Turn-based, combo-driven combat. View larger.

4-player multi-card game support. View larger.

Extensive customization options. View larger.

Dramatic, yet seamless cutscenes. View larger.

An Epic Adventure that Everyone Can Join
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skieslets players enjoy an adventure that is entirely their own, yet can be shared with others anywhere, anytime. Players begin their adventure as an angel-like guardian. In order to achieve a heavenly design players are sent to the world of mortals to retrieve the magical fruits of a sacred tree. These fruit have the power to grant wishes, but are also perilous, containing the unexpected power to transform those who eat of them into monsters. Together with up to three friends players must battle those transformed beings, and in the process improve their angelic skills and regain the heavenly fruit in order to gain their heavenly reward.

Customization
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 create custom companions to join their group as well. Players will also have fun discovering more than 900 pieces of clothing, armor, weapons and other items that will provide them with a unique appearance and special abilities. Even occupations can be customized and changed at any time. Players can take on one of a dozen different jobs with varying strengths, weaknesses, spells and skills.

Battle
Fast-paced turn-based battles unfold as players decide what to do and then view cinematic action scenes. This format rewards careful thinking and strategy over quick reflexes. The more foes players defeat, the stronger their characters become. In the lead up to conflicts, talking with different characters will unfold the story and point players toward their next mission. All quests come with a reward, which might be anything from a rare item to a new, unlocked occupation.

Tag Mode
Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skiesincludes the 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 wirelessly--and automatically--exchange character information, customized greetings and treasure maps. These treasure maps allow players to find otherwise inaccessible dungeons called grottoes featuring special boss monsters and even rare items.

Social Play Aspects
One of the most enticing things aboutSentinels of the Starry Skiesare its many social aspects built into its gameplay. First, you need never be alone. Special multiplayer modes let players share their adventure with others, allowing up to four players to team up via a local wireless connection and experience the fun of tackling challenging monsters and dungeons cooperatively with their own characters. Players can even leave the game active in their backpacks, pockets or purses and still interact with other players via an interactive Tag Mode. In addition, information about players' characters can be wirelessly transmitted to others. Also the game contains treasure maps that allow players to find otherwise inaccessible special dungeons called grottoes, which can contain rare items or enemies. In Tag mode, treasure maps and customized greetings can be exchanged automatically by players who come within range of one another. Finally, players with wireless broadband Internet access can visit an online shop to find new items or download additional quests. The selection of items changes daily. Some downloadable quests will continue the main storyline of the game, while others offer standalone missions or quests themed to a particular time of year.

Key Game Features

• Handheld action RPG action where players engage in epic quests in undiscovered lands filled with dangerous monsters and untold stories
• Connect locally with up to three friends in cooperative gameplay modes
• Customization allowing you to create your own hero, either male or female, changing your hair, face, body style and equipping them from a selection of over 1,000 in-game items including weapons, shields, armor and accessories
• Wireless features that allow access to changing exclusive items and quests
• In-game treasure maps that reveal otherwise inaccessible special dungeons called grottoes, which can contain rare items or enemies
• Gameplay with differing stories and missions depending on NPCs encountered

All your favorite characters. View larger.

2-4 multiplayer support. View larger.

New "Panel System" gameplay mechanic. View larger.

Story
InKingdom Hearts, Sora turned the Keyblade on himself in order to release Kairi’s heart, but his heart was also released in the process. This brought about the creation of Roxas, Sora’s "Nobody." Yet Roxas has no recollection of his previous life, which is unusual for a Nobody. He joins Organization XIII and slowly begins to discover the truth behind his existence and theOrganization itself. As time passes he meets and befriends the fourteenth member of the Organization, who also has no recollection of her past. It is a strange coincidence. What will Roxas see during his time in the Organization? What is the connection between him, Sora, and the fourteenth member? And what becomes of them? Dive into the heart of theKingdom Heartsstoryline’s biggest secrets.

Panel System
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Dayscontains a new gameplay mechanic referred to as the "Panel System." These panels serve as a means to equip and customize character's levels, items, magic, weapons, abilities, armor and accessories. But more than just a means of access, panels also facilitate progression through the game in that certain items, spells, etc. necessary for progression cannot be used, or at least used to their full potential, until their panels are equipped. Once done though, not only can these be used, in many cases through the use of "Link Panels", which can be used in conjunction with other panels, thus allowing for special item and ability creation.

Multiplayer
Not only doesKingdom Hearts 358/2 Daysallow for team-based gameplay utilizing the franchises standard AI partners functionality, it also contains exciting cooperative and competitive multiplayer options. In both these options players can join together with additional players in DS multi-card play over a DS Wi-Fi connection. The cooperative mode is the real showcase option though, allowing players to team up with up to three friends and engage in mission play that is distinct from the story driven mode of the single player campaign. During these battles players choose from one of the fourteen members of Organization XIII, each wielding different weapons, skills, and stats. The multiplayer campaign also features hidden characters including favorite characters from theKingdom Heartsand Disney universe including Sora, Donald, Goofy, King Mickey and Riku.

In addition, although dialog between characters and player inKingdom Hearts 358/2is limited to text, within multiplayer modes players will have access to a chat system for communication which displays responses on a single screen, allowing for complete exchanges and conversations between players in context.

Key Features

• Familiar action-packedKingdom Heartsgameplay that has captivated fans worldwide.
• The brand new "Panel System" that allows you to customize Roxas’ arsenal by placing abilities, items, and weapon parts into allotted slots.
• Learn about the origins of the "Organization XIII" name.
• A series-first multiplayer mode, allowing up to 4 players to control any Organization XIII member.
• Additional unlockable characters in multiplayer modes, including: Sora, Donald, Goofy, King Mickey and Riku.
• Get to know the members of Organization XIII, including the mysterious fourteenth member.
• Finally experience theKingdom Heartsstoryline’s missing chapter.