Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Transformers MP-08 Grimlock - New Import, Sold Out

«©NCSX» If the Transformers echelon were positioned in terms of power ranking, Optimus would be in the prime spot followed by Megatron. Third place would probably be given to Grimlock - a mighty Dinobot who transforms from bulky robot to mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex. In robot mode, Grimlock carries an Energon sword to mete out the destruction but in Rex mode, his bite does all the damage. Takara finally gives Grimlock his due respect in the eighth Transformers Masterpiece toy which was released in Japan last week and finally arrived yesterday.

Masterpiece Grimlock is made of a combination of PVC and die-cast metal with numerous points of articulation. A gimmicky LED in its right fist illuminates the included Energon sword while Grim's eyes may change color to red or blue in either robot or dinosaur mode. Accessories that are bundled inside the package include a little helmet which may be placed on top of the Rex's head, a blaster rifle, and more. Grimlock looks good in Rex mode but his arms are too scrawny and don't really match his imposing bulk.

All preorders have shipped already as of yesterday but we're currently sold out. We'll update our product listing if we're able to restock another batch from Japan in the next few days.

Denwa Ginjou Coin Bank - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» During the Great Depression, many citizens went from putting their savings in banks to stuffing their mattresses with wads of cash. Think of it as a learned response after thousands of banks went belly up and cash/credit became dear. Instead of using a mattress as a store of currency, NCS recommends the Denwa Ginjou Coin Bank from Targa. The deleveraging process that started in 2007 is likely to continue for at least 2 more years as wealth is wrung out the global financial system. Although the savings of millions has been vanquished over the past year, it's never too late to start saving again for the next round of wealth destruction. The Denwa Ginjou bank accepts coins of all sizes and is designed to look like an old school rotary phone. The product solicitation states that the bank will play one of 10 random Showa era jingles whenever a coin is inserted into the slot. Songs include "Always - Sunset in the Third Street," "I want to return on that day," and "Boyhood." The bank is made of ABS and runs on two AA batteries (not included). Dimensions: H170 x W100 x D110mm. Preorders ship in August.

Chronicles of Riddick: Attack on Dark Athena - New, In Stock

From the Publisher
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena is a new, action stealth First Person Shooter set in the rich, futuristic, sci-fi world of the Riddick film saga. The game features a rich storyline, intriguing, developed characters, and the voice acting of Vin Diesel. The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena follows up the story from the original game title as Riddick must now flee the Dark Athena, following his harrowing escape from the notorious Butcher Bay prison. During the adventure, Richard B. Riddick must escape the predatory Merc-ship Dark Athena using stealth and action to overcome its merciless crew and challenge the nefarious Captain Revas.
The Chronicles of Riddick series of games takes the player deeper into the universe of Universal Pictures' films The Chronicles of Riddick and cult classic Pitch Black, which first introduced Vin Diesel as enigmatic anti-hero Riddick. The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena brings the hit first person shooter to a new audience and a new generation of consoles released on PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system.

The Spirit Blu-Ray - New Release, Ships in 24 Hrs

From the Publisher
A stunningly rendered and beautifully stylised comic strip action-adventure, The Spirit is the story of a hero born, murdered and born again. Rookie cop, Denny Colt, aka The Spirit (Gabriel Macht, The Good Shepherd, The Recruit) returns from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of the Gotham-like Central City. But he brings with him an irresistible sex appeal that hinders his quest as much as it helps. A hero driven by a mission to fight the forces of evil and corruption, The Spirit meets his nemesis in the form of The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) a megalomaniac master of disguise who does not think twice about killing anyone unfortunate enough to see his face.

As The Octopus threatens to destroy Central City, heroic crusader The Spirit tracks the cold-hearted killer from the city’s rundown warehouses to its damp catacombs and the windswept waterfront, seducing or being seduced by a series of beautiful women who either want to love him or kill him. With Eva Mendes as the breathtakingly sexy Sand Saref and Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss, this is a beautifully stylized evocation of the cult comic strip that needs to be seen on DVD and Blu-ray Disc to be truly appreciated in all its uncut glory.

The Spirit 2-Disc Special Edition - New Release, Ships 24 Hrs

From the Publisher
A stunningly rendered and beautifully stylised comic strip action-adventure, The Spirit is the story of a hero born, murdered and born again. Rookie cop, Denny Colt, aka The Spirit (Gabriel Macht, The Good Shepherd, The Recruit) returns from the dead to fight crime from the shadows of the Gotham-like Central City. But he brings with him an irresistible sex appeal that hinders his quest as much as it helps. A hero driven by a mission to fight the forces of evil and corruption, The Spirit meets his nemesis in the form of The Octopus (Samuel L. Jackson) a megalomaniac master of disguise who does not think twice about killing anyone unfortunate enough to see his face.
As The Octopus threatens to destroy Central City, heroic crusader The Spirit tracks the cold-hearted killer from the city’s rundown warehouses to its damp catacombs and the windswept waterfront, seducing or being seduced by a series of beautiful women who either want to love him or kill him. With Eva Mendes as the breathtakingly sexy Sand Saref and Scarlett Johansson as Silken Floss, this is a beautifully stylized evocation of the cult comic strip that needs to be seen on DVD and Blu-ray Disc to be truly appreciated in all its uncut glory.
“My city, I can not deny her. My city screams. She is my mother. She is my lover, and I am her Spirit.” The Spirit / Denny Colt

The Reader - New Release, Ships in 24 Hours

From the Publisher
The READER opens in post-WWII Germany when teenager Michael Berg (David Kross) becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna (Kate Winslet), a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. The two are quickly drawn into a passionate but secretive affair. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their physical relationship deepens. Hanna is enthralled as Michael reads to her from “The Odyssey”, “Huck Finn”, and “The Lady with the Little Dog.” Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life – this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna’s past is revealed, Michael uncovers a deep secret that will impact both of their lives.

THE READER is a haunting story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another. The Reader stars Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, The English Patient, Harry Potter series), up and coming actor David Kross and Acedemy Award nominee Kate Winslet (Titanic, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Little Children), and is directed by Stephen Daldry (the Academy Award nominated director of The Hours), from a script by David Hare, and based on the award winning novel by Bernhard Schlink.

Mario Print Face Towel Set - Japanese Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» New and factory sealed pair of Mario Print Face Towels which were imported from Japan. Members of Club Nintendo were able to redeem Nintendo Points for this item but it was never sold at retail in any capacity. Each towel measures 25 x 25cm (9.8 x 9.8") in area and is fairly thick and plushy. The two towels are:
1) Red Towel which shows a dot-graphics rendition of Mario leaping towards the top of a flagpole
2) Black Towel which features an enlarged Mario stepping towards a star

Monday, March 30, 2009

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sacrifice - Euro Import, In Stock

From the Publisher
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice combines third-person and first-person gameplay to create an experience like nothing else on Nintendo DS. The stakes are high for players as they take on the role of Buffy to seal the re-opened Hellmouth in an original story penned by Rob Deshotel, a writer from the TV series.

This action-packed 3D survival horror game sees Buffy using a range of special weapons, powerful spells and martial arts to take out vicious vampires and demons. In addition to these enemies, players also come across recognisable characters from the show, including Spike, Angel, the Master, the First Evil, Caleb and, of course, the Scooby Gang.

General Updates

PS3 Demon's Souls Asian
A fifth batch of Demon's Souls has shipped from Hong Kong and delivery is expected tomorrow. All backorders and new orders will ship on Tuesday. With this new shipment, NCS expects to keep the game in stock for same-day shipping if ordered before 5PM EST over the next few weeks.
PSP Masterpiece MP-08 Grimlock
All preorders for
the latest Masterpiece toy will be shipping out today since our shipment is scheduled to arrive within the next few hours. We're sold out as of this morning but we'll update accordingly if additional supplies are available to us. Photos of the product packaging will be posted tomorrow.
TOYS Tuttuki Bako
The green version of Banpresto's Tuttuki Bako augmented reality toy has been restocked and new orders are welcome. Please note the red and black versions should be restocked within 1-2 weeks.

Japanese Import Outlook - Arrivals on Thursday-Friday

NDS

New Shikakei Atama o Kore Kusuru DS

IE Instit.

Pro Yakyuu Famista DS 2009

Namco

PS2

Winning Post World

Koei

PS3

Winning Post World

Koei

360

11 Eyes: Cross Over

5pb

11 Eyes: Cross Over Limited Edition

5pb

Wii

Doala de Wii

Tera Box

Winning Post World

Koei

USA Release Outlook - Arrivals on Tuesday-Thursday

NDS

Don King Boxing

2K


Gardening Mama Majesco

Tokyo Beatdown Atlus

PSP

Air Conflicts: Aces of World War II

Graffiti

Wii Cradle of Rome

Destineer


Don King Boxing

2K


Major Minor's Majestic March Majesco

Ocean Commander Valcon
360 Leisure Suit Larry: Box Office Bust Codema.

Ski Doo: Snowmobile Challenge Valcon

PC-Engine Blaster Joypad - Clearance

NCS Sale Offering: March 30, 2009
«©NCSX»
New and factory boxed PC-Engine Blaster Joypad which was released for the Japanese market nearly 20 years ago. Although the controllers are new, the boxes have slight dings and some very minor color wear. Perhaps in a testament to the longevity of plastic however, the joypads themselves look great with shiny patinas and seem to have just shipped from the factory. Each joypad is wrapped in a little bubblewrap baggie and a 2-page user pamphlet is included inside each box. The back of the packaging lists the original retail price as JPY2880.

The Blaster is designed for use with the PC-Engine console and features the SELECT and RUN button on the center of the controller while the III, II, and I buttons are located on the right side of the pad. Each button may be empowered with turbo-fire by adjusting the slide lever above each one.

Sale Offering
Pricing is set at US$18.90 per
PC-Engine Blaster Joypad. If you reside in the USA, you may select USPS Media Mail shipping on our shop which is about $2.50. International customers are encouraged to select USPS First Class Airmail at a cost of approximately US$10.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Space Invaders Game Bank - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» Back in 2003, Taito celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Space Invaders by releasing a replica of the Space Invaders tabletop game which was really a controller container which held a Dual Shock 2. It was highly collectible and NCS eventually sold out after keeping original inventory for 6 years. Taito shipped a boatload of Space Invaders products last year to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the franchise. This year, the 31st Anniversary of Space Invaders doesn't have the same cachet but that's not stopping Taito from keeping the Invaders merchandising train rolling.

Most piggy banks don't reward savers with entertainment. The Space Invaders Game Bank rewards coin-droppers with a thrilling (sorta) shoot 'em up. Players who insert a 100-yen coin in the coin slot will get to play a round of Space Invaders that's fairly faithful to the original from the sounds to the shields to the included color cellophane overlay. The game bank measures W200 x H105 x D95mm (7.87 x 4.13 x 3.74") in area and is listed as 1/6 scale on Takara's product sheet.

A 100-yen coin measures 2.26cm in diameter so the closest approximation that we have here in the USA is a nickel which spans 2.12cm. The nickel is slightly thicker at 1.95mm versus 1.75mm for the 100-yen coin but it's perfectly sized for the coin slot. Note that a quarter is too large but dimes and pennies may also be inserted into the slot for your personal savings. A little red trigger in the coin slot is activated whenever a nickel passes through. All preorders have shipped as of yesterday; new orders welcome.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sacrifice - Expected on Monday

From the Publisher
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sacrifice combines third-person and first-person gameplay to create an experience like nothing else on Nintendo DS. The stakes are high for players as they take on the role of Buffy to seal the re-opened Hellmouth in an original story penned by Rob Deshotel, a writer from the TV series.

This action-packed 3D survival horror game sees Buffy using a range of special weapons, powerful spells and martial arts to take out vicious vampires and demons. In addition to these enemies, players also come across recognisable characters from the show, including Spike, Angel, the Master, the First Evil, Caleb and, of course, the Scooby Gang.

Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1060 - New Import, Subscriptions

«©NCSX» The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu features coverage on the following games and/or events:

» Preview for Final Fantasy XIII which includes new screenshots and details on the battle system. Pages 25 and 27 show off some nice screen caps. The preview also includes a look at the FFVII Advent Children Complete Blu-Ray that's expected next month.
» The Famitsu Review Crew rank PS3
Winning Post World (8/8/7/7), NDS Pro Yakyuu Famista DS 2009 (9/7/8/8), and Wii Doala de Wii (6/4/5/4).
» A feature on video game t-shirts including one for Galaxian that looks great, a Bomberman tee, a nifty Pac-Man shirt which features an entire screen cap of the entire game maze and contents, and an 8-bit Rockman t-shirt which we'll be buying for our own collection.
» Feature on
Mobile Suit Gundam: Senjou no Kizuna which checks out the arcade original as well as this week's PSP conversion.
» This week's "Pick Up Food" article focuses on new ice cream snacks that are available in Japan along with pastries that are currently in demand.
» Project Witch preview which is shipping for the PSP on July 23, 2009.

Zettai Zetsumei Grip - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» When Zettai Zetsumei 3 ships for the Playstation Portable next month, you might need a special accessory to hold the handheld lest it slip out of your hands when the excitement level ramps up and sweaty palms are the order of the day.
The Zettai Zetsumei Grip holds the PSP in its confines and is designed with a special "cracked asphalt" appearance which mimics the broken city that the game takes place in. The ZZ Grip may also be used as a stand since it has a support on the back which may be used to support the accessory and PSP upright on a tabletop.
Preorders are welcome to ship on April 23, 2009 at JPY1800 or US$22.90 from NCS.

Idolmaster Live Points - Import Preorder

«©NCSX» The Japanese Xbox Live Marketplace is a vibrant repository of downloadable content such as demos, trailers, and game data. The currency of the XBL Marketplace is known as Microsoft Points which are sold in card format through retailers in Japan. NCS has sold plain cards for a couple of years now but the upcoming Idolmaster versions are a little more special since they feature idol artwork and pretty colors.
The upcoming IdolMaster MS Points cards have a face value of 3500 and two versions are up for preorder - the IdolMaster "C" version which features a full-bodied cast of characters and a "D" version which shows off 10 character portraits. Preorders are welcome to ship on April 23, 2009 at JPY5000 or US$58.90 from NCS.

General Updates

PSP Utawareru Mono - Delayed
Aqua Plus has delayed the release of the regular and limited editions of
Utawareru Mono for the PSP from April 29 to May 28, 2009. To update the contents of the limited edition of the game, purchasers will receive a PSP carrying pouch (shown to the left), a puffy sticker strap, and a black Utawareru Mono accessory bag. Early preorders will also ship with a bonus deck of playing cards in 50% ratio.
PS3 Demon's Souls - Asian Version Update
Another shipment of PS3 Demon's Souls will be shipping from Hong Kong on Monday or Tuesday of next week and all new orders received after 10:22AM EST (as of yesterday) will ship on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. If we are able to stock the new batch of restock any sooner, we'll post an update on Monday morning since there may be some inventory available for us tonight in Hong Kong.
ETC Sales Next Week - New Old Stock Offerings
We'll resume new weekly sales on old inventory items starting next week. We found a bunch of new Saturn joypad and joystick controllers, a bunch of Megadrive accessories, some PC-Engine stuff, and an assortment of Famicom game classics. The inventory is new but some of the boxes have slight wear due to nearly 2 decades in storage.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Space Invaders Extreme 2 - New Import, Restock Soon

«©NCSX» Taito's classic Space Invaders game gets extreme once again with new features that bring the retro franchise up to speed with the Joneses. Game elements in Space Invaders Extreme 2 include:

» Bingo System:
Taito throws in the classic game of Bingo where a 3x3 grid is lit up during the course of a stage as invaders are shot. To win at Bingo, key spots on the grid must light up horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
» Multiplayer WiFi Mode:
Compete against another player via wireless Wi-Fi connection with new strategic considerations.

The weapons are the same as the original SIE with the blue laser cleaving through waves of enemies, the bomb-shot causing multiple explosions, and the broad shot hitting multiple enemies at once. Both screens of the NDS are used where the top screen features Bingo or UFOs and boss invaders alternately while the touch screen contains the waves of invader forces.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's Stardust Accelerator - New, In Stock

«©NCSX» The Yu-Gi-Oh World Championship resumes anew in 2009 with another exciting tournament where characters from the television series engage in a brand new Story Mode. The game features over 2800 5D's cards which includes new cards from the Crimson Crisis booster pack and promo cards including "Genesic Dragon," "Shield Wing," and "Stardust Dragon." If gauged against the WCS2008 game, over 800 new cards have been added to WCS2009. A new feature in 5D's is the World Championship Mode where card flippers get to test their strategies in 1-on-1 battles.

The first printing of the game ships with three bonus cards which were used by Kiryu Kyosuke in the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's animated serial as follows: "Infernity Archfiend," "Infernity Dwarf," and "Infernity Guardian." Please note the cards are packaged inside the game case.

Trigger Heart Exelica Enhanced - New Import, In Stock


«©NCSX» The Naomi arcade version of the Trigger Heart Exelica shooter was originally released in the Spring of 2006 to some fanfare from the fanbase. The Dreamcast edition followed up in early 2007 and over a year later, the Playstation 2 version completes the circle with an "Enhanced" game upgrade which features a new animated introduction, a Story Mode, and a third playable character named Faintear who's a blonde that may be seen on the upper-left corner of the game cover. She's the antagonist in Trigger Heart and her weapon is a twin laser shot that cleaves upwards in a straightforward blast.

The p
lay mechanics in THE are fairly routine where the gals blast away at their foes with standard vulcan shots and flit through vertical aspect stages. The wrinkle in the routine is something called the "Anchor Shot" which allows Exelica or Cruel Tear to tether an enemy ship. Once captured, the enemy vehicle may be launched like a projectile at other enemies for added scoring. In addition to small enemies, larger ships may also be hooked and hurled into the midst of enemy forces for a group smash. An enemy ship may also be hooked and then used as a barrier against enemy shots. It's a new shmup technique to explore and revel in. Developer Warashi also touted the V.B.A.S. (Variable Boss Attack System) where end-level gargantuans change their attack patterns based on the skill of the player.

Trigger Heart Exelica Enhanced LE - New Import, Restock

«©NCSX» The Naomi arcade version of the Trigger Heart Exelica shooter was originally released in the Spring of 2006 to some fanfare from the fanbase. The Dreamcast edition followed up in early 2007 and over a year later, the Playstation 2 version completes the circle with an "Enhanced" game which includes a bonus Exelica Nendoroid figure. We're not sure where Exelica's partner in crime, Cruel Tear, is but where's her Nendroid figure? Inquiring minds do wonder. Preorders will ship today but please note that new orders will ship next week when our second batch of the game arrives.

Gundam Senjou no Kizuna Portable - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» The arcade version of Mobile Suit Gundam: Senjou no Kizuna (Bonds of the Battlefield) is an immersive gaming experience where players enter a capsule called a P.O.D. (Panoramic Optical Display). Once seated inside the P.O.D., the senses are absolutely overwhelmed with bright lights and blaring sound. The game uses an overhead projector to beam a 180° panoramic image of the battlefield action onto the screen which is... overwhelming especially when your mech is in motion. Two control levers (sorta like twinsticks) are mounted on the front panel for movement and weaponry while two foot pedals may be thumped to ignite the Gundam's boosters. It's the closest thing to actually piloting a Gundam mech that we've seen thus far and the game reaches the PSP this week.

The portable conversion of Gundam: Senjou no Kizuna isn't as impressive as the arcade original but the missions are intact along with 8-player versus action where a 4-player team battles another 4-player team on action-packed theaters of conflict. Gamers can enjoy the Arcade Mode and Mission Mode (1-4 players). Upon starting a game, a metal gate open up to reveal the arena outside the bay (where the Gundam robots are stored) and your robot rockets into battle. The action runs fairly brisk but graphical quality has been sacrificed to maintain fast speeds. A replay function may be utilized which shows your greatest moments as well as botched operations.


Early reservations will include a bonus Gundam Strategy Guide that is being given away by Bandai in 50% ratio.

Disgaea 2 Portable - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» When the King of Demons casts a curse, you can be sure that his targets are going to suffer. Malevolent and spiteful, the demonic overlord known as Xenon curses the home world where the protagonist Adel lives and gradually causes the population to change into demonic creatures with horns, wings, and other appendages that shouldn't be there. Strangely, Adel is not only free from the curse but apparently has the wherewithal and destiny to help the people revert back to normal.

One day in a fit of delirium as evidenced by her untimely laughter, Adel's mother (Ma Ma) puts three of her demonically afflicted children in a cauldron and endeavors to summon Xenon himself to the world. After playing a tune on a flute, fireworks spew from the cauldron but instead of Xenon, they get the overlord's daughter Rosalinde. As she drifts downwards, she's surprised at her manifestation in Adel's world but it's quickly decided that she has to return to her homeworld...

Makai Senki Disgaea 2 Portable is an S-RPG which is based on the PS2 original but a new scenario has been added to goad previous buyers into opening their wallets once again. In addition to the regular edition of the game, Nippon Ichi is also releasing a limited edition which includes a 2-CD original soundtrack which contains a total of 40 tracks ripped from the game and a second CD which contains two new songs.
Preorders for both editions of the game are shipping today at JPY5200 (US$56.90) for the regular edition and JPY7200 ($75.90) for the limited edition.

Disgaea 2 Portable Limited Edition - New Import, In Stock

«©NCSX» When the King of Demons casts a curse, you can be sure that his targets are going to suffer. Malevolent and spiteful, the demonic overlord known as Xenon curses the home world where the protagonist Adel lives and gradually causes the population to change into demonic creatures with horns, wings, and other appendages that shouldn't be there. Strangely, Adel is not only free from the curse but apparently has the wherewithal and destiny to help the people revert back to normal.

Makai Senki Disgaea 2 Portable is an S-RPG which is based on the PS2 original but a new scenario has been added to goad previous buyers into opening their wallets once again. In addition to the regular edition of the game, Nippon Ichi is also releasing a limited edition which includes a 2-CD original soundtrack which contains a total of 40 tracks ripped from the game and a second CD which contains two new songs. The CD set is the same as the bonuses that were included in the Playstation 2 version of Disgaea 2 Limited Edition in case you're curious. Preorders for both editions of the game are shipping today at JPY5200 (US$56.90) for the regular edition and JPY7200 ($75.90) for the limited edition.

Sunday x Magazine Shuuketsu! Choujou Daikessen - New Import

«©NCSX» On March 17, 1959, a manga magazine called Weekly Shōnen Sunday made its debut but on that same day, Weekly Shōnen Magazine also launched. For 50 years, the two magazines have thrilled the youth and adults of Japan with stories featuring characters such as Ippo Makunouchi, Joe Yabuki, Devil Man, Inuyasha, Neji Springfield, Ayasaki Hayate, and many more. To mark their respective 50th anniversaries, the Shonen publications have been blitzing the Japanese market with merchandise and in the case of Sunday X Magazine, a 2D fighting game developed by Konami.

From Shonen Sunday, some of the manga series' featured are:
» Hayate the Combat Butler
» Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
» Inuyasha
» Kekkaishi
» Kyukyoku Chojin R
» Zettai Karen Children (aka Absolutely Lovely Children)

From Shonen Magazine, some series' in the game are:
» Air Gear
» Cromartie High
» Fairy Tail
» Get Backers
» Hajime no Ippo
» Negima! Magister Negi Magi