DC Garou ~ Mark of the Wolves

US$53

 
   Looking extremely sweet when piped through a VGA Box, Garou betters the Neo Geo original with pristine graphical sheen. High definition fighters lose their Neo Geo jaggies and the game-play ports over intact, losing nothing in the transition. Special features in the DC version include an art gallery and the ability to watch character endings to your heart's content when you've completed the game with a particular fighter. With Agetec picking this one up for the USA market (due in early November), fans of all things SNK can look forward to another fine offering on the Dreamcast. Until then, importers get first crack at a superb fighting game.   
GBA Zone of Enders 2173 Testament

US$49

 
   Based loosely on the events in the second ZOE television series titled Z.O.E. Dolores, I (which just ended with episode 26 in Japan yesterday), Testament eschews the mech battles found in the Playstation 2 game and goes with an action-rpg on the small screen. Dolores is the name for a new type of sentient orbital frame whose personality and intelligence matches that of a 17-year old human female.   
PS Hunter X Hunter Ubawareta Aura Stone

US$53

 
   A secretive cabal spirits away a sacred aura stone from hapless villagers and wreaks havoc on their collective constitution. To avoid certain disaster, Hunters spring into action to help recover the stolen aggregate of mineral matter. Amalgamating equal parts adventure and card battle, the latest HXH features animated battle screens where opponents duel with decks. Attacks, defense moves, and combination counters may be flipped out with the throw of a card. During the adventure portion of the game, Hunters may use various medical supplies, items, etc to help in the quest.   
PS Space Invaders Simple 1500

US$23

 
   Stretching across the horizon, as far as the eye can see, the invaders appear. Then they begin to march. Charging downwards with hideous intent, exotic phantoms stomp from left to right in determined descent. Collated rank and file in their relentless attack, the regiment appears unstoppable. On a seemingly serene terra below, a lone cannon stands. The last defense against the assault shoots to kill and dodges the occasional bullet to fight another day... Three variants of the classic Space Invaders game are included - worthy of the price of admission alone is the new 3-D Space Invaders which takes an isometric "into the distance" view of the action.    
PS2 Silent Hill 2

US$63

 
   Spooky happenings are afoot when one James Sunderland receives a letter from his dead wife, beckoning him to the hulking town of Silent Hill. It was their special sanctuary where they fostered love. Curiosity usually destroys the cat and James gets his hopes up that wifey may still be around. He makes the trip to Silent Hill in search of her. 
   Konami mixes masterful sound effects, dark surroundings, and a horrifyingly realistic city to explore. A pervasive feeling of dread courses through the ether of the game world and works wonders to terrify even the hardened and jaded. The original Silent Hill sported scary moments but SH2 takes the cake and Konami pulls off what only some of the best Hollywood movies do - scare the hell out of you. Gory sights include dismembered bodies, otherworldly monsters, and the walking undead seemingly unable to partake of the final sleep. Cast in a haunting pallor, Silent Hill 2 shows the evolution of the horror gaming genre and what a little PS2 power, artistic direction, and dark shadows can accomplish. Leave the lights lit for this one... 		 
PS Sky Gunner

US$63

 
   In the land of Reeve, the Gunner clique earn a living as high profile couriers. Piloting quaint propeller based aircraft, main characters Ciel and Copain form a formidable duo to tackle missions and tasks. A third role played by Femme provides additional interaction and support for our heroes. At the city festival, new sights and delights are shown, and town folk congregate to view the curiosities. A rash of inventions being exhibited at the event attract the attention of master criminal Ventre, who schemes to abscond some of the more promising pieces. Marshalling a fleet of airships, Ventre attacks and that leaves monsieur Ciel and madam Copain to defend against the onslaught. Although the airships flown by our protagonists are relatively small, they are packed with twin machine guns which are enough to wreck opponents of similar size as well as massive zeppelins which may be rendered harmless. 
   A neat Bangaio-ish attack feature in the game allows for chain reactions. For example, if the horizon happens to be dotted with Ventre's goons, you can focus your firepower on one victim and set it ablaze. As it explodes, it's wreckage may set surrounding ships afire and so forth.   		 
WSC Guilty Gear Petit 2

US$49

 
   Ky Kiske and Sol Badguy return as the lead "Ken" and "Ryu" of sorts and they're joined by eleven other fighters in the latest Guilty Gear. A tighter control system and the ability to toggle simplified special attack movements help beginners get into the groove. Once you've gotten the hang of the attacks and moves, a player may toggle back to normal special attack mode. Game options include a Survival mode as well as a Story mode to enthrall players.  
   

 
WSC Star Hearts

US$49

 
   Seven demons with classic monikers such as Lucifer, Asmodeus, and Beezlebub curse the world of Star Hearts with wicked spells and froth forth discontent, avarice, and unbecoming behavior among the populace. To beat back the bad tidings, Danda, a lad hefting heavy sword or girl Tama venture forth to bring peace back to the land. Accompanied by a helpful familiar, hero or heroine seek out and rescue 160 fairies who in turn will help by granting 12 different types of elemental magic. Fire, ice, wind, and other sorcery may be wielded by the player to advance the quest.   
   

   

 
NCS Weekly Recap

Monday Dorimaga Vol. 9, PS2 Densha de Go! Shinkansen, Guitadora, Shin Sangoku Musou 2  
Wednesday DC Cosmic Smash
Thursday DC Garou Mark of the Wolves GBA Zone of Enders 2173 PS Bishi Bashi Special, Bishi Bashi Special 2, Beatmania Best Hits, Hunter X Hunter Best Collection, Hunter X Hunter Ubawareta Aura Stone PS2 Ring of Red Best, Seven Blades Best, Silent Hill 2, Sky Gunner WSC Guilty Gear Petit 2, Star Hearts
Friday Week's import stock checked out