Development on the third chapter in the Suikoden series is rapidly nearing completion, and now Japanese gamers and importers have a date to circle on their calenders. Konami has announced that Suikoden III will be hitting Japan on the 11th of July.

Suikoden III marks the debut of the series on the PlayStation 2. The game, which was announced nearly two years ago, is set to inject a smidgen of innovation into the genre. The story will unfold through the eyes of not one but three main characters. Series veterans will appreciate the return of the six-party battles and team-up attacks, though the latter have been revamped for the new title. Combatants will be able to take up any position on the field and will not be limited to the grid formation that appeared in previous installments.

No specific North American release details have yet been divulged. The title was originally confirmed to arrive sometime in 2002, but it is unknown what effect the previously announced delay of the Japanese release will have on that.