Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies Release

One of the biggest games ever to launch for the Nintendo DS family of systems has arrived in North America, giving U.S. consumers a chance to experience the hand-held gaming phenomenon that has already attracted more than 4.2 million players in Japan. With unique features that let players customize characters and connect with friends via a local wireless connection to take on epic adventures, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, developed by Square Enix gives people of all ages, backgrounds and gaming experience levels a remarkable way to combine imaginative game play and social fun.

Players begin by creating fully customized heroes to guide on their quest, choosing from different face, hair and even eye color. As they journey forth, characters are further developed and enhanced as they choose from more than 1,000 items and pieces of equipment, change jobs and abilities, and join up with new customizable companions. Using a local wireless connection, up to four players within range of each other can band together at any time to explore mysterious dungeons and tangle with fearsome monsters throughout a spellbinding world of adventure.

In addition to a wireless multiplayer mode, DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies includes an interactive Tag Mode that allows players to keep the game active even while their Nintendo DS system is stored in their pocket, purse or backpack. When two players come within range of one another, Tag Mode enables them to automatically exchange character information, customized greetings and treasure maps wirelessly. These treasure maps allow players to find otherwise inaccessible dungeons called grottoes featuring special boss monsters and even rare items.