Square Enix just announced that Dragon Quest VIII is coming to 3DS, launching in Japan on August 27.
The game will feature a brand new scenario, new party members in Garuda (female thief) and Morrie (from Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road) and StreetPass functionality.
Moreover, the events in the game will now be voiced and an orchestral soundtrack is planned, performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra.
Square Enix also announced several retailer-specific pre-orders bonuses:
Weapon – Square Enix e-Store – Candy Cane (for Yangus)
Armor – Amazon Japan – Healie T-Shirt armor (for everyone)
Helmet – Aeon – Healie Cap (for everyone)
Weapon – Game Tsutaya – Gold Bamboo Spear (for the protagonist)
Accessory – 7-Eleven – Lucky Pendant (for everyone)
Shield – Yodobashi Camera – Metal Slime Tray (for everyone)
A teaser site for Dragon Quest VIII 3DS can be found right here.