JeuxFrance acquired a set of scans revealing fresh details of Dragon Quest IX: a game given a new release date every time we hear about it.  The big news is the changes in the combat system: it's back to turn-based (!!! PRAISE ERDRICK !!!) and cutesy character customization features. The translation reads:

Square Enix reveals some new images of Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Sky on Nintendo DS in the Japanese magazine Shonen Jump, the play more awaited in Japan. One thus discovers new decorations and characters in 3d, as well as the system (Character Making) allowing to personalize (face, clothing, weapons, etc.) its hero, who seems obviously rather complete.

In addition, it would seem that the play finally adopted a system of combat to the turn by turn, but that remains to be checked. The exit of the play is always planned for the end of the year in Japan. The Public release will be at garden Enix Party 2007 (May 12 and 13 next) will be certainly the occasion for the Japanese editor to reveal new images and vidéos of Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Sky to follow.

As you can see, this is a vast departure of what we saw last December. Can't wait.

While I know some people will gripe about the turn-based changes, I'm more than happy to selfishly defocate in your easter baskets. It was a criminal experiment to bring that to Dragon Warrior games. Turn-based lets us make the most of strategic gameplay in battle -- calculating each move was half the fun! Personally, I rather pick up another title if I was in the mood for action-based combat. You know, like God of War.

[Thanks Crunshii~]