(Editor's Note: Once again, Xenosaga III is a direct sequel. Any news stories on this game may have spoilers from the first two titles in this series. You have been warned. -John)

Namco has opened the official website for its Monolith Soft-developed PlayStation 2 RPG Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus spoke Zarathustra). Almost all playable characters have received new costumes and some characters will even change theirs during the course of the game. Screenshots have confirmed the return of Shion's older brother Jin and Chaos, meaning all playable character from Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Beyond Good and Evil) will make their return in Episode III.

In addition to futuristic locations Xenosaga Episode III also seems to feature some more natural environments. One screenshoot shows a beauitful landscape with a waterfall in the background.

Episode I's tech attacks have been confirmed to return in Episode III and the development team promises a smoother battle experience this time around. Mech battles will now feature a greater degree of freedom of movement as players will engage their robotic foes for instance in Outer Space. Load times will also be significantly shorter than in the previous two games.

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra has yet to receive an official release date.

• Official Xenosaga Episode III Website