General Market Updates

   Hori has announced a new Xbox joystick called the Fighting Stick EX which ships on May 15, 2003. Perhaps Soul Calibur 2 fans were clamoring. Preorders welcome.
   Konami's NetVillage announced regular and limited editions of PS2 Eve Burst Error Plus priced at Y6800 and Y9800 respectively which ships on July 24. For the Gamecube, Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 10 ships on July 17.
   USA buyers of Infogrames' Enter the Matrix game being released next week receive a bonus DVD while Asian territory buyers receive the wristwatch shown to the left. 
   Kotobukiya announced a trio of Matrix Reloaded prepainted vinyl figures which are shipping in June 2003. Pricing for Neo hits Y1000 higher than Agent Smith and Trinity, probably because of the extra vinyl needed to mold the swishing cape.
   Yamato continues the 1/48 scale Valkyrie line with a VF-1A Low Visibility Color Type Diecast Figure shipping in July 2003.
   Expanding their line of sci-fi cinema candy toys, Konami plans a set based on the original Alien movie directed by Ridley Scott. We have a gallery of photos from the preproduction exhibition as well as a photo of the completed figures. 
   Sony's new SCPH-50000 Playstation 2 ships next week which supports various DVD-R media, sports a quieter fan and features progressive scan output. An integrated IR receiver completes the makeover. NCS expects pricing for the first batch at $285.
   The Ikaruga Appreciate DVD will be restocked next week while GBA Naruto Saikyo Ninja, PS2 Yumeria and the Motion Gravure DVDs are expected tomorrow.
 
 
 

  USA Releases

Castlevania ~ Aria of Sorrow [GBA]
   2035 A.D. The first solar eclipse of the new millennium dances across the dark skies when protagonist Soma Cruz and his friend Mina Hakuba trek to the summit of a mountain to view the event. Unfortunately for the two friends, they wander into the eclipse and soon stand outside Dracula’s castle. Although the head vampire was destroyed 36 years ago, a new terror appears to have taken residence at the dark lord’s domain. Without provocation, the two are attacked by skeletal warriors and a winged beast outside the daunting castle. With Mina wounded, Soma treks into the castle to discover the mysteries within, find his oppressor and along the way, collect some souls in order to escape Dracula's castle.
   As Soma begins the game, he’s armed with a simple knife which may be plugged into shuffling skeletal warriors and flitting bats. Progress further and new weapons may be acquired to battle undead legions and armored knights. One of the first new weapons is a long-spear which may be hurled at foes from a distance. Soma’s special ability is the absorption of souls of those he has slain and the acquisition of their unique powers or skills. Players may trade collected souls with other gamers through a Gameboy Link Cable. In stock and shipping today.

Lufia: The Ruins of Yore [GBA]
   When the warmongering country of Gratze attacks its neighbors and seeks to revive a monstrous beast, it's up to a priestess to rally a trio of treasure hunters into the cause of battling back the forces of Gratze.

Dot Hack Part 2: Mutation [PS2]
   The second volume in Bandai's serial RPG continues where the first installment left off and allows the transfer of character data from the first game. Players may visit a new town, meet new characters and battle an updated selection of monsters. Each copy of Dot Hack Part 2 includes a bonus DVD which features a 30-minute animation episode which offers background on the Dot Hack world and characters.
 
 
Summary of the Week
Monday TOYS Dragon Quest Monsters Miniature Plush, DQM Slime Plush, Evangelion: Asuka Strikes! Figures, Evangelion: Rei Ayanami Seaside Version, Final Fantasy X-2 Zippo Lighter, Hello Kitty Hawaiian Wedding, Lupin the Third Diecast, Samurai Shodown Nakoruru Figure, Transformers Collection 0
Tuesday NEWS Import preorders for Dreamcast and Playstation 2
Wednesday NEWS Hori announces new Xbox joystick, Eve Burst Error Plus announced, more updates
Thursday CD Matrimelee Soundtrack  DC Interlude Regular Edition  GBA Castlevania GNE, Zero One  PS2 Generation of Chaos 3 Limited Edition  WSC Kidou Senshi Gundam: Giren no Yabou Special  NEWS New shopping site launches, updated preorders for July 2003
National Console Support, Inc ° Your Import Specialist
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