Microsoft Japan has issued its most recent schedule of forthcoming first-party titles. There are no real surprises there, although there is an ominous lack of region-specific games. Apart from an update to the Japan-orientated MechAssault series, Phantom Dust is the only one on this list that has been created with a Japanese audience particularly in mind. Indeed, Microsoft USA has stated that it would not be bringing that game stateside. However, Phantom Dust demos have so far been entirely in English, so perhaps Americans might eventually get a conversion - additionally, a PAL version may be in the offing.

The roster is as follows:

Phantom Dust (September 23)
Blinx 2 (November 2004)
Forza Motorsport (2004)
Halo 2 (2004)
Sudeki (title may be re-named) (2004)
Conker: Live and Reloaded (title may be re-named) (2005)
Fable (2005)
Jade Empire (title may be re-named (2005)
Kameo: Elements of Power (title may be re-named) (2005)
Mech Assault 2: Lone Wolf (2005)
Unreal Championship 2 (title may be re-named) (2005)

It will be interesting to see if the Japanese market responds to the likes of Halo 2, Forza Motorsport and Fable in the same way that western audiences undoubtedly will. If Microsoft Japan can market such titles with sufficient local relevance, it might manage a surge in console sales over the winter months.