Short comments usually belong in the bottom of every day's news, but this was a bit too much to pass by. It looks like the last episode in Square's "Final Fantasy : Unlimited" will be having a tentacle scene, featuring long, wild grass.

It isn't hentai, but it's still kind of shocking to see that Square will allow this to show on Prime-Time network, in an anime aimed for kids and the whole family (I'm starting to question that a bit). I guess the director really decided to go all out on it since it'll most likely be the last of the series, at least on national Japanese TV.

The preview trailer to the final episode can be seen in FF:U's official TV site's [ Preview section ] , For a larger image from the original preview, check [ Here ].

And again.. I have to stress this, but the show is aimed for... . . Kids. -H. Moriarty

Square's TV anime show "Final Fantasy : Unlimited", has been announced to end in its 26th episode. Originally scheduled to run for 52 episodes, the TV series will finish airing in 3/26. Square and TV series production company Gonzo Co. plans to extend the FF:U title in varieties of media in the future.

The continuation of the TV series story will be released as a mook (magazine-length book) titled "Final Fantasy : Unlimited - After" in late April. Other products to be released include trading cards of FF:U in late March, a novel in April 1st, and an art book of the anime series "Official Visual Guidebook FF:U" in 4/25, priced 1900 Yen.

While the public statements in FF:U's official site and Gonzo Production both refer to the current TV series as the "first period" of the anime, it is unstated if there will be a future broadcast or an OVA continuation release.

(Gamespot.com, Quoted) "... [But] the deal between Square and Nintendo is still an ongoing process and has not been finalized." In addition, it was initially reported that Fund Q--a fund set up by Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi to help encourage game development, focusing specifically on games that utilize the connectivity feature between the GameCube and Game Boy Advance--would also factor into the agreement. But Murakawa told GameSpot that Fund Q is only one of several approaches Square plans to take with the new company. "

"... Murakawa also reaffirmed the news that Final Fantasy Tactics is a likely candidate but said that nothing has been finalized. But perhaps the most interesting piece of news is that Game Designers Studios will have only one staff member: Akitoshi Kawazu, who has worked on games in the Final Fantasy and SaGa series. Murakawa noted that the actual development of games will be handled externally, through the parent company SquareSoft. "

For the full article, check Gamespot.com.

Announced in the official site of NeoGeo developer Noise Factory, a new fighting game by Evoga Co. titled "Rage Of The Dragon" will begin beta testing from 3/29. It is unknown if the game runs under the MVS, or Crystal System hardware.

Beta testing of "Rage of The Dragon" will begin on 3/29 in NeoGeo Land, Esaka district of Osaka. For specific information, check Noise Factory's section.

Special thanks to Dorikyasu for the news.

Short Comment- Personally, I'm hoping it's an Art of Fighting sequel. - "Madman" H. Moriarty

Konami has announced to release the art book "The Art of Metal Gear Solid 2", through Shingensha Publishing.

The second art book in the series centered on illustrator Shinkawa Yoji, the 160 page art book will include official illustrations, artwork used in merchandises, character setting artwork, and unreleased rough sketches. A newly drawn poster will be included as well.

"The Art of Metal Gear Solid 2" is scheduled for release in 3/29, priced 2800 Yen.

Short Comment- The first of the series was released by Softbank publishing. - H. Moriarty

"Xenosaaaga" - the Japanese fan site which previously provided the actual snapshots of the "Xenosaga" images in Lilical Space's article, now released a bunch of images which appear on the screen while installing the game on the PS2 HDD. Check them out if you're interested.. looks pretty funny. [ Xenosaaaga ] -H. Moriarty