crew includes Joshua Bright, Estelle Bright, Krose, and five more. Lloyd Burnings from the upcoming Eiyuu Densetsu: Zero no Kiseki also makes an appearance along with Lloyd's partner Elie MacDowell is a striker or supporting character in the game. A motley assortment of supporters also make their way into the fighting theatrics to provide backup power. Emceeing the whole affair are the creatures named Rappy and Mona. Unlike standard 2D or 3D fighting games where combatants go one-on-one, Ys vs Sora is a more open-ended fighting game for up to 4 fighters who ramble around and attack each other on a 3D battlefield.

The Limited Edition of the game includes a Drama CD which is packaged with the game in a special slipcase.
All preorders will include a bonus 2-disc Ys vs Sora no Kiseki Collective Music Files original soundtrack and an illustrations booklet which are being given away by the publisher in 1:1 ratio. The soundtrack contains music as well as new arrangements from the Ys vs Sora game.

Wii Sengoku Basara 3 - New Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
The next evolution in producer of Devil May Cry 4, Hiroyuki Kobayashi’s BASARA series is coming to PLAYSTATION®3 and Wii with Sengoku BASARA 3. Set during a tumultuous period of Japanese history, Sengoku BASARA 3 follows players as they fight their way to the dramatic battle of Sekigahara. Players will take up the swords and spears of more than a dozen fierce samurai warriors in huge battles against hundreds of opponents in many exciting stages that lead up to the main event.

Featuring unique playable characters, as well as supporting generals who will make it easier to command and lead armies, players will see the battle from the perspective of each military commander with the ultimate goal of re-writing history to rule all of 16th century Japan.

In the dynamic new “Hero’s Story” mode, the player’s decisions impact history with a redesigned story mode. Based on choices made by the player, new drama unfolds as friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and a new Sengoku story unfolds. Adding a new strategic element to the game, forces can fight for control/taking over of camps and ultimately entire battlefields.

360 Strike Witches Shirogane no Tsubasa - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In an alternate reality, the Earth and particularly Europe has been ravaged by the effects of an invasive force known as the Neuroi. To counter their assaults, humanity develops 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.

Originally a manga/anime, Strike Witches expands its reach with a horizontal shooter on the Xbox 360. The game features a cast of 11 cat-eared girls who are grouped into cadres of three whom take to the skies and shoot down waves upon waves of Neuroi attackers. The girls are:
Yoshika Miyafuji, Mio Sakamoto, Lynette Bishop, Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, Erica Hartmann, Gertrud Barkhorn, Perrine-H. Clostermann, and others.

Strike Witches uses a control scheme that's reminiscent of
Robotron where the left thumbstick on the Xbox 360 controller is used for movement and the right thumbstick shoots. This control mechanism allows for flighty movements and rapid-fire 360˚ directional shots as Neuroi enter the screen from all quarters. Furthermore, the trio of girls that the player selects may be arranged in various flight formations to counter threats and overcome obstacles during the course of the game.

360 Strike Witches Shirogane no Tsubasa LE - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Originally a manga/anime, Strike Witches expands its reach with a horizontal shooter on the Xbox 360. The game features a cast of 11 cat-eared girls who are grouped into cadres of three whom take to the skies and shoot down waves upon waves of Neuroi attackers. The girls are:
Yoshika Miyafuji, Mio Sakamoto, Lynette Bishop, Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke, Erica Hartmann, Gertrud Barkhorn, Perrine-H. Clostermann, and others.

Strike Witches uses a control scheme that's reminiscent of
Robotron
where the left thumbstick on the Xbox 360 controller is used for movement and the right thumbstick shoots. This control mechanism allows for flighty movements and rapid-fire 360˚ directional shots as Neuroi enter the screen from all quarters. The Limited Edition of Strike Witches is packaged with an exclusive Yoshika Miyafuji Nendoroid toy which is includes a gun prop, an inner tube prop, a backpack prop, and an extra face to change her expression. All preorders are shipping today and new orders are welcome.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

TOYS Nendoroid K-ON! Yui and Tsumugi Live Stage Set - Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Wonder Festival Summer 2010 exhibition opened up earlier this week and a host of new toys was shown to visitors and attendees. Along with toys that are being distributed to the usual retail channels, some exclusive Wonder Festival figures were on display that are only available at the venue and online. One of those toys is the Nendoroid K-ON! Yui and Tsumugi Live Stage Set from Good Smile Company. A middling 3000 Yui and Mugi Live Stage Sets are available for sale at the Wonder Festival this week. Yui Hirasawa and Tsumugi Kotobuki are members of the Light Music Club at Sakura High School. Yui is a guitarist and Mugi does her thing on the keyboard. Following the Mio Akiyama and Ritsu Tainaka Live Stage Set which was released at the Wonder Festival Winter 2010 show earlier this year, Good Smile Company follows up with a Yui and Tsumugi set. In addition to the figures, each character's respective musical instrument and a chunk of di:stage is included so the "Untan Untan!" scene from the animation can be recreated. Preorders are welcome to ship in late November 2010.

TOYS figma Manabe Nodoka Uniform Version - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Wonder Festival Summer 2010 exhibition opened up earlier this week and a host of new toys was shown to visitors and attendees. Along with toys that are being distributed to the usual retail channels, some exclusive Wonder Festival figures were on display that are only available at the venue and online. One of those toys is the figma Manabe Nodoka Uniform Version from Max Factory. A mere 3000 Nodoka figmas are available for sale at the Wonder Festival this week.
Nodoka is a glasses-wearing high school student from the K-ON! manga and animation property who supports the activities of the Light Music Club. The figma measures 135mm or 5.31" tall with posable appendages and is packaged with a figma stand. Two faces are also included with the figma - one where Nodoka smiles at the world and another where she appears to be fretting. The outfit that Nodoka wears is the security guard uniform that she wore to the Cultural Festival in the anime. Preorders are welcome to ship in late November 2010.

MAG Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Vivid 3 - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Nendoroid toys are popular and sought-after by fans around the world. Two decades ago, the cultivation of such demand for Japan-only products wouldn't be possible but thanks to the pervasiveness of the internet and unofficial distribution channels, the toy lust of global consumers can be sated. In recent years, Good Smile Company has been releasing exclusive Petit Nendoroid toys with games and magazines and the trend is likely to continue into the future. Add another collectible Nendoroid to the unending want list but this time around, it's bundled with a volume of manga. A Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha comic to be exact which ships with a limited edition Vivio Takamachi Petit Nendoroid. In the manga/anime, Vivio is a blonde moppet who was adopted by Nanoha at the conclusion of the serial. Preorders are welcome to ship in late March 2011 at JPY1680 or US$28.90 from NCS.

MAG Magical Record Lyrical Nanoha Force 3 - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Nendoroid toys are popular and sought-after by fans around the world. Two decades ago, the cultivation of such demand for Japan-only products wouldn't be possible but thanks to the pervasiveness of the internet and unofficial distribution channels, the toy lust of global consumers can be sated. In recent years, Good Smile Company has been releasing exclusive Petit Nendoroid toys with games and magazines and the trend is likely to continue into the future. Add another collectible Nendoroid to the unending want list but this time around, it's bundled with a volume of manga. A Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha comic to be exact which ships with a limited edition Nanoha Takamachi (New Armored Version) Petit Nendoroid toy. In the manga/anime, Nanoha is the primary protagonist and she adopts blonde moppet named Vivio at the conclusion of the serial. Preorders are welcome to ship in late March 2011 at JPY1680 or US$28.90 from NCS.

PSP Eiyuu Densetsu: Zero no Kiseki - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Join Lloyd Burnings and Ellie McDowell in a new adventure that's a part of the Eiyuu Densetsu aka Legend of Heroes game series.

Preorders are welcome to ship on September 30, 2010 at JPY5800 or US$65.90 from NCS. Early reservations will ship with a bonus Legend of Heroes: Zero no Kiseki Original Soundtrack mini which is being given away by the publisher in 50% ratio. Preorders are also welcome for a limited edition of the game which is bundled with an Original Drama CD which features a voice-acting scenario.

TOY Rilakkuma Long Cushion - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Long cushions are also known as body pillows and they're available stateside as well as in shopping venues across Japan. The body pillow helps sleepers maintain proper spinal alignment during their slumber since the pillow is somewhat rigid. As long as a sleeper hugs the body pillow like a koala hugs a tree, a straight spine is almost guaranteed. There are scenarios however when a body pillow can be contorted into a "U" shape or even a "S" shape if the sleeper's body strength is Hulk-like. Japanese manufacturer System Service gets into the body pillow game by announcing a Rilakkuma Long Cushion which is designed to help sleepy people with their postures. Instead of curling up like a pillbug, the pillow keeps sleeping bodies relatively uncurled. The Rilakkuma Long Cushion measures 100cm or 39.37" in length. The decoration on the cushion features a haphazard and colorful arrangement of hearts, Rilakkumas, and confections. The promotional photo that System Service released with their preorder solicitation shows a grown woman sleeping with the cushion but grown men can be potential buyers as well. Preorders are welcome to ship in late November 2010 at US$39.90 per cushion. Please select either pink or blue color variants from the dropdown menu on our shop.

NEWS General Updates

PSP Hatsune Miku Project Diva 2nd Ippai Pack
A small quantity of the PSP Project Diva Ippai Pack was made available last night and new orders are welcome to ship on Thursday.
BOOK Eyes of Bayonetta
All preorders for the Eyes of Bayonetta book will ship tomorrow. A vendor allowed us to clear out their surplus inventory and new orders are welcome.
X360 Strike Witches
Due to the amount of Strike Witches and Strike Witches LE preorders we'll be processing tomorrow, please notify us today (before 5PM) if you wish to make any shipping changes or order additions. Thanks.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

NDS Last Window: The Secret of Cape West - Import Preorder

From the Publisher
Love film noir? Love mystery novels, but want influence over the plot? Get your detective head on for Last Window: The Secret of Cape West which launches exclusively on the Nintendo DS family of consoles on September 17th 2010. Those familiar with Hotel Dusk: Room 215 on Nintendo DS will remember Kyle Hyde - the dark and mysterious character who now returns in Last Window: The Secret of Cape West for another quest to discover the truth.

Last Window is a thrilling and challenging interactive novel packed with hidden mysteries which players must unravel one piece at a time. Just like a great book, players will not only need to hold the Nintendo DS vertically, they will find the ever-twisting storyline so captivating they’ll not want to put it down. That, however, is where the similarities end – here you can actually influence how the story develops! Decisions you make throughout the game will alter Kyle’s journey and result in different outcomes in the storyline.

Every time the player completes a chapter of the in-game novel Last Window, this episode is adapted into text form to be read at anytime, meaning you not only get to enjoy the captivating gameplay, but a great novel at the same time! The novel also acts as a hint section, directing players to certain characters should they have missed a clue or conversation.

Set in Los Angeles in 1980, a year after the events in Hotel Dusk: Room 215, the story follows the investigation of Kyle Hyde, a former police officer, as he attempts to solve a mystery involving his father's murder and secretive past. Knowledge of Hotel Dusk: Room 215 is not essential for you to help Kyle crack the mystery behind Cape West, the former hotel which is now his apartment building.

With beautifully sketched, fully rendered 3D environments, plus easy-to-use Touch Screen controls for navigating environments and controlling characters, it is easy to lose yourself in this story. You won’t be prompted, but why not try using the Nintendo DS in-built microphone to solve some of the mysteries? Jazz fans will also be pleased to hear that Kyle shares your passion – enjoy his favourite music on the Juke Box at any time you like.

While this game is packed with clues, it will test the keenest puzzle solver. Think Professor Layton puzzle-solving, immersed within a great and rich film noir-esque story... and make sure you look out for extra clues in your game packaging manual... So get ready to uncover the mystery of the year as Last Window: The Secret of Cape West launches exclusively on the Nintendo DS family of consoles on September 17th 2010. Preorders are welcome.

CD King of Fighters XIII Original Soundtrack - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» SNK's latest take on the King of Fighters franchise was released a couple of weeks ago in arcades across Japan. We're going to assume that SNK will allow arcade operators at least 4 months to make their money back before releasing a home conversion. So, we're going to pinpoint November-December for a King of Fighters XIII PS3/X360 release. Until then however, we'll be able to listen to the music of KOFXIII when the original soundtrack is released next week.

KOF lovers can listen to tracks such as
"Arashi no Saxophone V (Yagami Team Theme)" that's jazzy and peppy or the energetic "Who is Queen? [Women Team Theme]" which could double as the theme song for a kitschy TV comedy-drama... from the 1970s. The soundtrack spans 2 CDs and contains a total of 83 minutes of smooth-sounding tunes.

Preorders are welcome to ship on August 4, 2010 at JPY3200 or US$39.90 from NCS.
Japan Title: ザ・キング・オブ・ファイターズXIII オリジナルサウンドトラック

CD Senkoku Basara 3 Original Soundtracks - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese gamers are going to be playing Sengoku Basara 3 later this week. They'll also be listening to the songs in the game as they hack and slash at legions of enemies upon Warring States battlefields. If those gamers become fond of the music that they hear whilst playing, they'll be able to purchase the official soundtrack for the game next week.
Sony Music is releasing the
Senkoku Basara 3 Original Soundtracks which contains a total of 62 tracks which are crowded onto two CDs. The composer Kow Otani has created music for numerous projects in animation and film but we know him for his stellar work on the Shadow of the Colossus soundtrack. Otani's main theme song for Basara 3 is "「絆」「志」「命」(Bonds, Will, Life)" which has got a casual military vibe. The opening cinema song in the game is "Naked Arms" by T.M. Revolution and the ending theme is "'逆光' Gyakukou (Backlight)" by Chiaki Ishikawa. Preorders are welcome to ship on August 4, 2010 at JPY3360 or US$39.90 from NCS.

NDS Shanghai DS 2 - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Back in the day when the Mac was black & white and 3.5" floppies with a capacity of 1.44MB were the media of choice, NCS was playing Shanghai on our trusty Mac SE. The black & white mahjong tiles were crisp and clear but the game got tedious after the 2nd 3rd 5th game. The Shanghai brand is still making the rounds in the world of entertainment and it's coming back to the NDS in a couple of months. The gameplay is probably still tedious but at least the new NDS version allows up to four people to play the game together and make a party of it. Shanghai DS 2 is a matching game. A whole host of mahjong tiles appear on the playboard and the goal is to match pairs of tiles to wax them from the screen. Shanghai DS2 features single-player game modes such as "Challenge" which enforces a time limit, "Freedom" which is free-play, and "Great Wall" which features stacks of tiles. Two multi-player modes may be enjoyed: "Battle Gold" and "Battle Party" where up to four players compete against each other in tile-matching action. Preorders ship on Sept 23, 2010.