Wednesday, December 02, 2009

X360 Real Arcade Pro Twinstick EX - Shipping Today

«©NCSX» The road to the Twinstick EX was uncertain at times and delayed once but it's finally here and the hardware is impressive. Hori's labor of love is an imposing controller that we were almost afraid to manhandle this morning lest fingerprints muck up its brand new glossy finish. We haven't had a chance to put the Twinstick through a thorough workout yet but the feel is arcade quality with two sturdy Sanwa JLJ-PL2-8V sticks, a heavy base, and solid construction. As an added bonus, the Twinstick is non-creaky for the most part although we did hear a squeak of excitement when lifting one of our own units out of its cardboard shipping carton.

Clarification: We weighed the Twinstick in the shipping container and they're only 12.40 lbs each but UPS charged us a 27 lb dimensional overnight shipping rate due to the size of each container. The Twinstick is packed in a Horistore cardboard box but we're packaging that into a larger cardboard box for an added measure of protection.

Preorders are shipping today. Due to the volume of transactions we'll be processing and packing this afternoon, NCS cannot accept shipping changes as of this morning. It wouldn't be feasible to ship by an air service in any case since the domestic shipping cost would be
prohibitive.

TOYS Final Fantasy XIII Lightning Eau de Toile - Japan Preorder

«©NCSX» In a couple of weeks, players in Japan (and importers) will be seriously engrossed in the adventures of a girl named Lightning when the next Final Fantasy is released. She's the pink-haired heroine of the game who's somewhat androgynous and Cloud's female equivalent. We know they're equal because they both share the same style of feathery hair.

NCS will never know what Lightning of FFXIII really smells like because she's, um, not real. That little tidbit isn't stopping Square Enix from cooking up a bottle of perfume that might be what Lightning wears when she steps out in a cocktail dress and strappy heels. The kind with cushioned insoles and a platinum-toned buckle. The eau de toilette bears a feminine scent that's described as "jasmine musk" with a bit of peach and citrus in there. We're assuming a sweet floral aroma that'll undoubtedly make the lads swoon. Or something like that.

Each nickel plated glass bottle holds 50ml of perfume and a little zinc-alloy strap is included as a bonus. Preorders are welcome to ship in January 2010 at JPY6800 or US$80.90 from NCS.

TOYS Ikkitousen Kanu Unchou Miko Version - Japan Preorder

«©NCSX» Kanu Unchou's popularity and her consequent pervasiveness in the Japanese toy market has been taken for granted for a few years now. Manufacturers and vendors expect Kanu to sell well to eager fans without much resistance since that's how things are supposed to be with anything related to Ms Unchou. That changed a bit this year.

NCS has noticed a slower pace of Kanu releases in 2009 but Japanese manufacturer Eyes Project has announced a new 1/6 scale coldcast figure which depicts Kanu as a Miko or shrine maiden. Kanu is dressed in regulation-issue Mike garb with the familiar red and white color scheme. Kanu wields the Blue Dragon Crescent Blade in her hands while her feet are fitted with tabi socks. Kanu's hair is a whippy lash that seemingly billows in the wind. That kind of craftsmanship is to be revered and honored because it isn't easy to make hair look like that. From afar, Kanu almost looks like Koyori of Sengoku Ace fame except Kanu's physique is slimmer and more athletic. Koyori's body type can best be described as "Rubenesque."

Preorders for the fully assembled and pre-painted Kanu Miko figure are welcome to ship in March 2010 at JPY18900 or US$259.90 from NCS.

TOYS R-Type Madou Gokin RWF-9A Arrow Head - Japan Preorder

«©NCSX» Fledgling Japanese toy manufacturer "A-Label" has started accepting preorders for an R-Type RWF-9A Arrow Head diecast toy which is a limited to a mere 2000 units. While discussing the production with one of our Japanese vendors last night, they mentioned that they wanted to buy up 1/8 of the production which is 250 units and sit on them for a few years. They'd probably work out a sweetheart deal on the price but we're not sure it's worth the investment since price appreciation on toys isn't all that. Besides, who knows if there'll be any rabid R-Type fans a few years from now jonesing for a $100+ Arrow Head? Even if it's diecast? We advised caution but they seemed fairly resolute in their RWF-9A hoarding plans.

The Arrow Head looks good with fully painted body, 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 plastic stalk that rises from the base of the toy - just like Force Units on the Shooting Game Historica R-Types. The Arrow Head is made of a mix of diecast and ABC/PVC and measures 13cm or 5.11" in length. Preorders are welcome to ship in March 2010 at JPY9800 or US$129.90 from NCS.

TOYS King of Fighters Vanessa 1/6 Scale Figure - Japan Preorder

«©NCSX» We first met Vanessa in King of Fighters '99 Evolution where she served as a Striker. Since her debut, Vanessa has appeared on the Hero Team, Iori Team, and other teams in subsequent KOF releases. Despite her sinewy frame, Vanessa is a pugilist at heart and she punches, jabs, and wallops opponents with fists of fury. Athena Asamiya and Mai Shiranui from KOF normally get most of the attention from toy sculptors but Vanessa warrants appreciation as well. That's where "A Label" steps in to produce a laid-back Vanessa toy figure which measures 30cm or 11.81" tall. She's so relaxed that her shirt's wide open and her bosom may be spied on.
Preorders are welcome to ship in March 2010 at JPY7800 or US$90.90 from NCS. Please note this item will incur dimensional weight and NCS recommends only shipping by UPS Ground within the United States.