Square Enix released some new information about the highly anticipated newest main series installment in its Dragon Quest series on the pages of Shounen JUMP magazine. The DS-based Dragon Quest IX will allow the player to create his or her own character by customizing face, hairstyle and figure, etc. This character creation is not limited to the protagonist, though. The developers at Level 5 will also allow the player to create customized party members. Those lacking the creativity, time or interest to create their own characters, do not need to worry though. Existing characters can be hired at Ruida's bar. Two such characters, Roxanne and Rikka, were mentioned in today's article. Last but not least, the following job classes have been confirmed to appear in the game: mage, warrior, thief, monk and martial arts expert.

Dragon Quest IX will hit Japanese retail store shelves next March.

• Shounen JUMP Magazine