It hasn't been too long since Namco announced .hack//Versus, and today, a large serving of screenshots have found their way onto the 'net. The collection features everything from a new animated short to gameplay mechanics. No to mention fans of the franchise will notice the interesting additions to the cast -- Tsukasa from .hack//Sign, Ovan from .hack//GU, and Sakuya from .hack//Quantum.

Gameplay in Versus is divided between Versus Mode and Story Mode. In Versus Mode, players can compete for placings in the online rankings or just play casually with friends. The Story Mode, on the other hand, follows the movie's plot and features cinematic inserts from the film. Gamers who clear the story will be treated to a unique animated short that is told from the perspect of a character named "David." The new vignette is reported to add further insight to the movie's story.

The control schematics of the game seem simple, and none too difficult. Players control character movement using the analog pad, with jump and boost dash linked to X. The characters' standard attacks are issued via the square input, throws are executed by pressing circle, and strike attacks can be implemented via triangle. Holding R1 will have the character guard, while L1 will put them into skill mode. This makes for a pretty simple button layout that has the potential to be more friendly to gamepad users than arcade sticks.

The game brings to the table recognizable mechanics such as slide dash and crack burst. The former will rush the player's character towards their opponent, while the latter functions very much like a burst move. Super moves and alternate modes are also included in the form of ultimate skills, and an exceed move alters the character's appearance.

.hack//Versus has been announced as an additional feature for the .hack//Sekai no Mukoi ni Blu-ray disc and is one of few titles to implement the hybridized content, much like Tekken Hybrid. Both the regular and limited editions of the hybrid pack will be available in Japan on June 28.