PLEASE READ: The NEW SHOP is separate and distinct from the OLD SHOP. If you place an order on the OLD SHOP, you will not be able to use the NEW SHOP to check on your order and vice versa. Unfortunately, we were not able to resolve the two shop databases in order to transfer customer histories and accounts. Both shops are fully operational and capable of taking orders.
 

Gungrave O.D.

  PS2 Gungrave O.D. - Shipping Today
   The first Gungrave gave players a thrill with fast-paced action, a somber hero and well-executed play mechanics. It was short but sweet. In his second outing, lead wrecker Beyond the Grave is joined by such distinctive death dealers as Rocket Billy Red Cadillac and the immortal Juji Kabane. Everyone's decked out in fancy costumes and dole out the hurt with firearms and in Billy's case, an electrifying guitar which spits out ricocheting sparks of energy. Close-range combo attacks may be performed to deal mass damage in split second increments. Along with fearsome offensive power, the three warriors in Gungrave O.D. are capable of shielding themselves from sporadic gunfire to blunt the impact of bullet barrages. However, it's only fitting that enemies also have the ability to block bullets which makes close-range attacks a necessity.

   The camera in Gungrave O.D. peeks at the action from behind the hero. Send Beyond the Grave running and gunning and watch as the coffin on his back thumps to and fro with realistic weight. BtG wields the faithful Kerberos once again as his weapon and the big man is capable of performing some spectacular moves and special attacks during the course of play. Interactive environments return where walls shatter, objects burst when rippled with gunfire and goons seemingly never get the hint that they won't win. They just keep trying... Mika Asagi returns in a supporting role along with another supporter named Spike.

 
 

Ninja Gaiden

  XBX Ninja Gaiden - Shipping Today
   Ryu Hayabusa is out for blood. His entire clan has been chopped down by the Vigor Empire and he seeks to take down the whole operation by his lonesome. Share Ryu's pain and heartache by stepping into his padded tabi boots and use ninja jumping skills, swift sword strokes and the occasional shuriken to take out the opposition.

   Ninja Gaiden has been hyped to a level where it can probably do not wrong. The play mechanics are technically sound with ease of execution and a simple learning curve but the camera needs a little work. When traipsing the light fantastic atop a platform or slashing + jumping in the thick of battle, it's easy to swivel the camera into a clumsy spot which hurts the fast pace of play. It doesn't entirely ruin the gaming experience but it's perturbing.

   The environment that Ryu lives in is a versatile one where he may climb, sidle, leap and run unencumbered. Ryu's a ninja but he might as well be a barroom brawler. No ninja stealth techniques are required and he barges into every battle with aplomb and ignites a light show when on the attack. We suppose a ninja just looks stealthier and sleeker than some guy in a tank top with hairy arms and a beer in hand. Other then the camera issues, we're enjoying the game this morning. The variety of attacks, magic, weaponry and moves keep things from becoming overly repetitive. Ryu may slash one foe to throw it off balance and then leap behind another foe to attack...and then run between the two to finish both off at the same time with energetic sword slashes. Ryu's move arsenal includes kicks which send opponents flying in the opposite direction.

   There are many occasions when Ryu is surrounded by goons and we're thinking that a Tates system of some sort would have been nice to have where each foe is cut down in quick succession. Maybe in the sequel.
 
 
Summary of the Week
Monday NEWS Capcom All Stars Capsule Toys, Falcom Products, GBA SP Variants - Fire Red and Leaf Green, Import Outlook, Taiko no Tatsujin Special Pack announced, Welcome to Pia Carrot figures
Wednesday PS2 Gungrave OD [ASN]  XBX Ninja Gaiden [USA]
Thursday NEWS Delays...going ice fishing this afternoon, Psyvariar 2 restock soon, Famicom Mini carts soon
Friday GBA Double Dragon Advance, Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari  PS2 Diet Channel, Pro Action Replay + 32M Memory Card, Pop 'n Taisen Pazurudama, Sakigaki!! Kuromati Koukou, Zero Shinkikan Josentoki
National Console Support, Inc ° Your Import Specialist
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