Namco today revealed some new bits of information regarding its PlayStation 2 RPG Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus spoke Zarathustra). Those who still have their clear save from Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Boese (Beyond Good and Evil) will be able to acquire an alternative costume for Shion - her old Vector uniform together with the broken glasses.

From the game's title screen players will also be able to select the so-called data mode. Depending on the available save data, this mode will offer four different sub-categories: The memory code lets you review all event scenes that have occured during your playthrough. The character preview lets you view 3D models of characters, machines and enemies, while two other categories will provide outlines of the previous two installments.

In addition to MOMO, today's update also introduced one new and one returning character. The latter is the mysterious young girl Nephilim. A new addition to the cast is Abel. He is living in the Project Zohar research facility under the supervision of Yuri Mizrahi. The Vector Industries-developed E.S. Zebulun, the extremely powerful robot Omega, and the large Gnosis structure known as Abel's Ark will also make appearances in the third episode.

Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra has yet to receive a release date in Japan.

• GameWatch