The wonder of ancient Greece comes to life on Jan. 18, when Glory of Heracles launches exclusively for the portable Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems. The game marks the first in the popular Japanese Heracles series to launch in the United States.

The game is inspired by Greek mythology and written by Kazushige Nojima of Final Fantasy fame. 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 will be treated to animated cut scenes on the screens of their Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi systems.

Players can opt to use the stylus or control pad and buttons to control movement in the game, while the touch screen is required to complete optional challenges used to power up spells or skills during battle.