Square Enix's "Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King" was a huge success when it was first released for the PlayStation 2 in 2004. Soon, the game will also be released for Nintendo 3DS owners to enjoy. The game publisher announced the release of the game through its Japanese teaser site.
Siliconera reported that the Nintendo 3DS version of "Dragon Quest VIII" will have new scenarios that were not featured when the role playing game was first released. The new version will also include female bandit Gerda in the thief party. She happens to be Yangus' former colleague turned enemy. Morrie, the owner of the underground fighting venue called Monster Arena from "Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road," will also join as another new party member.
The portable console version of the "Dragon Quest VIII" will also come out with a new system that is compatible with the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass function. Moreover, it will feature the soundtrack performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Meanwhile, the 25<sup>th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine for this year posted the voice cast for the soon-to-be released Nintendo 3DS version of "Dragon Quest VIII." According to the magazine, Takehito Koyasu will provide the voice for Dhoulmagus, Ayana Taketatsu will lend her voice to Jessica, Yoshimasa Hosoya wil be Kulule (Angelo), Risa Taneda as Mitia (Medea), Fumihiko Tachiki will be Yangus, Hiroshi Iwasaki will be the voice of Trode, Hitomi Nabatame will lend her voice to Gelda, and Jouji Nakata will be Morrie's voice actor.
The Nintendo 3DS version of "Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King" is expected to be released in Japan on August 27 for ¥5,980 (US$49), but several retailers will offer different bonus in-game items when the game is pre-ordered.
If players will pre-order the game at the Square Enix e-Store, they can get the Candy Cane that can be used by Yangus; those who will get it from Amazon.co.jp will get the Healie T-Shirt that can be used by all characters; those who will order the game from Aeon before its release will get the Healie Cap that can also be used by all characters; while Game Tsutaya offers a Gold Bamboo Spear for the main character.
On the other hand, those who will pre-order on 7-Eleven will get the Lucky Pendant, and Yodobashi Camera/ Yodobashi.com will provide the Metal Slime Tray for those who will order the game before its release. Both items can be used by all characters of the game.
There is no release date yet for the "Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King" Nintendo 3DS version in countries outside Japan.
