I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else yet, but the Tecno Soft site was recently updated with a couple lines of Japanese text and a link. The link leads you to Sega's Japanese Thunder Force VI site, which is a bit limited in features for the moment. There are few small screenshots, but that's about it. Near the bottom of the site is a cool-looking a reserve button that opens the Thunder Force VI page at the Sega Store. And there at the Sega Store are a couple screens of the two ships in the game and twelve glorious screenshots.

Technically, Famitsu had the first screenshots, but these are the first I've seen online that aren't blurry or tiny scans from the magazine. The PS2 has been showing its age for years, but these screenshots look incredible. Gradius V is easily the best looking shooter on the PS2, but from the looks of these screens, Thunder Force VI could take over the top spot. There are some regular enemies, some larger ones, and possibly a few bosses. If you've played Thunder Force V you will immediately recognize the weapons system as it's pretty much the same. I am utterly excited for this game and am anxiously awaiting a North American announcement. Enough talk, click onward to check out the delicious Thunder Force VI screenshots.

This planet is now under the protection of Thunder Force.