Glory of Heracles DS release date is January 18, 2010

Glory of Heracles screenshot (DS)
Nintendo has announced that Glory of Heracles will be released on January 18th exclusively for DS.

The game is part of a long-running Japanese RPG series which is finally coming to the West for the first-time since it’s initial Famicon (Japanese NES) release in 1987 by Data East.

This latest installment is inspired by Greek mythology with a script penned by Kazushige Nojima who also wrote for the Final Fantasy VII script.

The traditional role-playing game features an engrossing story and a robust battle system. Players can roam the countryside as they encounter new characters and gain experience, or they can visit familiar ancient settings like Athens and Sparta.

Although the plot is fictional, many of the people and places in the game are based on familiar Greek mythology. An extensive glossary provides more details about the places and characters that heroic Heracles encounters. Players are also treated to many animated cut scenes and can play the game with either buttons or stylus. With the stylus required to complete optional challenges that are used to power-up spells or skills during gameplay.

Here’s the Japanese debut trailer.