Blue Dragon flies again on DS

When Microsoft was preparing to launch the Xbox 360, it took a number of steps to ensure the console would fare better in Japan than its predecessor. One such move was to commission a role-playing game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakuguchi and Dragon Ball architect Akira Toriyama. That game, 2007's Blue Dragon, helped spark Japanese interest in Microsoft's console and earned a Japan Game Award from the organizers of the Tokyo Game Show, but couldn't propel the Xbox 360 ahead of its main competitors.

Now Blue Dragon appears to be getting a second life on the DS. Earlier this year, the series made its debut on Nintendo's dual-screened portable with Blue Dragon Plus, and now D3Publisher of America has announced that it will be releasing Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow for the portable in spring of 2010.

Awakened Shadow will see the series get its third developer in as many games. The original game was created by Mistwalker, with the first sequel entrusted to Mother 3 developer Brownie Brown. For Awakened Shadow, development duties have been given to Tri-Crescendo, the studio behind the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 RPG Eternal Sonata. Tri-Crescendo is also working on Fragile: Farewell Ruins of the Moon.

For more on the series, check out GameSpot's reviews of Blue Dragon and Blue Dragon Plus.