Blue Dragon DS Detailed

via IGN


A little over a year after the original first hit Japan, Blue Dragon is in the news again, this time with a first look at a portable spinoff. First announced in early October, Blue Dragon DS has at long last shown its true form in the latest issue of Japan's Shounen Jump.

Blue Dragon DS appears to be a totally different type of game from the Xbox 360 original. Instead of a turn-based Japanese RPG, DS owners can look forward to a 2D realtime party-based strategy game. Details are scarce, but the game appears to put a party of ally characters on the battle field against an army of enemies commanded by a large boss.

While the basic gameplay systems appear to be different, Blue Dragon DS will share some things in common with its older brother. The main characters from the original are all returning, with Shu once again in the lead. They will be accompanied by their shadows, who will apparently play an even bigger role in battle.

The DS title also appears to maintain the original's high level of production values. The game will feature high quality CG sequences between battles.

Developed by Mistwalker and Lost Odyssey developer Feel Plus, and published by AQ Interactive, Blue Dragon will hit Japan in March.