1/60 Scale Gradius Vic Viper Model Kit On Sale Now!

I've blogged about this previously when it was first announced, but now, the Gradius Vic Viper model kit is available for sale online!


This 1/60 scale model, measuring approximately 200 mm in length comes with several "options" (Gradius fans will known what's that) and has several extras too.

Here's a write up from the online retailer Play-Asia about this model kit:

Vic Viper, the classic fighter ship from the Gradius series has made it far since its first launch in 1985:

Besides starring in numerous Gradius video games, the Viper became a guest star in several other game franchises and anime series

One of the recent appearances has been the 2006/2007 TV-anime series "Skygirls
Set in 2084, the hope of the mankind lies on a new fighter, a secret military development. Vic Viper, equipped with laser-plasma guns and the fastest engine ever used in a space fighter.

Three times, the Vic Viper appears in Skygirls: in Episode 7, when the prototype is charging the sky for the maiden flight; in Episode 14, when the ship is involved in the first battle against a worm; and in episode 21, when a whole squadron joins the attack against a special enemy

This 1/60 scale model-kit is based on illustrations by Akitaka Mika, well-known for his skilled work in many series and games such as Gundam and Galaxy Fraulein Yuna.

With several option parts this model is a true collector's item and must have for all Gradius and Skygirl fans.

For purchase details, click here. Alternatively, consider the smaller, but no less detailed (for its size), Shooting Game Historica Figure Gashapon Collection which features the Vic Viper as well.

A Guide to...Cheap Video Game Guide Books..pun intended

Last week I was checking out Play-Asia's website at the very last hour of its Summer Smoothie Sale and I found out that the site stocks quite a number of cheap video game guide books. I don't need one, but it was worth looking around, after all, it was a sale and you'll never know when you'll find something you like.

Now that the sale is over, here's a more objective comparison between online retailers regarding guide books. Case in point: BradyGames' Gears of War Signature Series Guide. And the online retailers in this comparison are the Internet juggernaut known as Amazon.com, Malaysia's very own Acmamall.com and Hong Kong's Play-Asia.com.

Amazon.com:
The guide book retails for USD 10.82, down from its original price of USD 19.99. (click here)
Shipping to Malaysia via Standard International Shipping (avg 10-16 days) is at USD 11.98.
Total price: USD 22.80

Special note: If you are buying from Amazon.co.uk, it will be a whopping 17.07 pound sterling (inclusive of shipping to Malaysia).

Acmamall.com:
The guide book retails for RM 77.36 (~USD 22.75), a 10 % discount from its original price of RM 85.96 (~USD 25.28) (click here)
Shipping charges is at RM 7.50 (~USD 2.20)
Total price: RM 84.86 (USD 24.95)

Play-Asia.com:
The guide book retails for USD 14.90 (click here)
Shipping charges using Economy Air Box (5-10 days) is at NIL.
Total price: USD 14.90

It's pretty clear that Play-Asia has the best price among the three, but what's cheap for me, may not be cheap for you, especially if you are living in the States, where Amazon has some pretty good deals on shipping. Check out the rest of what Play-Asia has to offer

Since the sale is over, did you get anything? I got Magic Taizen for around RM 35, a very nice bargain indeed. And speaking of Magic Taizen, it will be released in English come this November as Nintendo Magic. Read all about it here.

Time of the Season for Play-Asia's Sale!!!

Nothing gets me going better than a sale. If you are looking for video games and collectables, drop by Play-Asia as they are having their Summer Smoothie (wonder who thought this up) sale where its 20% off for everything in stock. Click here for further details.

Since PA has a wide variety of games for different platforms, I'm only listing my picks for the Nintendo DS (click on the titles for purchasing details):

• Jump Ultimate Stars USD 29.90
• Ouendan 2 USD 39.12
• Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords USD 27.92
• Yu-Gi-Oh: World Championship 2007 USD 27.92
• Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (Konami's Best) USD19.92
• New Super Mario Bros. USD 31.92
• Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten USD 39.12
  
• Marvel Trading Card Game USD 27.92
• The New York Times Crosswords USD 27.92

Some of these titles hit a sweet spot at around RM 100 each, pretty good bargains I would say, considering they are not bargain bin items in the first place. So, what should I get? Maybe Puzzle Quest or something else? I'm pretty much up to my neck with puzzle games.

Gift Recommendations - For a Video Gamer

Remember that rather pissed-off chap, Kratos, from the God of War games? Well, he is on sale (literally) on Play-Asia. Kratos figurines produced by Neca are selling for a discounted price of USD 14.99 each, and when combined with free shipping, cheaper than what you might find on eBay.

Check out the pictures:

1. God of War Action Figure: Kratos, for further details, click here.


2. God of War Action Figure: Kratos Golden Fleece, for further details, click here.

P/S: I want one of these for Christmas ya.

Of Squirrels and Men

"749" That's the price of a PSP quoted to me by a sales guy at Gamers Hideout, Cineleisure while he was still munching on a mouthful of food. I felt rather grossed out, both by the price (the package doesn't come with anything, he didn't even bother to calculate in stuff like the screen protector and the Memory Stick, talk about a lack of enthusiasm) and the fact that he looked like a squirrel stuffed with nuts in its mouth.

I'm not a fan of people acting like squirrels, or anemic sales people. It's the second time I've been to the place and I must say besides the staff being too engrossed playing video games to pay attention to customers, the place, though different in terms of presentation compared to other video game shops, is overrated.

Anyways, it was rather lively at the Curve and Cineleisure today despite the hot weather outdoors. Got a big display case from ShiokToys for RM 39.90, 4 books from Borders (it's the last day of sales) along with a Moleskine notebook and a Naruto figurine. Children of Hurin is on my desk now, but it will have to wait until I'm done with my work.

Stuff for Sale

I just ordered an entire set of Mario Kart DS Racing Collection Part 2 Gashapon from Play-Asia for USD 14.94 earlier today (details here). Some of you may have recalled that I've ordered the same set from eBay on behalf of a friend for double that price several weeks back. I guess the wait finally pulled off.

This new set consists of Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Wario, Bowser and Donkey Kong. This purchase, however, will leave me with duplicates of Mario, Luigi and Bowser, as they already exist in Collection Part 1. I'm putting up Mario and Luigi for sale at RM 8 each and I would preferably sell them off as a pair. Afterall, they are brothers, aren't they?

Since I've already got the ball rolling, I'm also putting up my duplicate set from my Animal Crossing Houses collection for sale. The items for this duplicate set are still under wraps but which set am I refering to? Answer: The set on the lower left corner boxed in Red (otherwise known as the PMS Mole, I mean, Resetti set):

This set is going for RM 10, but please note that all prices quoted here are do not include the shipping price. Or maybe I should sell these guys on eBay...hmm.

Sales... Not Again.

One word: Sales! If you are like me, someone who is on the look out for bargains on console games, such as games for the Nintendo DS, you'd probably be interested in Play-Asia's Crazy Week. Click on the image for further details: