Over at the NeoGaf message boards, details have been mustered up for Deltora Quest, an RPG developed by Bandai Namco for the Nintendo DS. This is what was posted:

With the DS clearly cemented as Japan’s favorite game system, you knew the RPG and anime games were on the way. And with Deltora Quest, we’re getting a bit of both. Set to be published by Bandai Namco in Japan, the Australian manga/anime/novel by the same name is on the way to the DS in the form of a 2D action RPG.

In Deltora Quest, you play as three characters, whom you’re free to switch between at any time. The game’s storyline begins when 7 precious gems are stolen, bringing the world under the control of a shadow king. The three characters, Lief, Jasmine and Barda head off to the 7 towers where the gems are apparently being hidden.

The game uses the stylus for all control. You use the stylus to move your character around and can perform dash and tackle moves. To attack enemies, you simply point to the enemy, and your character automatically moves in to attack using a variety of moves. Your attacks include combos and special moves, all character dependent.

Deltora Quest will likely get attention based off its license, as the series is popular in Japan. Bandai Namco isn’t just making a quick cash-in. The game has some big talent behind it, including artwork by Yocky, and scenario work by Kazushige Nojima. Sound is being handled by Hitoshi Sakimoto, known for his work on Final Fantasy XII.

A Japanese release is set for Spring.

Deltora Quest was originally a series of fantasy novels written by Emily Rodda, which later became a Japanese anime as well.