Talk with NCS

Got my tracking number today from NCS for my Metal Slug 3 but a part of our conversation was this:

"Did many people cancel their pre-order for Metal Slug 3?" -Me

"Yes. It is very disapointing but it always happens."- NCS

THOSE OF YOU THAT PUSSIED OUT SUCK!

YOU WILL BE THE SAME ONES THAT ARE CRYING LATER AND WONDERING WHY THERE WILL BE NO MORE SUPPORT FROM NCS....

WHICH, MAY I REMIND YOU, WAS AND IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN FUTURE AES RELEASES.... <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

whatever....

Indeed. I bought both the NCS cart I preordered and the one from Shawn. I didn't really want 2 (technically 3, since I already havea Jap MS3 from before) but I followed through. Hopefully, they will still move their stock effectively and not feel threatened by further Neo buys.

Perhaps this can serve as an impetous for them to buy the English stuff from NG.com in the future, should they come about. I think that would alleviate some problems. I guess we'll see.

So far, NCS has not commited to carrying English MS3, so the people who cancelled most likely went with the English version. While it is unfortunate, that is business. They had the leg up by opening, and closing pre orders before the NeoStore could even do ANYTHING. My opinion is NCS is as much to blame (in this rare case) as the consumer.

Hopefully we will see future English releases, and NCS will hopefully carry both versions of the game to sell. Maybe if we keep our fingers crossed Sengoku 3 will be released in English and Japanese form!

Keith

Well, I am in the same boat as RyoGeo meaning after all of this is said and done, I will end up with three copies of MS3. The thing is, I have real mixed feelings about the English version. If SNK is going to produce English AES carts in the future, I sure hope they make them available to all retailers. Shawn is a fair and honest dealer but I would like to be able to buy my carts from anywhere I chose and not be forced into dealing with only one outlet because they have a monopoly on something.

Hopefully there is enough demand for these games to allow both NCS and Shawn to co-exist.

Another thing was NCSX stop taking preorders a few months ago before I was able to put in an order anyway. Than soon after Shawn made the Enlish available so I got it instead. Anyway I would much rather support future English AES production!

English MS3 is setup so that the NeoStore is the distribution point, similar to the old SNK USA (at least, it seems that way). I would guess if you called up SNK in Japan asking about an English MS3, they would probably refer you to the NeoStore. And, if you read the description, wholesale inquiries are welcomed! Should NCS want to carry the English versions of future English carts, should they come to a reality, they have that option. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> I do not really see NCS vs the NeoStore, they should compliment each other.

Keith

Or here's a unlickly scenario shawn purchased all the ncs stock and had the games stuff redone professionally.

J/K <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Mouse_Master,

If NCS decides to order English AES carts from Shawn in the future, do you think they would get them at the same wholesale price that Shawn got them from SNK Japan? I don't think the SNK-USA analogy works here. Shawn is an independent dealer whereas SNK-USA was just another arm of SNK Japan.

I hope this wont effect the future production of Japanese AES Carts...I would be extremely dissapointed if future homecarts such as Sengoku 3 were somehow only offered with English Inserts and Manuals. Scaled artwork and colored stripes just isnt my thing.>>>

What matters to me is being able to play the game, these releases always manage to hit when I am flat on my ass broke.
Its a messed up phenominon.
LOL no joke, at least when kof 2k HC was coming I had planned ahaead, I wish shawn mentioned this "english" version even further back befrore it releases.
Neo cuts into living expenses to much, and no I am not rich.

ORIGINALY POSTED BY WAN FU:

"If NCS decides to order English AES carts from Shawn in the future, do you think they would get them at the same wholesale price that Shawn got them from SNK Japan? I don't think the SNK-USA analogy works here. Shawn is an independent dealer whereas SNK-USA was just another arm of SNK Japan."
---------------------------------------------
this is to damn true wan fu. Shawn, would you care to elaborate us on this.

I for one cancelled my preorder at NCS because the english version is the one I want to go with (I am A manuel reader, plus I like the spines of english carts more)
at first I was really hesitant to do it because I love giving my business to NCS but I knew I would not be as happy going with the jap version.

Originally posted by Mike:
<STRONG>Got my tracking number today from NCS for my Metal Slug 3 but a part of our conversation was this:

"Did many people cancel their pre-order for Metal Slug 3?" -Me

"Yes. It is very disapointing but it always happens."- NCS

THOSE OF YOU THAT PUSSIED OUT SUCK!

YOU WILL BE THE SAME ONES THAT ARE CRYING LATER AND WONDERING WHY THERE WILL BE NO MORE SUPPORT FROM NCS....

WHICH, MAY I REMIND YOU, WAS AND IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN FUTURE AES RELEASES.... <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

whatever....</STRONG>

Click to expand...

Good point Mike. I was afraid that exactly that would happen. Like you and RyoGeo, and WanFu, and others, I followed through with my NCS preorder, AND I preordered the cart from Shawn. I committed to the order and will follow through, especially since NCS has been so cool about supporting the Neo Geo (remember the home cart restock they sold to fans at reasonable prices, unlike the dynamic duo).

Anyway, with Sengoku 3 I called NCS and said that I would only preorder the cart from them if it comes out in English. I can't buy two of everything, MS3 being a huge exception to the rule (and an absolute masterpiece of a game, so I don't mind so much). I really hope an English version (of S3) comes out, and I'd suggest that anyone else wanting that PLEASE put the screws on NCS, maybe then it will actually happen!

Anyway thanks for that post, I really hope that NCS doesn't get stuck holding a large quantity of these carts . . . but what it will mean in the future is that they'll probably require PREPAYMENT for these items, rather than just a non-paid preorder. Oh well, whatever it takes to bring new games out . . .

You know... it's ridiculous.
I guess people are more collectors than actual gamers. If so, then why are so many people concerned about getting the game with English instructions and artwork????!? <IMG SRC="smilies/veryangry.gif" border="0">

You realize... the USA is the only country on this planet that actually rejected SNK on a mainstream scale. And you wonder why most of these games come out originally planned for a Japanese only release???!?!? <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

Besides... regardless of the origin of the game, you'll still be able to play the game on your home system even if you buy a Japanese cart and have an American system. I mean, for crying out loud... WHO DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY MS3 BY NOW??!?! Does having an English insert and instructions matter THAT MUCH, that you would actually REJECT the game???

If you answer yes to this, then you're not a "gamer". You're just basically a collector trying to make this whole thing into an investment, and at the same time screwing up any other chances for more games (in the future) to be officially released. What a way to show support to the good gaming companies out there! Make all of their efforts to supply merchandise to our community go to waste!! <IMG SRC="smilies/mad.gif" border="0">

If you want the game, just BUY the damn thing... no more of this "it's gotta be in English" crap. When SNK was in the US, they got laughed at. Now, they're only going to release games in the language & territory of their biggest supporters. If you were in the same boat, you'd do the same EXACT thing.

As for NCS? It's almost common knowledge that most of the games they get initially will be in Japanese. NCS deals mainly with IMPORTS. It's not very common for them to get the US version of any game first... knowing this, so many people pre-ordered MS3 praying against hope that the version would be in English. And just because the inser will say "Nihao" instead of "Hello", you're going to back out on your obligations. If you didn't know if the game would be in US or Japanese, you should have WAITED. If you were afraid of missing the pre-order, then either make it and deal with the language issue or find another dealer. Respectable companies like NCS don't need a slwe of fairweather customers turning tail because you're not getting a game with English text on the paper. They're doing something that 95% of the other gaming stores in the world CANNOT do... and that's just getting the game in the first place!!!!

Think about that next time you make your next "investment"... or game purchase. <IMG SRC="smilies/veryangry.gif" border="0">

[ September 04, 2001: Message edited by: VinylBoy ]

Hi. What shipping option did you choose? I got Priority Mail USPS, haven't got my tracking number.

I didn't preorder, but if had the cash and I preordered I wouldn't back out. Just because the game isn't in english isn't a reason. Just be glad we chances like this, if we fuck it up we may not get another chance. When Sengoku 3/2001 comes out I don't care what if it's japanese or english or whatever. If I can get my hands on a copy of Sengoku 3/2001 I'll be happy with that, and I won't cancel if I preorder. We are trying support something we enjoy people, if you cancel simply because it isn't the right language that's just fucked up. It's the people that cancel for that reason that are going to screw it up for the rest of us, and that is a damn fucking shame.

I ALSO ORDERED PRIORITY SERVICE, THEY CALLED ME AT WORK TODAY AND LET ME KNOW IT WAS SHIPPING, BUT I DIDN'T GET A TRACKING #, SHOULD I HAVE?

Why should people not get an English version of a game if one is available? What, now, if someone wants the English version, they are a collector? I prefer the English version if it is available, if not, I'll take the Japanese version. Its not a collector/gamer thing. Why not have a manual you can site down and read, if given the choice.

As far as pricing, NCS buys from a Japanese Distributor who deals with SNK I believe (I could be wrong) so my guess is NCS would be dealing with the NeoStore at a distributor level. With the NeoStore being a distributor, or course there will be a markup on the sale to NCS, but not much. Not knowing the wholesale pricing on carts, I could only speculate, but my guess would be that NCS would pay under $240 per copy. I beleive the price they locked in for S3 was $299. Thats $59/cart profit, not bad, but again, this is just a wild guess.

Keith

Originally posted by baseball-star:
<STRONG>I ALSO ORDERED PRIORITY SERVICE, THEY CALLED ME AT WORK TODAY AND LET ME KNOW IT WAS SHIPPING, BUT I DIDN'T GET A TRACKING #, SHOULD I HAVE?</STRONG>

Click to expand...

Uhoh, no tracking number means your game probably won't make it to you.
<IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0"> Shame really. <IMG SRC="smilies/eek2.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by Mouse_Master:
<STRONG>Why should people not get an English version of a game if one is available? What, now, if someone wants the English version, they are a collector? I prefer the English version if it is available, if not, I'll take the Japanese version. Its not a collector/gamer thing. Why not have a manual you can site down and read, if given the choice.
Keith</STRONG>

Click to expand...

Of course people should do in this case as they wish.If people cancel preorders from NCS for language issues it may make them hesitant to get any new games in for neo usa or japanese. This will be bad for all of us that support AES in the long run.

[ September 04, 2001: Message edited by: Tom ]

I think I would have to agree with Mouse Master here. Personally, I have both Japanese and English carts. All of my KoF's are Japanese versions, all of my FF's and AoF's are English and then the rest are just kinda one shots (Cyberlip/English, Mutation Nation/Japanese, etc.) If I have the choice and the price is not ridiculously higher, I prefer to buy English carts. I like having the English manuals and I do think the spine graphics are better on English carts.

On the other hand, quite often, Japanese cover art is better. That's why I have selections of both. When I get around to picking up an MSX, I'll get the Japanese one because I like the whole camo motif its got goin' on. For KoF, I'll also stay Japanese since all my other KoF's are Jap. I only need Samurai Showdown 2 out of that set, and will buy English, just like the other three.

That doesn't make me evil or some kind of freakish collector that never plays his games. I just happen to get a little of both.

When it comes to Sengoku 3, well, I already have the others in English. If I can buy the 3rd in English, I will. And why wouldn't NCS want to stock this product? I know for a FACT that NCS does NOT deal directly with SNK for their purchases. They have point blank said as much on their webpage before. There is one step between them and SNK. In the case of a prospective English Sengoku 3, that would be the same supply chain: SNK --> Neostore Distribution --> NCS. I fail to see the harm in that.

In any case, I to sent an email stating that if they (NCS) are presented with the option to sell me Sengoku 3 in English, that would be my preference. If they should choose to pass on such an opportunity, I may need to look for another source for an English version, should they become available. I also told them that they were my first choice as a Neo retailer. I want to reward them for their years of Neo support and would very much like to give them my money.

Sengoku 2 is my favorite side scroller, beat'em up on the Neo. I am very much looking forward to playing part 3, be it Japanese or English. If I can buy English, I will.

Please, let's not turn this wonderful thing of SNK possibly regaining interest in this ungrateful North American market (good point VinylBoy) by complaining about the fact that they are being receptive to customer wants.

Originally posted by VinylBoy:
<STRONG>You know... it's ridiculous.
I guess people are more collectors than actual gamers. If so, then why are so many people concerned about getting the game with English instructions and artwork????!? <IMG SRC="smilies/veryangry.gif" border="0">

You realize... the USA is the only country on this planet that actually rejected SNK on a mainstream scale. And you wonder why most of these games come out originally planned for a Japanese only release???!?!? <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

<snip> Think about that next time you make your next "investment"... or game purchase. <IMG SRC="smilies/veryangry.gif" border="0">

[ September 04, 2001: Message edited by: VinylBoy ]</STRONG>

Click to expand...

VinylBoy, I can understand why you'd be upset if people had cancelled preorders with NCS, I'm upset about that too (and I didn't cancel mine). However, don't get too angry if people would naturally rather get the English version of this game. I personally prefer to have an insert with ENGLISH language on it, and a manual that I can actually read as well. I do like the artwork on the Japanese cartridge, so will keep that one, but for many people having both copies is not an option.

My feeling is that if we encourage and support English releases, we're more likely to get them, and there's nothing wrong with that. And a LARGE portion of the Neo gaming community would also prefer an English version, I think . . .

Originally posted by Mike:
<STRONG>Got my tracking number today from NCS for my Metal Slug 3 but a part of our conversation was this:

"Did many people cancel their pre-order for Metal Slug 3?" -Me

"Yes. It is very disapointing but it always happens."- NCS

THOSE OF YOU THAT PUSSIED OUT SUCK!

YOU WILL BE THE SAME ONES THAT ARE CRYING LATER AND WONDERING WHY THERE WILL BE NO MORE SUPPORT FROM NCS....

WHICH, MAY I REMIND YOU, WAS AND IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN FUTURE AES RELEASES.... <IMG SRC="smilies/ohno.gif" border="0">

whatever....</STRONG>

Click to expand...

I canceled my order but not cos i wanted to,but because a couple of days ago my bank virtually cut off my overdraught facility,so the money was not there to take.
Its not entirely my fault though cos if NCS had taken money up front for pre orders they would have got my money!instead its a non cash pre order,anything can happen in two months,you might need to buy a new part for your car,or your house blows up or whatever
so in future they should ask for money up front,if you dont have the cash at the time tough shit!

know what pissed me off?

those guys never e-mailed me with my confirmation. they e-mailed me the first time, but i never got a second letter.

that was rather disappointing. no MS3 for me. <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

NeoGML have you tried e-mailing them or calling them to let them know?

NeoGML, they still have carts for sale (or at least they did). Just order one now. If it ends up they have none left, LMK. I can sell you one of mine with no markup. Just the cost of shipping that I've incurred. I'll have three home copies as it is. I don't need them all for goodness sakes.