Quote:Microsoft's Xbox wing in Japan today invited many media outlets, including SPOnG, to a major briefing dated for April 6th next week, with those close to proceedings hinting that some major announcements are planned. Indeed, those close to planning have openly mooted Phantasy Star Universe from Sega and a new Tales of title from Namco will headline the event.

Microsoft has suffered terribly in the Japanese market, with consumers again rejecting Microsoft's courtship dance, seeing its revised offering go unsold. The situation has been compounded by the fact that the Xbox 360 was in part designed to appeal to a consumer base renowned as being the most discerning on the planet. Indeed, Microsoft openly touted its refreshed credibility in the Japanese market prior to launching its hardware and in fairness it had covered every base except the inherent xenophobia of its target market.

As to what else Microsoft may show is up in the air, though a new Square Enix exclusive has been mentioned in some circles, as have various Sega arcade conversions including Virtua Fighter and Afterburner. Other titles mooted include Konami's Winning Eleven as well as various Xbox Live Arcade titles...

Whatever happens, it's going to be big, and attractive to our Japanese gaming friends. As to whether they'll buy an Xbox 360 to play what is offered is anyone's guess.

Lee-yoshi Wrote:There has always been the rumour circulating about Universe on the Xbox360 ever since IGN's interview with the director (I think it was) of PSU, asking and pleaing with him to make Universe for Xbox360, and that's the only place i can really see SPOnG making such a rumour from since many have talked about it since - Although personally i still very much doubt it'll ever happen. With FFX-I on Xbox360 now though, anything is possible i guess. SEGA will only be concentrating on how well the game will perform in Japan, and if FFX-I proves popular on 360, it could boost the 360's rep in the land of the rising sun pretty heavily - But who knows for sure. Guess we'll find out next week!

*Posted as News*