1UP writes: "Last year's Japanese role-playing game for Xbox 360, Blue Dragon, will soon be making the leap to handhelds. But rather than sticking to its Xbox 360 forebear's turn-based formula, DS entry Blue Dragon Plus sheds the traditional Japanese role-playing trappings in favor of a real-time tactical style that completely changes the game's nature.
A number of characters from the Blue Dragon universe make a playable turn in this version, which should please fans of the first game. And we're not just talking original protagonists Shu, Zola, Kluke, Jiro, and Marumaro, either -- 16 characters will be playable in total, and all characters have their own special (albeit simple) tactical abilities. Each unit automatically attacks nearby enemies, and you can use have them use their Shadows -- fantastical magic beasts, for the uninitiated -- to execute special attacks, as well as support items when needed. A green circle or red X over the intended target's head clearly states your attack's efficacy, and depending on the adversary's pose, your Shadow can also trigger a short "Shadow fight" -- scratch the bottom screen rapidly with your stylus to gain the upper hand and deal big damage."
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Gaming Union writes, "Tokyo Game Show 2009 wowed crowds and wooed gamers across the world, and while there were plenty of good and bad games alike, it's time to recognize the cream of the crop with our TGS 2009 Awards. This year Gaming Union is focusing on each individual console there, and to kick things off, a look at the Nintendo DS' best and brightest."
The second DS-based sequel to Hironobu Sakaguchi's Blue Dragon has been pushed back a week in Japan from October 1st to October 8th in order to make last-minute changes and improvements to the game.
Blue Dragon: Ikai no Kyojuu, roughly translated to Blue Dragon: Behemoth of the Underworld in English allows players to create their own avatars for online play whilst also having a fully-fledged storyline starring Blue Dragon regulars.
