A Japanese game developer has let out a bombshell on his blog, saying that Microsoft did pay off Namco Bandai to secure an "exclusive" Xbox 360 release for Tales of Vesperia. Hold it, though. That's not the best bit. The more interesting part is that Namco used the Microsoft subsidy to cut down the costs of the development of the PS3 version. In essence, therefore, Microsoft paid for the PS3 version's development. That got your attention, didn't it? There's more after the jump.

It was early August 2008 when Namco Bandai senior marketing manager Dennis Lee first detailed the contents of Tales of Vesperia Special Edition, which came with a code to be used to claim a "special bonus." But just like having a friggin' baby, it took them nine months to deliver on that promise, leaving those who got the Special Edition hanging - until now. Finally.

Is Patty the lady pirate coming to the Xbox 360 version of Tales of Vesperia? As if it wasn't bad enough that the PlayStation 3 version will be getting her for sure, word's been going around that she will be coming the the green console as well -- a rather big tease, I'd say.

Here we have a breakdown of the Top 100 games that sold in Japan during 2008. The list was published by Enterbrain earlier this month, and now also appears on this week's Famitsu issue. Mostly dominated by Nintendo titles, the list still has some noteable Sony games somewhere near the top too (surprise, surprise, MHP 2nd G reigns king, as always). Meanwhile, the 360 is... well, at least it's represented, care of Tales of Vesperia... and *only* Tales of Vesperia. Yeah, right down at #82.

Namco Bandai recently revealed the new DLC that's supposed to augment your Tales of Vesperia playing experience, and we were surprised to find that it was an otherwise healthy mix of useful DLC that can be bought to make your characters stronger, but not make them uber-powerful for the whole game. Find out more after the jump!

Namco Bandai's senior marketing manager, Dennis Lee, recently revealed the contents of the upcoming Special Edition for Tales of Vesperia. Find out what comes in this unique package after the jump!

Even more news from Microsoft's Xbox 360 RPG Premiere event, this time for Namco Bandai's Tales of Vesperia. Namco Bandai has not only announced the release dates of the game in Japan, North America, and Europe, it's also announced the impending release of a new Xbox 360 Bundle for Japan. Learn more after the jump!

This year, it's no overstatement to say the most-awaited title for Japanese RPG fans is Tales of Vesperia by the modest Tales Studio of Namco Bandai. Aside from being among the few next-gen offerings of its kind, a plethora of new features are inbound to make the game easier to pick up by newcomers. Head honchos weren't shy to reveal what's hot, and you'll find what they have to say at the full article.

There's no more need to chew on your fingers, because Namco Bandai finally made the reassuring announcement that Tales of Vesperia on the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World on the Nintendo Wii are official and will ship to North America when they're launched. We even have screenshots of Vesperia in the full article to tide us over until we get our hands on the game. Check out the full article.

If you've been wondering which console/s will land the newest Tales title, Tales of Vesperia, here's your answer: Xbox 360. Don't despair though (if you prefer the other consoles), there's still hope for other versions of the game. Click the link below for the details.