The now Nintendo of America-published DS title Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies finally has its North American release date, free from the hazy Summer release. Interestingly enough, it will be exactly one year after the game's Japanese release, on July 11th.

Dragon Quest IX is the latest mainline title in Square Enix's RPG series, and has topped 4.2 million sales in Japan. Players can create their own battle parties and have them specialize in different jobs as they try to recover the wish-granting fruits from a sacred tree.

However, DQIX is not a solitary experience; players can team up via local wireless connections to adventure together. Leaving their games on in "Tag Mode" allows players to communicate with other DQIX players, exchanging greetings and treasure maps. Also, extra treasure maps and quests can be downloaded through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

The official North American site for DQIX can be found here.

Launching in the United States on July 11, DRAGON QUEST® IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies™ for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems lets players enjoy an adventure that is entirely their own, yet can be shared with others anywhere, anytime. Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., this game has already become a phenomenon with players of all ages and backgrounds in Japan, with more than 4.2 million units sold.

Before setting off on their adventure, players can create their own heroes, deciding how they would like their face, hair and clothing to look. As the story unfolds, players become stronger, smarter and more powerful, and can customize companions who join their group. Players will have fun discovering more than 1,000 pieces of clothing, armor, weapons and other items that will provide them with a unique appearance and special abilities. Players can also change the class of their character at any time, choosing from a variety of vocations that will affect their abilities and strengths in the game.

Akira_EX via press.nintendo.com »