NCS Daily Journal for March 12, 1998

In today's journal, we do a cover comparison between two versions of Pia. Two new screenshots from the upcoming arcade version of SFEX2 are also posted today. Blanka looks better than ever.


NCS feels that it is somewhat interesting to check out the different covers of a game between consoles. We did a three way cover comparison last year when Samurai Shodown RPG first came to market. In general, we find that the covers to Japanese PC games are usually no holds barred with nudity and violence portrayed indiscriminately. Console game covers are a bit softer to reflect the wider age range of it's audiences. Here then are the covers and backs to the latest adult game for the Sega Saturn and a look back at the PC-FX version. Click on any of the images for an original, unmodified picture scan. As you can see, the PC-FX wins hands down when it comes down to baring the flesh.

When Arika created Street Fighter EX for Capcom last year, it was met with muted cheer. On one hand, SFEX provided a new direction for the world's most recognizable fighting license with a move into the de-facto 32-bit standard of polygons. On the other hand, hardcore SF fans bemoaned the fact that the license was being ruined by jumping onto the 32-bit polygon bandwagon. As with anything in this world, you can't satisfy everyone and Capcom has proceeded with two branches of the Street Fighter game to satisfy most camps. The original series will continue in all of it's animated glory, unadulterated by polygons. The EX series will retain it's polygonal nature and will eventually be refined to the point where it rivals games such as Tekken 3 and Virtua Fighter 3.

With the release of SFEX2, perhaps Arika has reached that pinnacle already. A first look at the game shows off a true 3-D gaming environment instead of the 2-D view that served as the main perspective in the first EX. In the sales sheet for arcade operators, the screenshots show Ryu and Ken firing off fireballs, pulling off dragon punches and swiveling through the screen with their trademark helicopter kicks. We're not sure how those moves will be executed on a 3-D based control scheme but the all too familiar semi-circle + punch routine will likely be kept to keep the learning curve as gentle as possible. NCS expects EX2 this spring and we should take delivery of our first board within 2 weeks of it's release in Japan.

	Star Ocean: The Second Story from Enix has been listed for an April 14 release in Japan. This sequel to the popular SFC role playing game features photo-realistic backgrounds and scenery. Check out the buildings in the picture to the left. The characters are full-figured. not super-deformed, and the view shifts between isometric (indoors) and free-view (outdoors). More details to come.
	We were expecting our shipments to be dispatched overnight but they have been delayed until tonight. Time Bokan Series and Clock Tower: Ghost Head did not make it last night and our main supplier decided to hold everything to ship together. We're not pleased but at this point, our hands are tied and it looks like we will have everything in stock by Monday of next week.

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