Monday, January 31, 2011

 MAG Famitsu Magazine Vol. 1155 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The February 10-17, 2011 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:
»
Previews for PS3 To Heart 2 DX Plus, PSP To Heart 2 Dungeon Travelers, and ARC Aqua Pazza: AquaPlus Dream Match.
» Famitsu ranks NDS Gyakuten Saiban 2 (8/8/8/8), NDS Dragon Ball Kai Ultimate Butouden (8/8/8/7), PSP Shirokishi Monogatari Episode Portable: Dogma Wars (8/7/7/7), PSP Macross Triangle Frontier (9/9/8/8), X360 DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu Black Label (8/7/7/7).
» Since the Nintendo 3DS is being released in about a month, Famitsu gathers together all of the knowledge accumulated on the handheld.
» Previews for PS3 Final Fantasy XIII-2, PSP Final Fantasy Type-0, PS3 Final Fantasy Versus XIII, 3DS Kingdom Hearts 3D Dream Drop Distance, and PSP Dissidia 012 Duodecim.
» A look at Taito's music light-gun shooter Music Gungun 2 for arcades.
» Valentine's Day chocolates are featured in this week's PICK UP FOOD.
» Continuing coverage for PS3/X360 Catherine which is on schedule for February 17, 2011.

 NEWS General Updates  

Inazuma Eleven DS (Scandinavian and Dutch)
  
Level 5's Inazuma Eleven was released in Europe last week but only the Dutch and Scandinavian versions of the game are in English. We had the option of purchasing the French version but that one doesn't have English. We're checking with different suppliers for the possibility of importing the Dutch version of the game into the States and we'll post an update soon. 
Nintendo 3DS
  
The Japanese launch of the Nintendo 3DS is a little under a month away and preorder flow has been steady. We don't think we'll encounter any shortages based on what distributors have been updating us with.

 NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

NDS Dragon Ball Kai Ultimate Butouden Bandai
 
Gyakuten Kenji 2
Capcom
Gyakuten Kennji 2 Collector's Package
Capcom
PSP
Macross Triangle Frontier Bandai
 
Macross Triangle Frontier Itsuwarino Utahime Pack
Bandai
Shirokishi Monogatari Episode: Dogma Wars
SCEI
360
DoDonPachi Daifukkatsu Black Label Cave

Friday, January 28, 2011

Wii The Last Story - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The island of Ruli is ruled by a Count named Arganon whose army of knights keep the peace. Lower on the social strata are groups of mercenaries who roam the island in search of work and sustenance. One such ragtag band of mercenaries led by the protagonist Elza arrives at Ruli City and endeavors to find their fortune... or maybe just graduate from mercs into full-fledged knights.

   Last Story is an RPG directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi who collaborates with composer
Uematsu Nobuo who provides the music. In the game, players take on the role of a young mercenary named Elza who dreams of one day becoming a proper knight. When roaming the world, Elza hunches forward and runs with a galloping gait but regains his upright composure once a battle starts. Combat plays out in fast-paced action sequences but tactical elements are also in play where Elza can target an enemy or a group of enemies with a special attack. When preparing for the special attack, all action stops and the hero gets to aim at an immobile enemy. Elza has a special ability called "Gathering" where he can draw the attention of an enemy instead of a comrade such as a magic user about to cast a spell. Early preorders will ship with a bonus Elements of the Last Story Visual Book and a mini soundtrack CD.

X360 Gal*Gun - New Import, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» You remember high school, right? Raging hormones, bitchy cliques, craptastic lunches, and that time the gym teacher told you to do just one pull-up in front of that girl you liked. Her name was Jane. You couldn't do that pull-up and Jane never looked at you the same again.

   Gal Gun is high school all over again but with a twist. You're a high school student who the girls are crazy about because hormones are raging. Expressive girls in thigh-high hosiery are the "attackers" in Gal*Gun and your job is to fend them off in a 3D shooting game from Alchemist. Since the girls are aggressive, they charge at the protagonist and your job is to shoot the girls with "love shots." Upon impact, the shots explode into hearts which halt the advances of the rampaging coeds. In addition to shooting the girls on their limbs and torso with normal shots, a sort of "sniper mode" may be activated to concentrate fire on special parts that won't be mentioned... because they're unmentionable.
 
    Will NCS feel any shame playing Gal Gun? Nope. We'd play it in Times Square on the sidewalk on the Jumbotron in front of 100,000 judgmental people if we could. For those who are scared and ashamed, a special emergency mode may be toggled which instantly changes the screen to a lame 8-bit game.

 PSP Valkyria Chronicles III: Unrecorded Chronicles

NCS Product Synopsis
 Update: January 28, 1011
 
«©NCSX» Kurt Irving is a member of a special Gallian Army unit known as the "Nameless." Their job is executing covert operations and doing dirty deeds. Kurt's not that into his new position but he bides his time with the goal of returning to his battalion. During the course of his time with the Nameless, he meets a girl named Imuka who changes the course of his life...

    Early preorders will ship with a bonus "Gallia Secret Document File 422" which includes a "1935 Gallian Journal" booklet and a DLC code which was given away by Sega in 50% ratio.

NEWS General Updates  

Radiant Silvergun Stick - No GO
  
Hori has decided not to produce the Radiant Silvergun Real Arcade Pro Joystick due to lack of interest. They'll probably re-open preorder solicitations in a couple of months for another sales attempt but as of last night, the project is dead. Blame the Japanese economy.
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection Ultimate Pack
  
Square limited the amount of FFIV CC UP that customers were allowed to order online and as such, our vendors were not able to procure enough quantity to fill our all of our preorders. We've sent out notification emails today but if the situation changes, we'll update our customers.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

 X360 Bullet Soul: Tama Tamashii - Import Preorder


NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Preorders are welcome for 5pb's upcoming vertical shooter Bullet Soul: Tama Tamashii which ships for the Japanese Xbox 360 on April 07, 2011. Bullet Soul is an original release and the first printing of the game is packaged with a bonus soundtrack CD.

 PSP Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy - Import Preorder

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The original Dissidia game on PSP sold over 1.8 million copies globally which is an impressive achievement. If Dissidia's sequel Duodecim does even half of what the original did, Square Enix's shareholders will stay happy and continue to benefit from the Final Fantasy juggernaut.

   Duodecim features more of the fighting/adventure type action from the first game and throws in five new characters as follows: Kain Highwind (FFIV), Lightning (FFXIII), Vaan (FFXII), Ragnarok (FFVIII), and Tifa Lockheart (FFVII). Duodecim also introduces the "Assist System" For fans of the canonical Final Fantasy games, Duodecim includes an RPG Mode where the player loses direct control of the hero and issues indirect commands instead. Preorders are welcome to ship on March 3, 2011 at JPY5800 or US$65.90 from NCS.

 TOYS Persona 3 Aegis EX Resinya Series - New, In Stock

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX»  In the Persona 3 game,Aegis is an android who battles the dastardly Shadows with a volatile range of weaponry. Her prerogative in the game is to protect the protagonist of Persona 3 and she serves in that capacity with able-bodied determination. NCS took delivery of Max Factory's figma rendition of Aegis late last year and in a few months, we'll bring in Cospa's EX Resinya version of the blonde Shadow-killer.


   Cospa's known more for their apparel and accessories than their toys but the Aegis Resinya sculpture is an ambitious piece of work. The figure is mounted on an overly ornate vehicle and she's standing on one hoof. Aegis' left hand is pointed at something in the distance but she doesn't have any fingers - there's only miniature gun barrels that are ready to let loose. Her right hand is smoking and bullets are scattered in the air around the wisps of smoke. 

 TOYS Chi's Sweet Home Patapata Sukinano Plush - New

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Chi's Sweet Home plushes that arrived in the summer of 2010 sold like cheezeburgers with a side of fries. Japanese manufacturer Omron follows up their Chi's plush success with another trio of Chi's toys.

   In the new collection, Chi is hugging a banana but no one knows why. NCS is aware that the banana is a flavorful fruit that is enjoyed by millions but embracing a banana is taking the love to another level. Each Chi plush measures 10cm or 3.93" tall and three variants are available - the first Chi has wide-open eyes and is grabbing onto a pastel-blue banana while the second chi is squinty-eyed and holds a natural yellow-colored banana. The final Chi is wide-eyed and hangs onto a pink banana. Although the bananas look more like boas than the Cavendish strain that everyone loves, they are supposed to be bananas. Not boas. All preorders have shipped as of yesterday and new orders are welcome. «NCS Photo Gallery»

Monday, January 24, 2011

 MAG Famitsu Magazine Vol. 1155 - New Import

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The February 3, 2011 issue of Weekly Famitsu includes coverage of the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:
»
Preview for Gundam the 3D Battle which is scheduled to ship for the 3DS on March 24, 2011.
» PSP Super Robot Taisen Z which is scheduled to ship on April 14, 2011
» Details on PSP Macross Triangle Frontier with a look at some characters, menus, and action shots
» PSP Akiba Strip game preview and character introduction
» Famitsu reviews NDS Sora no Otoshimono Forte: Dreamy Season (7/7/7/6), NDS Scribblenauts (9/9/7/10), PSP Kenka Banchou 5: Otoko no Housoku (8/9/8/8). Senjou no Valkyria 3 (9/9/9/9), Wii Last Story (10/10/9/9), PS3 Dragon Age Origins (10/10/8/9), X360 Gal*Gun (7/7/6/6), and X360 Dream Club Zero (7/8/7/7), PS3 Mind Jack (7/7/6/6).
» The Last Story character profiles and game details
» Final Fantasy XIV Online preview and special interview
» The PICK UP FOOD section features single-serving prepackaged noodles and soups for the non-discerning palate.
» Idol Studio photo feature on gravure idol Akina Minami

 NDS Screen Protect Filter for Nintendo 3DS - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Nintendo 3DS ships next month and like previous Nintendo handhelds that have been released over the past two decades, the screen will need protecting. Not only from dust, pollen, and Cheetos but also grime, greasy fingerprints, and anything else that's out in the wild. To help gamers prevent screen pollution and/or unsightly smearing, Hori enters the scene with the aptly named Screen Protect Filter for the DS.

   The package includes two filters which are perfectly sized to protect the top and bottom screens. The application process of the filter atop each screen isn't difficult but does require a slow and easy technique to avoid misalignment. Preorders for the Nintendo 3DS Screen Protect Filter are welcome to ship on February 26, 2011 at JPY477 or US$8.90 from NCS.

 N3DS Japanese Nintendo 3DS - Software Preorders

3DS Gundam The 3D Battle
   Relive the adventures in "Gundam," "Mobile Suit Z Gundam", and "Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack" in a 3D action game.
Bandai
  Pro Baseball Famista 2011
   Namco's Famiista goes 3D on a portable scale.
Bandai
 
Steel Diver
   Slip into the seas and operate a submarine in a mission-baded side-scrolling game..
Nintendo

 NEWS General Updates  

Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition (Europe)
  
The European version of GT5 (Signature Edition) should arrive later this week along with restock of NDS Last Window.
Nintendo 3DS Software Preorder Rankings
  
A "preorder ranking" list that's being sent around by Japanese vendors ranks the Layton game as the top preorder followed by Sengoku Musou Chronicle and Ridge Racer 3D. Cacpom's Street Fighter IV 3D is in sixth place and Combat of Giant Dinosaur 3D is all the way on the bottom.

 NEWS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

PS2
EbiKore+ Amagami Kadokawa
  EbiKore+ Amagami Limited Edition Kadokawa
PSP EbiKore+ Amagami Kadokawa
  EbiKore+ Amagami Limited Edition Kadokawa
 
Kenka Banchou 5: Otoko no Housoku
Spike
  Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii wake ga Nai Bandai
 
Senjou no Valkyria 3
Sega
 
Senjou no Valkyria 3 Accessory Set
Sega
  To Aru Majutsu no Kinsho Mokuroku Kadokawa
360
Gal*Gun
Alchemist
Wii
The Last Story
Nintendo

Friday, January 21, 2011

 PSP Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection - Import Preorder  

NCS Product Synopsis
 
«©NCSX» In Final Fantasy IV, Cecil Harvey leads the Red Wings on a thieving run where they take the Water Crystal from Mysidia and bring it back home. After questioning the King about the theft, Cecil is stripped of his command and dishonorably discharged. He decides to make amends for his actions and quests to stop a sorceror named Golbez who's about to use the Crystals he's been collecting to destroy the world. Final Fantasy IV was most recently reissued on the Nintendo DS in 2007 and mobile online in 2009 but Square's re-releasing the game on the PSP.

    The Playstation Portable version of the game includes two titles as follows:

 » Final Fantasy IV
 » Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

    The first game is a remake of the original and the second is a port of a mobile phone game that was originally released in 2008. The After Years is also available as a download on WiiWare. In the game, the cast of Cecil, Kain, and others  face a new threat to their world. NCS is accepting reservations for the reqular edition of FFIV Complete Collection and the Square Enix online exclusive edition which includes a "FFIV Official Complete Guide," "FFIV The After Years Soundtrack (17 tracks)," and a "FFIV Complete Arts" illustrations book. Reservations for both versions are welcome to ship on March 24, 2011.

 PS3 Shin Sangoku Musou 6 - Import Preorder  

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Warring States of Wei, Wu, and Shu are in play once again in Koei's Shin Sangoku Musou 6 (aka Dynasty Warriors 7) where legendary warriors rally their forces against rival kingdoms. SSM6 features new characters such as Sima Zhao and Bao Sanniang who have never appeared in earlier SSM games.

   The new "Variable Attack" allows a fighter to alternate between two main weapons in battle by pressing a single button to mix up the attacks. Similar to previous SSM games, players command a single hero who wades into the battlefield against hordes of enemy soldiers. By swinging a sword in the vicinity of an oncoming attack squad, the hero is liable to smack at least eight does with a single blow.

   According to the preorder solicitation, Koei is giving away a set of SSM6-themed ballpoint pens in 30% ratio. Every copy of the game is packaged with a special DLC code. Reservations are welcome to ship on March 10, 2011 at JPY7200 or US$78.90 from NCS.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

 PSP Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep Final Mix - New Import  

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» The Japanese were the first to taste Birth By Sleep earlier this year on January 9, 2010. The North American version of Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep shipped to retail on September 7, 2010. When January 20, 2011 rolls around, the Japanese are getting Birth By Sleep again by way of a "Final Mix" edition which includes everything that was in the North American version of the game. Additional elements in Final Mix: additional boss battles in multiplayer mode, a new secret episode, nine new missions, additional mini-games, and the usual English audio with Japanese game text and subtitles that is standard in the "Final Mix" edition of games.

   Preorders are welcome to ship on Jan 20, 2011 and early reservations will ship with a bonus "Character Download Card" which features Cloud Strife in a Kingdom Hearts costume. That's got to be worth at least $2 by itself. 

 PSP Venus & Braves: Majo to Megami to Horobi no Yogen

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Two immortals lead bands of recruited fighters, magic users and long-range artillery support in a bid to repel dark demonic invaders. The younger immortal, a knight named Blood Boall clocks in at 345 years old while the ancient Ariah will only say she is about 1000 years old. Yes, even immortal women are sketchy on their exact age.

   The immortals gather together forces of monks, fighters, clerics, valkyries and other adventure seeking archetypes to fight in their armies. Set in rows of three, arrangements of fighters are important in the swing of Venus, where strong fighters should lead the ranks backed by long range archers towards the rear. Throw in a mix of magic users and clerics providing arcane support and you have a mobile army capable of withstanding any assault. Spot animations are evident during battles and every attack and magical blast is shown in exacting detail. New to the PSP remake are Tales characters who provide tactical support.

 DC Fast Striker - European Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
   FAST STRIKER is a 2D arcade shooting game with emphasis on scoring originally developed for NEO·GEO. The game lets the player choose between 3 game modes with different scoring systems. Novice Mode for beginners, Original Mode for classic Shoot' em Up players and Maniac for very experienced players. It features six stages of excellent 2D arcade game play with over 40 unique enemy types, super smooth 3D scrolling backgrounds, huge CGI bosses and it features the biggest megabit count ever since the beginning of NEO·GEO games. FAST STRIKER will be ready for release on Dreamcast in Winter 2010.

Game Features
»
6 carefully designed stages
» 3 game modes: Original/Maniac/Novice
» Maniac mode offers an elaborate scoring system with enough depth to provide hundreds of hours playtime
» Up to 180 enemy bullets simultaneously on screen
» 40+ fully animated CGI enemies
» 6+ huge fully animated boss enemies
» 3D scrolling CGI backgrounds
» Constant 60 fps
» Dynamic difficulty rank system which kicks in for experienced players
» Internet ranking via code

Supported Accessories (Dreamcast™)
VMU
VGA (requires a VGA box)
S-VIDEO and RGB at 240p
Original joypad
Arcade stick (buttons are fully customizable)

REGION FREE / 60hz both NTSC and PAL60

   The original shipment from NGDEV was delivered today. All preorders for the regular edition and limited edition which includes a professionally printed Original Soundtrack CD / OST and variant cover artwork are shipping today.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

 N3DS Nintendo 3DS Preorders - Japan

NCS Preorder Synopsis
 
 Reservations are welcome for the Japanese Nintendo 3DS which ships on February 25, 2011. The 3DS is available in Cosmos Black and Aqua Blue and the package includes the following items:

» Nintendo 3DS handheld and Stylus
» Charging Cradle and AC Adapter (100V)
» SD Memory Card (2GB)
» Augmented Reality Cards (6 units)
» Instructions Booklet and Quickstart Sheet


   A single camera is situated inside the Nintendo 3DS and two cameras are mounted on the outer shell. Built-in software programs include Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Studio, a selection of augmented reality games for use with the AR cards, and more.

   The battery life of the Nintendo 3DS stands at 3.5 hours for 3DS games and 5-8 hours for standard DS and DSi software. Please note that the Japanese Nintendo 3DS is compatible with all Japanese DS, and DSi games but can only play standard DS games from the United States. If you attempt to play a USA DSi or 3DS game on a Japanese 3DS, you will receive an incompatible warning message.

   Due to some serious price gouging taking place amongst Tokyo-based suppliers, NCS is pricing each Nintendo 3DS at US$459.90. Preorders are welcome to ship on February 25, 2011. To reiterate, the
Japanese Nintendo 3DS is region-locked so it can only play Japanese 3DS game cards and software downloads. Please take note of the region limitation before considering a preorder. Thanks.

 N3DS Japanese Release Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday

3DS Combat Of Giants Dinosaurs 3D Ubisoft
 
Nintendogs + Cats: Toy Poodle & New Friends
Nintendo
Nintendogs + Cats: French·Bull & New Friends Nintendo
Nintendogs + Cats: Shiba & New Friends Nintendo
Professor Layton And The Mask Of Miracle Level 5
Ridge Racer 3D Namco
Sengoku-Musou Chronicle Koei
Super Street Fighter 4 3D Edition Capcom
Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D Square
Winning Eleven 3D Soccer Konami

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

 X360 Otomedius X Excellent - Japanese Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Mine Yoshizaki lends his artistic talents once again to Otomedius and the result is Excellent. Similar to the original Otomedius, OX is a horizontal shooter where girls who wear their ships around their waists fly against squadrons of enemy forces. Otomedius X feature multiplayer gaming for up to three gamers to soar across the screen in an offline cooperative mode. That means three times the firepower against bosses and their underlings. The game features a total of 11 stages (3 downloads) and new characters including Kokoro Belmont of the Castlevania Belmonts.

   Preorders for the Japanese Xbox Otomedius X import game are welcome to ship on March 24, 2011 at JPY6800 or US$78.90 from NCS.

 NDS Hokuto-Musou Platinum Collection - Import Preorder

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» In the Hokuto no Ken animated series, the heroic Kenshiro Kasumi wanders the wastelands of the future and plays the part of lawman. Ken battles gangs of bandits and thugs to bring a bit of law and civility back into the world. Kenshiro and company have appeared in a number of games in the past few years including a selection of pachi-slot challenges. Koei takes the Hokuto no Ken franchise and immerses it into their "Musou" game engine which most recently hosted the Gundam universe.

   In Hokuto Musou, Kenshiro battles groups of bare-chested bruisers who wear leather pants. They'll crowd around Ken like a pack of wolves but he can fend them off by punching, kicking, and using the almighty
Hokuto Shinken martial art which is capable of destroying enemies from within. Body blows result in copious spurts of blood which eject from thug bodies and some attacks turn foes into what can only be described as "Sloppy Joes." Without the bread. Preorders for the Japanese Xbox 360 import Hokutou Musou Platinum Collection are welcome to ship on March 3, 2011 at JPY3800 or US$49.90 from NCS.

 TOYS Fate/Unlimited Codes: Saber Lily 1/8 Scale Figure Preorder

From the Manufacturer
 The noble white knight, filled with pride.

    The third figure in the 1/8th scale Saber Series sculpted by Toda Satoshi (Yume no Kagutsuchino Koukoku). This time it's the elegant and noble version of Saber from the fighting game "Fate/unlimited codes" - Saber Lily.
    It's got all of Toda Satoshi's unique charms, along with the incredible details on her stunning outfit and armor. It's a figure sure to catch the attention of anyone who sees her!

 NCSynopsis:
Saber of Fate/Stay fame is a popular heroine in Japan and she's getting another toy figure that's shipping in June 2011. Saber stands upright with her left hand atop her sword and looks outward with a countenance that is best described as peaceful. Saber's eyes are tinted green in case anyone needed that to be disclosed. The figure measures 18cm tall or 7.08" in height. Preorders are welcome to ship in June 2011.