Gamertell

Time to keep you up on some of the bishoujo games from Japan (see what I did there?)

J-List recently stocked its supply of dating-sim game Snow Sakura released by G-Collections in December 2007. Snow Sakura stars student Tachibana Yuuji who is left to live with an uncle when his parents head to Hawaii for business. There, he meets back up with some cute cousins and childhood friends and enjoys some romantic moments in the snowy countryside…

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Check out the gallery: Snow Sakura screen shots

Welcome to the first installment of Important Importables, a new column that will appear exclusively on Gamertell. Each weekend, Jenni Lada will point and stare like a giddy tourist at some the best, weirdest or simply her favorite videogame goodies not sold in the US. So get your PayPal password ready and clean out your mailbox, it’s time for some Important Importables.

If you own a PSP or a Nintendo DS, you probably know the great little secret behind each system. No, not that one, perverts. All PSP and DS games are region-free meaning that someone can buy a game from a different country and run it on their own machine. It also means that someone could purchase a handheld system from another country to use.  It’s complete and utter freedom.

The bad news is that there are a lot of incredible video games out there that never make it to North America for one reason or another. Not to mention the delayed and limited releases European and Austrailian gamers can get.

Console importing has also become quite popular. The Japanese PSPs and DSes are available in different colors and styles than North American ones, like the popular and recently released Crisis Core: Final Fantasy PSP in Japan. Plus, if someone wants to play a Japanese PS2, PS3, Wii or Xbox 360 game, they first have to buy a console from that region. (Of course they could mod the system they already own, but that can be tricky and voids the warranty.) The trick to importing is finding a safe, reliable, and well stocked online store that carries the games and systems you want.

Japanese Imports

I’ll begin with my favorite online store , Play-Asia. This site is the best for import gamers for a number of reasons. First, the service is incredible. If you have a problem or issue, you’ll likely get an email response that same day, even though the company is located in Hong Kong. Second, the shipping is dirt cheap. I always choose the cheapest option (at times it ends up being under $3.00), and yet it will always arrive at my home in a week. Next is the selection. They have games, domestic and import, for every system, including the classics. If there’s a game you want that is old and out of stock, they’ll even find it for you. Plus they also sell toys, music, movies, and magazines. I saved the best for last though: the Bargain Section. Many a day have I come home, popped on just to browse, and ended up with a steal. This week’s reckless splurge: the limited edition version of Audition Portable for the PSP. Normally its $99.99, now its $49.99.

Next up is NCSX, also known as the National Console Support, Inc. This company is located in the US, so your game will arrive a little faster and you won’t have to worry about your items making the overseas trips. Despite my rabbid fangirlism up there for Play-Asia, NCSX was the first place I imported from. Ever. That’s a special, sacred bond. NCSX doesn’t have as wide a selection as Play-Asia, and the shipping is a bit more, but occasionally they will have a game that Play-Asia doesn’t carry any more. They also have other video game related imported paraphernalia, like toys, books, music. NCSX really focuses on games though. Once again they have great customer service.

European Imports

The next site I have mixed feelings about. I’m including it because eStarland is really the only trustworthy site I have found for getting European imported games. (Occasionally Europe will get games North America should have gotten, but didn’t including Freshly Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupee-Land for the DS or Tales of Eternia for the PSP.) Like NCSX, eStarland is another online video game retailer based in the US. Their primary focus isn’t on imports, but they carry most of the really popular ones at reasonable prices. The bad part is their policy on constantly confirming the information you’ve supplied. It can be horribly annoying and can keep your purchase from being shipped for three to four days. The good part is that they carry European imports and also stock used copies of all imported games when they can. Since import games for the DS and PSP can run between $39-49, a preowned copy for $29-39 starts looking pretty good.

From time to time you might also be able to find European versions of games on the NCSX site. The thing is, when they are on the site they won’t be marked as European under region, so you need to be aware of what titles are European exclusives. It isn’t too bad when they are PSP or DS games, since those are region free, but European games won’t run on the North American console systems. Also you will usually have to search for the exact title, because the game might not show up in the normal game list. A good example is the Tingle game for the DS mentioned earlier. If you look through the general DS game listings, it won’t show up, but if you check for it with the site’s search engine, you’ll find it. Another thing worth noting is that a European game at NCSX will cost more than the identical game at eStarland, provided eStarland has it.

Other Sites to Consider

These are just my favorite sites and they aren’t the only shops online out there. YesAsia is also a great, reliable site for importing video games, music, books, toys, and other items from overseas. The only reason YesAsia doesn’t have a paragraph up there with the other Japanese import sites is because they tend to focus focus on other imports.

If you’re an eBay fan, a lot of import games and systems can be found there as well. You have to be cautious when dealing with vendors there though - you never know what condition the game is or if it is a legitimate copy and not a knock-off. Sure it looks like a good deal initially, but it won’t be once you get it home and discover it is a knock-off. At times it is worth the risk though, because eBay sellers will have the lowest prices.

JBox/JList is also a great retailer who I have personally purchased items from, but like YesAsia they specialize in items, accessories, computer games, toys and magazines. So at JBox/JList you will find many licensed Nintendo items, video game related novelties and Japanese iTunes card, but you won’t find any actual games (except dating sim PC games) or systems. In fact, J-List/J-Box is the only site I have come across so far that carries the Japanese iTunes cards, which, when purchased, allow you to download music from the Japanese iTunes store.

Coming Next Week

Next week we’ll start talking about some import DS and PSP games which are worth your money. First up, the best import game available for the best handheld console on the market, the Nintendo DS. The great thing about this game is if you look carefully online, you may just find it on sale.

Site [Play-Asia] Site [NCSX] Site [eStarland] Site [RenChi] Site [YesAsia] Site [JBox/JList]

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J-List has just stocked up on the adorable Final Fantasy Trading Arts Mini Vol. 1 figures, giving RPG fans something fun to be thankful for.

Unlike the standard Final Fantasy Trading Arts figures, the Mini series are chibi versions of famous Square-Enix heroes. While most sites that have stocked the figures would ship them out randomly, J-List is selling them in sets so that potential buyers won’t have to worry about duplicates. The downside to this product is it is only available on J-List, and J-List can only be viewed by visitors 18 and up. So if you’re under 18 and you’d like one of these figures, you will have to find someone of age to purchase it for you.

These characters are the diminutive stars of the latest J-List update. These two-and-a-half inch figurines are incredibly detailed, and this first series contains Vaan and Penelo from FFXII, Yuna from FFX-2, Rinoa from FFVIII and Cloud from FFVII. The only way to get Cloud is to buy the $35 full set of five figures. Rinoa, Penelo and Yuna can be bought as a set of three for $20. If you’re a Vaan fan, then you can just buy him for $6. They are pretty cute, so the full set might be the way to go with this item.

These little characters are cute, but they would be a lot cuter if they were keychains. Of course it wouldn’t be too difficult to modify them. Just stop by a craft store, pick up the proper parts, and do a little gluing or screwing and you could have spiffy new way to keep your keys together. As is, they’d make a nice desktop mascot.

For those looking for something a bit more edible for the upcoming holiday, J-Box will definitely get your lips smacking. Perhaps it was done in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving feasts we will all be enjoying, or maybe it is just a happy coincidence, but the latest update features lots of delicious additions. There are new and restocked food items, new and restocked bento boxes, and Hello Kitty riceball makers now available on the site. These sugary treats are sure to be handy in fueling any late night gaming sessions or stuffing holiday stockings.

The new and restocked snacks are definitely worth a look. The new snacks include orange chocolate and bitter chocolate Nestle Aero candy, Meiji Porte Hokkaido Milk candies, Fragre Tablet violet mints, and caramel Nestle Kit Kats. I recommend the orange chocolate Aero bar and the caramel Kit Kats, both have just a hint of the extra flavor that isn’t too overpowering. They all are reasonably priced, with the $1.60 Kit Kats being the bargain and the Meiji Porte being the most expensive at $2.80. Classic candies, like Ramune gum, pocky, and other treats have all also been restocked. True, this isn’t video game related, but it is yummy candy, so it works.

Also worth mentioning are the recent food preparation and carrying items located at the site. New bento boxes have been added and old favorites have been restocked. The top two most recent bento boxes both feature a My Melody design and are made out of sturdy metal. One is made of aluminum, the other of stainless steel. Both are $20 and come with an elastic band to hold them shut. The most recent food maker is the Hello Kitty onigiri maker, also known as a riceball maker. These pink presses let you form your rice snacks into the familiar kitty face shape. A pack contains two forms and costs $7. Perfect for Hello Kitty fans or for people who happen to be fans of the Sanrio games which do manage to be released in North America.

As always there’s an important thing to remember when ordering from the site. If you’re under 18 or would be offended by adult material, then J-Box is the site you’ll be visiting. J-List is for mature adults ages 18 and older. Luckily the treats in this latest update are available for all ages.

Site [J-List]

EDITOR’S NOTE: J-List features items that may not be suitable for gamers of all ages. As such, we try to provide links to it’s under-18 site, J-Box, whenever possible.

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Say, tell me if this has ever happened to you?

You’re hard at work in your office cubicle when suddenly you notice a thin layer of dust and debris covering your otherwise immaculate work surface.

What to do!?

Obviously you can’t interrupt your busy work schedule to lug the shop-vac up from maintenance - that would be overkill If only you had a stylish, handheld vacuum cleaner that took up minimal desk space and yet cleaned like the wind! Well friend, you’re in luck.

Your days of slaving away amidst layers of irritating, allergy-triggering office dirt are over! Say hello to the Hello Kitty Desktop Cleaner…

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Our favorite Japanese import site, J-List (J-Box), recently listed a pretty cool set of headphones. Called “Frenzy & Rumble,“ these Transformers-themed headphones will set you back $45 but, boy, do they look cool.

From the pictures on the site it appears the arms and legs fold in, creating solid white disks that will likely look more like ear muffs than headphones. not that’s a clever disguise… I think? Check out the video of this guy opening hand showing off his headphones…

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Our favorite Japanese import site, J-List (J-Box), recently posted one of the coolest ninja weapons ever. I mean that quite literally.

The site is now offering a rubbery ice cube tray that features ninja shuriken, aka throwing stars. Each tray sells for only $3.80 and makes nine stars. At that price you could buy enough to fill your freezer and create a nearly limitless arsenal. It’s perfect for a Ninja Gaiden marathon or just something to hide in a fluffy white snowball. (Gamertell does really not promote the use of sharp objects hidden in fluffy, innocent looking snowballs.)

Here’s a better description and a closeup photo…

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Our favorite Japanese import site, J-List (J-Box), is offering another silly stuffed creation to adorn your bed: The Chocobo plush.

This little yellow guy - or gal? - is approximately 7x7 in. and is being offered as a preorder for $20 on the site. In its hands is a book, as if it can read, that has a nonsensical title and appears to have an icon of infamous and hard to find Final Fantasy cactus creature. This is an official, Square Enix licensed product created after the November 2006 release of Chocobo’s Magic Book for the Nintendo DS in Japan.

Product Page [Chocobo Plush] Read [Destructoid] Site [Chocobo’s Magic Book (Japanese)]

EDITOR’S NOTE: J-List feature items not suitable for gamers under the age of 18. As such, we provide links to J-Box, which is suitable for gamers of all ages.

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Yet another amazing figure/statue in the Master Creatures 2 series is being released by Kotobukiya. This figure is of of Odin from Final Fantasy IX and has been created by master sculptor Takayuki Takeya.

There are only two of these available from this site and each costs $32. Here’s a brief bit of background from the site:

“This fantastic model is of the dark and ominous Odin summon from the Final Fantasy IX game for Playstation [released in 2000]. Measuring at 5 inches tall, this highly detailed work of art is fully painted and made of high quality PVC.“

According to a competitor’s site, however, the figure may actually be 6 1/2 in. tall.  Either way, it looks pretty firggin’ cool. Like other figures in this series, they are released in Japan before the US so if you import it, you’ll be the coolest collectibles kid on the block for at least a few weeks.

Product Page [Odin Figure] Site [Kotobukiya]

EDITOR’S NOTE: J-List feature items not suitable for gamers under the age of 18. As such, we provide links to J-Box, which is suitable for gamers of all ages.

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This is not as much a figure of a character as a glorious, physical recreation of a videogame attack. As weird as it sounds, many of the uber powerful Final Fantasy attacks summon creatures from other realms, resulting in glorious, colorful and often weird visuals.

Part of the Master Creatures 2 collection by Kotobukiya, the Knights of the Round figure is the big daddy attack in Final Fantasy VII (released in 1997 for the PlayStation). From the site:

“Knights of the Round is the “ultimate summon” in Final Fantasy VIII, whereby you get to do some excessive damage with the help of 13 Knights who trounce your opponent with a cuisinart of weapon attacks while you munch on some popcorn. This Knights of the Round figure ... captures that glorious moment of summoning when said Knights have just arrived to do the deed. Youch! Be careful not to ‘zoom in’ too closely with this one as it’s got lots of pointy bits. A wonderfully detailed and fantastic clump of knights swirling out from the ethereal cloak, measuring 7.5 inches wide and 4.5 inches tall.“

Similar to most of the figures in this series, there are only a couple available and they cost $38 each.

Although they keep calling these “figures,“ I really consider them statues since they are more to be displayed than played. Can you imagine one of these fighting a Luke Skywalker action figure?

Product Page [Knights of The Round Figure] Site [Kotobukiya]

EDITOR’S NOTE: J-List feature items not suitable for gamers under the age of 18. As such, we provide links to J-Box, which is suitable for gamers of all ages.

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Our favorite Japanese import site, J-List (J-Box) is selling Super Mario plush keychains or, really, mini stuffed characters with keychains protruding from their heads. Of course, if you are a Japanophile you’ll consider hanging these from your cell phone or backpack instead of using them for your car keys.

The characters available in the set are Mario, Luigi, Fire Mario, Goomba and a Super Mushroom. Each keychain is $17, chosen at random by he staff. which typically means the box design makes it impossible to tell which on you are getting until you open it.

“... these plush mini keychain figures make a great addition to your backpack, car, or keychain gacha gacha (rattling around) cluster. Based on the New Super Mario series designs and in brilliant color, these little plush figures are your key Nintendo style additions to any occasion.“

Product Page [Super Mario Bros. Plush Keychains]

EDITOR’S NOTE: J-List feature items not suitable for gamers under the age of 18. As such, we provide links to J-Box, which is suitable for gamers of all ages.

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