The Wii is going through somewhat of a dry spell in Japan (although new purchasers of the machine seem content with Wii Sports and Wii Play), but Square Enix is doing its part to change that. The company announced today a final release date for Dragon Quest Swords. The Wii-exclusive entry in Japan's biggest RPG series will arrive on 7/12, carrying a price tag of 6,800 yen (about a thousand yen higher than most Wii software, but equally cheaper than the normal asking price for a full entry in the series).
Dragon Quest Swords represents a number of firsts for the series. In addition to being the first next generation Dragon Quest game, it's also the first time the series has featured voices in its home country. The Japanese version of Dragon Quest VIII was silent; voices were added exclusively for the international version.
We should get some additional hands-on time with Dragon Quest Swords before release at the Square Enix Party in Tokyo next month. Be sure and check back here at IGN Wii.