Final Fantasy XIII to get Xbox 360 release in Japan

Square Enix and Microsoft have confirmed that Final Fantasy XIII is set to release in Japan on Xbox 360 before the end of the year, finally ensuring the 360 version of the game gets a full, worldwide release.

Square Enix's Shinji Hashimoto took to the stage with Yoshinori Kitase at Microsoft's Japanese Xbox Media Briefing 2010, and confirmed that the Xbox 360 version of the game would arrive in the form of the "Ultimate Hits Edition", and at a budget price of 4,980 Yen. 

The new version of the game will take a similar form to some other international releases from Square Enix. While the game is identical to the already released PS3 version, it will contain the English-language voice track dub with Japanese subtitles and other changes made to the Western release. It'll also feature an Easy Mode, and Leona Lewis' 'My Hands' as the theme tune.

The game will also include some real-world goodies, including a novel appendage to the game known as "Episode I" that'll detail what happens to some of the cast after the game is over and a booklet known as "Corridor of Memory" - essentially a book containing artwork and some details on event scenes - cutscenes - that didn't make it into the final game.

We'll be sure to check out this version of the game when it launches on December 16th, so stick with us to find out if it's worth it. In the meantime, why not let us know what you think of this development in the comments?