Bandai has announced some new details regarding its upcoming PlayStation 2 RPG .hack//G.U. Vol. 1 Saitan. In addition to revealing a new character in Piroshi 3, the company also announced a new means of transportation. Piroshi 3, whose trademark is his massive golden armor, is a powerful spear-wielding warrior. Posting on a message board, Piroshi 3 mentioned he is looking for Tri-Edge. As protagonist Haseo appears at the location specified on the message board, Piroshi 3 wrongly assumes Haseo is Tri-Edge. Nonetheless, Piroshi 3 will apparently join Haseo's party thereafter.

After successfully completing a test run, Haseo will be able to ride a bike. This bike will not only serve as a fast means of transportation, but will also allow the player to ram into treasure chests and enemies. If the enemy does not see the bike coming, the amount of damage inflicted by this ramming sneak attack will be significantly higher than the damage done by a standard sneak attack.

.hack//G.U. Vol. 1 Saitan will be available in Japan on May 18th for 6,800 yen ($57.51 USD).

• Famitsuu