Tecmo Ninja Gaiden II
MSRP: $59.99
Info: ninjagaidengame.com
Rated M for mature due to copious amounts of spilt blood, Ninja Gaiden II for Xbox 360 is a sequel to the popular original but features a new and improved game engine to show the Xbox 360 at its best. You play Ryu Hayabusa on a predictable mission to avenge his clan and save the human race, but the manner in which he's been animated takes video games to the next dimension. From a distance, gameplay appears like a movie. The rendering offers incredible detail both in the main character and background.
The backgrounds and villains don't have the same sharp colors and detail as the main character. This gives them an anime feel and allows Ryu to be more prominent on the screen, helping you maintain contact with him when multiple enemies surround you in the frantic action.
The gameplay can be slightly repetitive, with continuous stabbing and slashing, but the variety of weapons and acrobatic attack maneuvers create its own challenges as the story takes you from Tokyo to New York.
Unfortunately, there's no online experience, but you can upload your best moves using the Ninja Cinema feature, which can be saved to your console like movie clips.
BBS CH Black Wheel
MSRP: Starting At $510 per Wheel
Info: bbs-usa.com
One of your favorite BBS wheels just got a little better. Putting a spin on the classic CH wheel is this black satin example. The one-piece counter-pressure cast wheel features a special flow-formed inner rim to decrease weight and increase strength. The wheel has a stainless steel rim protector to guard against curbs or scuffing. Following the original CH wheel, the black satin version will apply to most Euros with sizes ranging from 18x8" to 19x10", ideal for the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 or VW GTI.
Spec VW 1.8T Clutch And Flywheel
MSRP: Website
Info: specclutch.com
Since the late '90s, the 1.8T has been the engine of choice for most VW enthusiasts. Now retired from the current lineup, many 1.8T owners need to do more maintenance upgrades to keep the car reliable, especially the clutch. So Spec has introduced new clutch and flywheel assemblies for both five- and six-speed equipped 1.8Ts. Configured for street, road racing or drag racing, expect these new applications to give your 1.8T new life. All hardware is included and you can even switch out parts later if you desire different applications.
Koni STR.T Shocks
MSRP: Starting at $60 per shock
Info: koni-na.com
Shock absorbers are inevitably prone to wear. When this happens, you can buy an OE replacement or a performance upgrade. Koni's new STR.T shocks improve handling but cost similar to OE replacements. Pronounced street, these replacement parts start at $60 a corner and offer less suspension travel, useful if your car is lower. Available for BMW and VW, the shocks come with a limited lifetime warranty.