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   Just as we expected, Square Enix had an important announcement to make today, about a new Dragon Quest game. But much to the vast majority's surprise, it wasn't about a full-blown next-gen sequel, and it wasn't about a quirky spin-off either: it was, however, a little bit of both. The title they announced is Dragon Quest IX: Protectors of the Starry Sky (Hoshizora Kiseki no Mamoribito), and instead of making it for the PlayStation 3 or at least PS2, Square Enix announced it as a Nintendo DS exclusive. (queue shocking 8-bit music)

   The most popular series of all time in Japan is therefore dodging Sony's platforms once again, and returning to its ancient Nintendo roots. Although Dragon Quest IX didn't turn out to be a Wii title (as some had been expecting), it's even more surprising that Square Enix chose the DS, effectively taking a technological step backwards with their next oficially numbered Dragon Quest sequel - thus assumingly leaving only spin-off titles for the next-gen formats, PS3 and Wii.

   They game sown at the company's press conference was already in a playable state, and is due out in Japan next year. You can see a couple of screenshots in our newly opened gallery, and a Dragon Quest IX page was also added to the Level-5 website. Indeed, they're the ones making it, after having worked on Dragon Quest VIII, Rogue Galaxy and Dark Cloud, among other PS2 games (and currently working on White Knight Story for the PS3 as well).

   From what was announced so far, Dragon Quest XI appears to feature impressive 3D graphics for the Nintendo DS, as well as more action oriented combat (compared to the traditionally turn-based battles). The game will feature a four-player co-op option, although compatibility with Nintendo DS Wi-Fi play is still to be confirmed. Once again, composer Koichi Sugiyama will be providing the soundtrack.

   To make things even worse for Sony enthusiasts (and for Sony themselves), Square Enix also announced a new card-based Dragon Quest spin-off for the Arcades, called Dragon Quest Monsters: Battle Road. So it might be a very long time before any other game in the series is announced - and even then, it could very well be for one of Nintendo's platforms.