Bandai Namco Games today announced some new details regarding its upcoming PlayStation Portable RPG Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology. In this game, players will be able to create their own protagonist. Early in the game this character will be limited to the four following classes: warrior, thief, monk, and wizard. But as one progresses through the game, advanced classes, such as fencer, fighter, ninja, and magic fencer will become available.

Players can also take on certain titles. With those titles come certain bonuses, such as a greater probability of enemy encounters. Furthermore, the game will feature a monster database. Defeating monsters however will not be enough to complete this database. In fact, an encounter with a certain monster will only lead to its name and figure appearing in the database. In order to obtain more in-depth information about a particular foe, such as his level, skills, etc., the player will have to use certain items in battle.

Thankfully enough, the development team at Tales Studio will also offer downloads following the game's release next week. Thereby players will be able to download original items and accessories to their handhelds. Just in time for Christmas, Santa Claus and reindeer-themed costumes will be available for download. The system's ad-hoc mode can be utilized to trade weapons and accessories with fellow players.

Last but not least, series veterans will be pleased to know that some more classic characters have been confirmed to make an appearance in Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology. Those characters include Tales of Destiny's Woodrow Kelvin and Philia Philis as well as Tales of Rebirth's Eugene Gallardo and Annie Barrs.

Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology will be available in Japan on December 21st for 4,800 yen ($40.84 US).

• GameWatch