TOKYO--Two important parts of Microsoft's strategy for revitalizing Xbox 360 sales in Japan are making the system more attractive price-wise and providing games that appeal to Japanese gamers.

　　To that end, the Xbox 360 Core System Blue Dragon Premium Pack marries these two aspects into one bundle. For the same price as a core system on its own, the package provides an Xbox 360 core system with Blue Dragon, the high-profile Japanese role-playing game by Final Fantasy series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi (with character designs by Manga legend Akira Toriyama). The bundle costs about 29,800 yen, or around $250.

　　Now, Microsoft Japan has announced there will be a limited first-edition run of the Blue Dragon bundle. The first purchasers of the bundle--those who preorder it--will receive two special items. One is a set of five miniature figures and the second is an original Blue Dragon faceplate based on a design by Toriyama himself.

　　The bundle will go on sale December 7, the same day as Blue Dragon.

　　Stores are set to begin taking preorders for the limited first-edition package October 18 on a first come, first served basis.