NCSX Import Video Games & Toys

Dragon Quest IX: Hoshizora no Mamoribito - In Stock

2009-07-10T12:34:00.002-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Japanese patrons of gaming shops will be waiting on long lines later today for their chance to purchase a copy of Dragon Quest IX. Despite some misguided fears from distribution agents concerning a potential lack of inventory to go around, there's many thousands of copies available in the distribution channel to meet demand. We checked.

Dragon Quest IX marks the first time that a canonical game in the legendary series has debuted on a portable gaming system. This tells us that the Nintendo DS has reached such a massive user base that it's the only viable platform upon which Square can release a game that will eventually surpass a million units sold. That's no small feat in the current global climate of fear and reckoning. We've been asked to write a spoiler-free synopsis for DQIX today but we might update the shop listing with details and notes over the weekend as we explore the game.

Dragon Quest Slime Speaker Stand - New Import

2009-07-10T12:33:00.002-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» NCS has known for a few years that Slime are useful and versatile beasts. Hori is also cognizant of this factoid and they've put their knowledge to work by producing a Dragon Quest Slime Speaker Stand for the Nintendo DS. "What exactly is that $#!&," you may mutter under your breath so as to not awaken your roommate. Well, it's exactly what the product title states. It's a DQ Slime Speaker but it's also a Stand which will hold your Nintendo DS upright and aloft like a little desk would.

The NDS speakers are generally of good quality but if you're the type who needs a quirky external speaker shaped like a Slime, then this is for you. The product sales sheet indicates that the Slime is covered with a pliable satiny material that depresses when touched. The stand attachment seems pointless but who are we to question Hori's wisdom? They've been around for decades and will probably outlive us all. Pricing for the Speaker Stand is set at JPY4800 (US$58.90) from NCS and all preorders will ship today. NCS expects restock by next week for new orders.

Smile Slime Bud Earphones - New Import, In Stock

2009-07-10T12:30:00.002-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» A few years ago, the news was thick with stories of thieves targeting commuters and pedestrians by checking out the earphones they were wearing. Thugs were looking for the distinctive white Apple iPod earphones to determine if their potential victim was carrying an expensive bit of slim-line audio kit.

NCS is certain that iPod theft still occurs in cities across the world since the hardware is small and desirable. A single thief can steal iPods by the dozen without weighing himself down or impairing his mobility. To protect yourself against the criminal fraternity that robs citizens of their iPods, ditch the Apple earphones and grab a pair of Smile Slime Bud Earphones. When a thief spots them, it's likely that he'll conclude that they're toy earphones that are undoubtedly connected to a portable audio player from about 20 years ago. The type that was as big as a tissue box and only played cassette tapes. Said thief will then shuffle along and look for another more worthy victim to assault.

Smile Slime Touch Pen - New Import, In Stock

2009-07-10T12:27:00.001-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» When the Nintendo DS was first released and became a worldwide phenomenon, accessory manufacturers flooded the market with touch pen replacements. At one point, NCS juggled preorder offers for 20-30 different ones each month. We stocked some but ignored the rest due to well-deserved apathy.

Square Enix is a little late to the touch pen party but they've released two Smile Slime models for the NDS Lite (to the left) and the NDSi (on the right) which appear to be standard stylus styles. However, if you peek at the top of each pen, you'll be greeted with the jolly visage of a Blue or Silver Slime. The stylus is styled sleek so that it pops into the touch pen receptacle on the right side of the Nintendo DS Lite or Nintendo DSi handheld units. Both styles are in stock and shipping to all preorders and new orders today.

Dragon Quest IX DSi Pouch - New Import, In Stock

2009-07-10T12:22:00.002-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» Dragon Quest IX ships in Japan this week and it's accompanied by an assortment of merchandise that's branded with the DQIX logo. Normally, a third party manufacturer such as Hori would handle something like the DSi Pouch: DQIX but Square Enix is taking over production duties instead of farming it out.

The Dragon Quest IX DSi pouch is colored black and is decorated with a gold-colored silkscreen which depicts two DQ monsters. On the left is a Slime while a big-eared beast appears on the right. The pouch can hold an NDSi handheld and up to three game cards in individual storage pockets. The pouch measures 150 x 100 x 40mm (5.90 x 3.93 x 1.57") in dimension and is made of a cloth material of some sort. We're guessing polyester.

Dragon Quest IX Protect Case DSi - New Import, Restock Soon

2009-07-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» When Square Enix proclaimed that Dragon Quest IX would be a Nintendo DS exclusive earlier this year, Hori was one of the first companies to sign a licensing pact which allows them to produce and peddle assorted products based on the DQIX juggernaut.
The first DQIX product is a Nintendo DSi Protect Case which features the likeness of two Slimes on the front. Since the NDSi has a little camera on its lid, the upcoming case features a cutout so that the eye of the camera may peer through. The compatibility chart on Hori's product sheet states that the case is only for the Nintendo DSi and won't be compatible with the original Nintendo DS or the NDS Lite. This will undoubtedly put a crimp on potential sales but NCS expects all future Protect Case accessories from Hori to be NDSi exclusive since that's the current sales wave.

Weekly Famitsu Vol. 1075 - Annual Subscriptions Only

2009-07-10T12:17:00.001-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
©NCSX» The latest issue of Famitsu features coverage on the following games and events in the Japanese marketplace:
» In the "News Head Line" article, Famitsu photographs the three bonus Pokemon figures that are being given away with preorders for the upcoming remakes of Pokemon (Heart)Gold and Pokemon (Soul)Silver.
» Preview for Square's upcoming NDS RPG titled Hikari no 4 Sensi which is part of the Final Fantasy lineage.
» Famitsu reviews PS3 Pro Yakyu Spirits 6 (10/9/9/9), PS2 Pro Yakyu Spirits 6 (9/8/8/8), and NDS Awatama (7/7/7/7).
» PSP Undead Knights is expected in October and features zombie smashing antics in a 3D action game.
» Coin-op coverage on Haunted Museum and Music GunGun!.
» Famitsu takes a trip to some Game Creator Schools and checks out the up and coming talent who'll be crafting the games of tomorrow.
» The "Pick Up Food" section for this week inspects Pocky-like snacks and other sweet treats that might hit the spot this summer.

System Bag DSi Black - New Import, In Stock

2009-07-10T12:13:00.002-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» When the original Nintendo DS was released many moons ago, manufacturers in Asia and Japan flooded the market with storage pouches and carrying cases for Ninty's new handheld. There hasn't been the same amount of carrying cases for the Nintendo DSi but that's mainly because standard NDS cases can also be used with the DSi. Don't tell that to Hori however since they're releasing the System Bag DSi Black this week which is designed to store the NDSi, the AC adapter, and up to five game cards in its cozy confines. Upon opening up the System Bag, players will be greeted with a number of form-fitting pockets that'll keep the Nintendo DSi and accessories secure and safe from danger.

The System Bag closes up by way of a wraparound zipper and a little pouch on the outside of the bag allows users to store small items such as coins, candy, and other minute objects of no particular consequence.

Bleach Heat the Soul 5 [The Best] - New Import, In Stock

2009-07-10T12:11:00.001-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» In Bleach Heat The Soul 4, the primary game mode was "Character Master" where players selected a champion and 2 supporting partners. In Bleach Heat The Soul 5, it's all about the "Tag Master" mode where Shinigami, Humans, Arrancar, and others engage in tag team fighting action that runs fast and fluid.

Players select two characters from a roster of 31 combatants and then go to war against another duo. Similar to previous Bleach HTS games, the action takes place on a 3D battlefield where a versatile camera zooms in and out as the fighters draw close to each other and range far away. When special attacks are triggered, a short cinema takes over which shows the blazing theatrics to bombastic effect. Intuitive controls and a simple evasion system make Bleach HTS5 an easy game to get into without much time investment required.

The other game modes include Time Attack, Free Battle, Soul VS, Survival, and Training for rusty captains who need a little practice. In addition to the aforementioned 31 character roster, two new fighters join the tried and true cast - the fearsome Cirucci Thunderwitch in all of her garter-wearing glory and a pink-haired lad named Zaeruaporo Granz. Either the d-pad or the analog nub may be used for control. We found the d-pad more precise. Pushing up or down makes the fighter run in that direction for evasive maneuvers or tactical positioning. Pushing forward and back on the d-pad moves the fighter likewise.

Shining Wind 1/8 Scale Celestia Figure - Import Preorder

2009-07-09T11:21:00.001-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Kotobukiya has started preorders for a 1/8 scale Celestia figure (of Shining Wind fame) that's sculpted by Sho Kojima. Celestia is accompanied by a floppy-eared creature that wears a crown and has occasionally been seen with Xecty. Celestia measures 11cm or 4.33" in height and is crafted from PVC. An open book lays on top of her lap whilst her green dress radiates outwards like a lily pad. Preorders are welcome to ship in October 2009 at JPY5800 or US$68.90.

Transformers Masterpiece MP-08 - Reproduction Preorder

2009-07-09T11:18:00.003-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Takara Tomy has started preorders for a new production of the Transformers Masterpiece MP-08 Grimlock which is scheduled to ship towards the end of October 2008. 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...

General Updates

2009-07-09T11:18:00.001-04:00

NDS Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora tomorrow
Distributors have shipped DQIX and NCS expects our shipment to arrive tomorrow. As mentioned yesterday, we'll dispatch all preorders on Friday. If you wish to receive the game on Saturday, we recommend USPS Express Mail for the most economical overnight service within the continental USA.

PS3 Demon's Souls update
NCS will receive the Korean-English version of Demon's Souls next week and we'll process and ship all backorders within the next few days. The Korean version of the game is similar to the Asian edition of Demon's Souls in that the text and speech in the game can be toggled to English. Since the USA localization of Demon's Souls is three months away, we're guessing we'll have some time to sell the new batch.

NEWS PS3 Rorona no Atelier and X360 Otomedius G restock
All backorders for Rorona no Atelier and Otomedius G will ship tomorrow. We'll also restock the Japanese version of PS3 BlazBlue to fill all outstanding backorders in our system.

PS2 Fatal Frame reproduction
NCS received Tecmo's reproductions of Fatal Frame 2 and Fatal Frame 3 about a month ago but the original Fatal Frame has finally been completed and we expect delivery on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. All backorders will ship once the game arrives.

NEWS Dollar Death Spiral
The dollar was slowly spiraling downwards for the past few weeks against the yen but yesterday, it plummeted to a low of JPY92.6750 (-2.08). That's what jawboning about additional stimulus action does... Then again, it could also be a case of crushing stops before the next ride up.

KoroKoro Hakushi Wood Puzzle Gashapon - Import Preorder

2009-07-08T11:20:00.001-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
«©NCSX» Back in the 80s, the world was awash with handheld puzzle games such as Rubik's Cube, Pyraminx, and the Skewb. Over the ensuing years, the mechanical puzzle craze died down as fads are apt to do. Although sales for puzzle games such as the Rubik's Cube will never reach the lofty levels seen in the 80s, there's still an audience for mechanical puzzles and it is this audience that System Service is trying to reach.

The KoroKoro Hakushi Wood Puzzle Gashapon feature five puzzles from yesteryear which are crafted from wood blocks, rounds, wafers, and plugs. The most recognizable toy is the "Rubik's Cube-alike" made from constituent square blocks while the other toys feature assembly and disassembly play mechanics. The toys are sold randomly in gashapon dispensers in Japan but we'll sort them all out in complete sets of five. Preorders are welcome to ship in October 2009 at US$20.90.

J-League Winning Eleven 2009 Club Championship - Preorder

2009-07-08T11:18:00.002-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
©NCSX» The J-League is in focus once again when Konami ships the latest edition of their renowned J-League Winning Eleven game for the Playstation 2. With the way the market is headed, this may be the final J-League title on the PS2 which has survived for nearly a decade in the rough and tumble video game market.

A total of 36 J-League teams are featured in JLWE 2009 CC including three new inductees as follows: Tochigi S.C. from Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Katare Toyama which is a recently merged team that's comprised of ALO's Hokuriku and YKK AP F.C., and Fagiano Okayama F.C from Okayama Prefecture. All three teams play in the J-League Division 2. In addition to the three new teams, a total of five new stadiums have been added: Saitama Stadium 2002 (World Cup), Sapporo Dome, Osaka Nagai Stadium, Tochigi Green Stadium, and Momotaro Stadium. To bring the world a little closer together, the game also features 118 foreign teams from the Italia League, the England League, Spanish League, and Portugal League which allows players to set up dream matches between marquee clubs. The team and player data in the game is current as of April 10, 2009. Preorders are welcome to ship on August 6, 2009.

Yugioh 5D's TagForce 4 - Import Preorder

2009-07-08T11:16:00.001-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
©NCSX» Yugioh has been around for what seems like forever and Konami keeps churning them out with regular tenacity. The latest animated series is Yugioh 5D's which began airing last year in Japan and has been the source material for two games already on the Wii and NDS. A third game based on the 5D's universe is set to hit the PSP later this year.

Taking place in Domino City after the storyline chronicled in Yugioh GX, standard card dueling is still happening along with mobilized dueling where card battlers ride on vehicles called Duel Runners. The PSP game will focus on the standard card battling side of the Yugioh equation. The first production of the game will include three official game cards which are packaged inside the UMD case. Preorders ship on Sept. 17, 2009.

Family Challenge - Import Preorder

2009-07-08T11:13:00.001-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
©NCSX» What makes a challenge a "family challenge?" NCS isn't certain as to the exact parameters but it probably has to be G-Rated, relatively simple, and wholesome. Konami stays within these guidelines with their upcoming Family Challenge for the Wii which features 40 mini-games which fit into the genres of brain games, competitive challenges, cooperative exercises, and other short but somewhat sweet activities that up to four players can enjoy. Please note that NCS is accepting preorders for the version of Family Challenge that includes the controller and game in a bundle package. Preorders ship on November 19, 2009.

TabeMon (Wii) - Import Preorder

2009-07-08T11:11:00.002-04:00

NCS Preorder Synopsis
©NCSX» Namco's Pac-Man was a video game phenomenon that inspired sequels, clones, and even a song back in the day when 8-bit was bleeding edge. Nearly 30 years later, Namco's still around albeit as a part of the Bandai empire and Pac-Man still scores high on the awareness meter.

When we first watched previews of TabeMon, we figured it to be a spiritual successor to Pac-Man. The character in the game looks like a mutated version of Pac-Man and it eats. A lot. However, instead of being isolated within a maze and chased by a quartet of spooks, TabeMon features free-roaming gameplay where the hero runs around chomping down mobile as well as immobile objects and creatures on screen.

General Updates

2009-07-08T11:10:00.001-04:00

PS3 King of Fighters XII update
The release date for the Japanese version of KOF XII has been revised again to July 30, 2009. That's a lot better than the previously revised date of August 20, 2009. The KOF XII USB Joystick's release date has also been solidified for July 30, 2009.

NDS Dragon Quest IX Hoshizora update
Japanese distributors didn't receive the game as of last night but we'll check again tonight. Since the latest DQ is being officially released to retailers on Saturday in Japan, the game should be available to distribution by tonight. If it is released on time, we'll receive the game and start shipping all preorders on Friday (July 10, 2009). NCS recommends USPS Express Mail for weekend delivery if you're interested in a quick arrival.

IkkiTousen GG Kanu Uncho Perfect Body - Import Preorder

2009-07-07T12:02:00.001-04:00

NCS Product Synopsis
«©NCSX» NCS inspected photos of the newly announced Kanu Unchou Perfect Body Version thoroughly but we couldn't really discern what made this particular version the "perfect body" as opposed to the myriad incarnations of Kanu we've sold through the years. Were those earlier Kanu figures "imperfect," "ill proportioned," or "flawed" in some way? We'll never know for sure.

Alphamax's upcoming Kanu coldcast figure is sculpted to 1/8 scale and measures 22cm or 8.66" tall. Kanu is basically nude but she wears a pair of skivvies below while two strategically placed strands of hair provide coverings for her bosom. In Kanu's left hand, she holds her uniform which drapes neatly downwards. Preorders are welcome to ship in late September 2009 at JPY13,800 or US$155.90 from NCS.

Saga 2 Hihou Densetsu Goddess of Destiny - Preorder

2009-07-07T12:00:00.001-04:00

©NCSX» Square originally released SaGa 2: Hihou Densetsu on the Gameboy in 1990 and the game made it to North America under the title of Final Fantasy Legend II a year later. Fast forward roughly 2 decades and Square Enix updates the game and re-releases it on the Nintendo DS this autumn.
The story in "Goddess of Destiny" is the same as the original but the remake features graphical overhauls, attack system revamps, and the ability to perform team attacks where a party collaborates on meting out powerful offensive moves. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 17, 2009 at JPY5800 or US$60.90 from NCS.

Saga 2 Hihou Densetsu 20th Anniversary Edition - Preorder

2009-07-07T11:59:00.003-04:00

©NCSX» Square Enix has also opened up preorders for a "20th Anniversary" version of Saga 2 Hihou Densetsu which includes the game and a special Saga 2 branded Nintendo DSi handheld. Square has not released images of the special NDSi yet but we'll update our shop listing once we have photos available.
Square is accepting preorders for a third "s-Store Monopoly" edition of Saga 2 which is exclusive to their shopping site but we'll probably skip it. This particular version includes a Mascot Strap, a 2-CD Soundtrack, and the aforementioned special Nintendo DSi at JPY31,580 + tax.

Idolmaster Dearly Stars - Import Preorder

2009-07-07T11:57:00.002-04:00

©NCSX» You're not just a talent manager or a Svengali-like manipulator of the Japanese music industry. No, you're an -=Idolmaster=- who keeps an iron grip on the day to day happenings of the songstresses under your control. The Nintendo DS re-imagining of Idolmaster features a trio of newcomers named Ai Hidaka, Eri Mizutani, and Ryo Akizuki. Since the new idols need to be refined for stage performances, they'll have to endure vocal and dance lessons which are played by way of mini-game routines. Once a girl is ready, she'll be invited to auditions where a good performance guarantees advancement in her career. The NDS version of Idolmaster includes new songs, a stage creation function, and a massive amount of speech during the interactive sequences. Preorders are welcome to ship on September 17, 2009 at JPY5980 or US$62.90 from NCS.

Kurogane Linebarrels - Import Preorder

2009-07-07T11:56:00.002-04:00

©NCSX» When Peter Parker went on a fateful class trip, he got bitten by a radioactive spider and ultimately became Spiderman. When Kouichi Hayase goes on a class trip to the Shin Ukishima Construction Site, he's smacked by a plummeting "satellite" which leaves him in a coma. Eventually however, the incident transforms him into a mech pilot extraordinaire who possesses inordinate strength.

The Kurogane Linebarrels game for the PSP is an S-RPG which features interactive sequences that move the story along. Battles are fought between mechs on isometric battlefields which are viewed from a 3/4 overhead perspective. When an encounter kicks off, a short animation plays which shows the clashing antics in fluid motion. Preorders ship on Oct 8.

Date ni Game! Dungeon Maker Girls Type - Import Preorder

2009-07-07T11:53:00.001-04:00

©NCSX» Idea Factory's "Otomate Forte" brand has done respectably in Japan but the sales numbers can't really be expected to set records. Otome (Girl's Love) games are still targeted at a growing but niche audience. As long as the titles are profitable however, NCS expects a constant trickle of new releases to reach the market regularly.

The next game in the Otomate Forte family is Date ni Game! Dungeon Maker Girls Type which features a cast of boys with fine chiseled features, RPG elements, and more interactive sequences than you can shake a stick at. Preorders are welcome to ship on October 1, 2009 at JPY4800 or US$52.90 from NCS.

Coraline (Widescreen) - New Release, Ships in 24 Hours

2009-07-07T11:51:00.001-04:00

From the Publisher
From the director of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" comes this wondrous and thrilling, fun and suspenseful adventure in eye-popping 3-D! A treat for the entire family, this modern, magical tale, teaches one of life's most important lessons: things aren't always better on the other side of the door. And, as the first stop motion animated feature to be originally filmed in 3-D, it's unlike anything moviegoers have ever seen before.

Special DVD Features
Director and Audio Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Featurettes. Disc One: Side A: 2-D Theatrical Version; Disc One: Side B: 3-D Theatrical Version; 3-D Glasses (4 pairs).

Voice Cast
Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, Ian McShane.

DVD Release Date: July 21, 2009
Run Length: 101 minutes
Audio Track: English, French, and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Surround