| Sakura Dreamcast Console |
Scans |
| Hello
Kitty Dreamcast begone... There's a new bulky boxed DC package in town,
stocked to the gills with licensed goodies to fulfill every fans
craving. The Sakura DC box is emblazoned with the image of Sakura from
ST2 and proclaims "Dreamcast for Internet". Upon opening the
pink colored box, a cardboard tray flips up to reveal the pink Sakura
VMU, a copy of Sakura Kinematron Hanagumi Mail, a Sakura version of
Dream Passport v3.0, and a preview disc featuring the upcoming Sakura
Taisen 3. A thick packet of user guides, promotional flyers, and the
DC manual lies underneath. Digging deeper, the Sakura Dreamcast is
uncovered with it's lid hosting the major Hanagumi players.
Immediately to the left of everything is the pink Sakura joypad. Is it
cool? Well, the Sakura fan will add this to the treasure
trove but most gaijin will look bewildered as these move off
our shelves at US$315 a pop. |
|
|
| Sakura
Dreamcast |
|
US$315 |
|
| DC
Sakura
Taisen Kinematron Hanagumi Mail |
Scans |
|
Here's the scenario. When one adores something such as Sakura Taisen,
all things related to and derivative of the license must be purchased,
played and collected. This applies even when an e-mail management
program for the Japanese Dreamcast is released. However, when one is leery
of spending over $300 for a Sakura DC and the Christmas credit card
bills are arriving by the boatload, there must be another way.
Solution: Sakura Kinematron Hanagumi Mail by itself. The entire Sakura
crew play tribute in this program but Sakura herself hosts the mailing
duties. An added bonus to the e-mail program disc is the Sakura Taisen
3 preview demo CD that is also included with the special Dreamcast
console package. |
|
|
| Sakura
Kinematron |
|
US$35 |
|
| DC
Sakura
Taisen Joypad |
Scans |
A pink joypad completes today's lesson in branding. Color it pink,
slap a logo on it, and you have knighted a product with the Sakura
mystique. A normal leather bag may be found on sidewalk bazaars for
about $10. Position the Vuitton logo on it and magic is made, where
valuations rocket 1000% over what you may find in a street vendor's
wares. The inflation inherent in Sakura products isn't as extreme but
it's there and it all boils down to brand.
Those wishing to complete the Sakura Dreamcast console
with a second, or even fourth pad, need not look any further than
this. NCS will maintain a large inventory of this joypad and of the
Sakura Dreamcast for current fans and the new fans that are sure to
rise when Sakura Taisen 3 ships in March of 2001. That is, if Sega
does not delay the game again. But with regards to Sakura paraphenalia,
we'll be ready for the demand... |
|
|
| Sakura
Joypad |
|
US$39 |
|
| Happy New Year |
Snow |
|
In Chinese astrology, 2001 is the Year of the Snake. Similar to
western symbolism, the Chinese interpretation of the snake bestows it
with cunning and wisdom. Some terms used to describe people born in
Snake years are demanding, possessive, suspicious by
nature, and jealous. Of course, these terms could be used
to describe anyone born under any animal sign but such is the way of
painting generations with broad strokes. |
Despite
heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures over the weekend, throngs of visitors and celebrants
still descended upon New York's Times Square to ring in the New
Year. |
| Week's
Outlook |
Holiday |
| Japanese
houses are on vacation until January 8. As such, nothing new is
expected this week. We may restock Phantasy Star Online, Bouncer, and
other needed items by Thursday. |
When international suppliers go on vacation, a news and product vacuum
ensues. |
|
