Nintendo

Consumers across the United States will have a unique opportunity to come together and experience the new DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies game this summer as Nintendo offers interactive demo opportunities and special downloadable content at retail destinations from coast to coast. In addition to live game-play demos and the chance to enjoy the game's multiplayer mode with fellow DRAGON QUEST fans, attendees who bring their Nintendo DS™ system and DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies game card to these upcoming sampling events will have the opportunity to experience the game's cooperative "Tag Mode" feature by connecting with other players and acquiring special downloadable treasure maps.

On July 31, select GameStop stores will host "The Ultimate DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies Experience," inviting visitors to enjoy guided demos and connect with other DRAGON QUEST fans. Also at most GameStop stores, visitors will be able to access a special downloadable treasure map called "Zoma," available for the first time in North America, via the game's Tag Mode feature. Sampling events will also be held on Aug. 7 at select Best Buy retail locations, where attendees will have access to the "Estark" treasure map, available for the first time in North America.

From Aug. 7 to Sept. 19, weekend sampling events will be held at select shopping malls around the country, highlighting the game's rich customization options and multiplayer fun. Visitors to these mall events will have access to the downloadable "Malroth" treasure map.

To access treasure maps, players must have their Nintendo DS system running the DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies game, set to Tag Mode. Once players reach the town of Stornway, they are able to access Tag Mode by talking to Erinn at the Quester's Rest Inn.

The latest installment in the popular DRAGON QUEST franchise, DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies lets players embark on an epic hand-held adventure. Players can choose their own appearance, occupations, companions and special items to aid in their quest, and even connect wirelessly with friends for cooperative multiplayer quests. The game has already become a social phenomenon in Japan, selling more than 4.2 million units to date.

A complete schedule of events can be found at http://dqnine.com/#/do-you-dq/events/. For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.