999 and Virtue's Last Reward dev teases third entry

999: Nine Persons, Nine Hours, Nine Doors follow up Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward isn't the last we'll hear from director Kotaro Uchikoshi.

Chatting with fans on Twitter, Uchikoshi confirmed that a third entry in the series is expected, but advised that fans will have to wait a while.

While it's not clear how long that while will be, Uchikoshi was able to give a few tidbits regarding the third game. 999 protagonist Junpei return as a participant in the next game, he said, and noted that he will still be a young man, suggesting the next sequel will take place in a simialr time frame.

The director also said Virtue's Last Reward favourite Phi will appear, and mysterious noted that the "real Luna has not been made yet" in the third game and that "the original should appear.”

The latest entry, Virtue's Last Reward, is out now on 3DS and Vita. Like 999, it follows the adventures of a group of contestants in a sick game of survival and co-operation. It plays out with puzzle and visual novel mechanics and has struck a chord with a vocal fanbase for its memorable characters and scenarios. Both games were critically well received.

Thanks, Gematsu. Twitter links: 1, 2, 3, 4