DQ Heroes II's worldwide launch is closing in fast, and PSLS has pieced together a handy guide to Koei Tecmo's RPG sequel.   

Its the sequel to World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below, and one that offers up a similar mix of musou (“warriors”) gameplay and RPG mechanics -- albeit with some refinements.

Dragon Quest Heroes II: Twin Kings and the Prophecy's End is the full title, for those keeping track. 

Dragon Quest Heroes II opens at a time of peace for the seven kingdoms. But there's trouble brewing on the horizon, and when those kingdoms wage war on one another -- seemingly under the influence of an ancient prophecy -- it's up to the Heroes to restore some semblance of peace. 

Per Square Enix: 

“An unknown force is threatening the Seven Realms and In Dragon Quest Heroes II you take control of one of the protagonists Lazarel or Teresa and fight alongside a band of unique and powerful heroes from the Dragon Quest series.”

As we alluded to before, Dragon Quest Heroes II plucks the hack-and-slash gameplay associated with Koei Tecmo's Dynasty Warriors and infuses it with the characters, monsters, universe, and lore from Square's beloved Dragon Quest series.

"Not only can you swap between characters but Lazarel and Teresa have the ability to change vocations! If you want to fight as a mighty Warrior, holy Priest, devious Thief, skilful Martial Artist, powerful Mage, devastating Gladiator or benevolent Sage you can and the choice is yours. Combine this with the massive amount of gear you can equip and spells you can cast, Dragon Quest Heroes II allows you to fully customise your playstyle."

Forget the Nine Realms of the Marvel universe, Dragon Quest Heroes II takes place in the Seven Realms, a lush, magical kingdom comprised of sweeping forests and icy tundra.

Per Square Enix:

“As an all-new and improved feature, Dragon Quest Heroes II takes place in completely expansive and interconnected environments. This means you can run from one area to the next through a connected world.

“Monsters also roam freely, minding their own business until you get too close… It’s up to you to decide how and where you travel but danger could lurk in the most unexpected places…”

Delve a little deeper into the rich world of DQ Heroes II with this prologue: 

"On the day the dragon eats the sun, the twins will be born, and the land will be covered in war once again.

"The setting of Dragon Quest Heroes II‘s story is seven kingdoms that have seen continued peace over a long period. However, that balance suddenyl crumbles one day, and war breaks out. It’s as if the events are following an ominous prophecy handed down from ancient times…

"Razel, who is studying at the military academy in Orenka, and Tereshia, who comes to Orenka wanting to visit Razel, in the wake of the battle between their homeland of Gywall and Orenka, get caught up in the giant battle that covers the world.

"Can the heroes stop a giant war involving seven countries?

"Large armies of monsters square off against each other, and the battle finally began."

Meet Lazarel and Teresa. You don't know them yet, but they're the two protagonists of Dragon Quest Heroes II, and you'll be able to get a glimpse of both -- not to mention the cutesy slime, Healix -- right here. 

Meanwhile, a second spotlight video ushers Desdemona & Cesar into the limelight.  

Akira Toriyama is the artist responsible for many of the characters seen in Dragon Quest Heroes II.

"The protagonists of this work are Razel, who is studying abroad at a military academy in Orenka, and his cousin Tereshia. Just like Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below, you can select between either protagonist and the story will follow their point of view. The protagonists and their friends were designed by Akira Toriyama."

It's dangerous to go alone, as a wise old man once said. Thankfully, Dragon Quest Heroes II comes packing online support allowing you to partner with up to four players. 

"Throughout your adventure across the Seven Realms you will come across special maps which will give you access to the Dimensional Dungeon. These are unique online co-op dungeons and while not all of them are designed to be finished after you complete the main story, there are plenty that are filled with extra high level enemies but also rare items and rewards so there will be plenty to keep you and your friends busy, even once you’ve finished the main story."

If you're wanting a bite-sized overview of Dragon Quest Heroes II, we've got you covered. 

Weighing in at around 5GB in size, a PS4 demo for Dragon Quest Heroes II is available right now. Here’s how Square Enix previewed the vertical slice:

“The demo gives players an early chance to play as four of the 15 playable heroes from the full game’s story mode, including series newcomers Lazarel and Teresa, along with fan favorites Carver (Dragon Quest VI) and Maribel (Dragon Quest VII). Players will experience the game’s fast-paced battle system, expansive environments, and abundant treasures through specially-designed quests where they must defend Greena Pastures from hordes of monsters and a colossal boss.”

Don't hold your breath for the Vita version to make its way west anytime soon. Square Enix’s Dan Seto confirmed as much back in December, stating: 

“Sorry you feel that way but unfortunately, the Vita version just isn’t a viable option for us to localise and bring over. Hopefully, you’ll still give the PS4 version a chance and enjoy it all the same.”

Following its Japanese debut in May of last year, Square Enix posted "favorable" sales figures for Dragon Quest Heroes II "on top of strong download sales of catalogue titles released previously."

Curious to take a peek at DQ Heroes II's many environments? This gallery of 40+ screenshots ought to do the trick. 

In our glowing review of The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below, we deemed Square's RPG to be "the next must-have title for fans of the genre on Sony’s newest console."

Now that you've meet the Heroes, it's time to take a peek at Dragon Quest Heroes II in action. Here's an extended, 15-minute demo for your viewing pleasure. 

Exophase has posted the official Trophy list for Dragon Quest Heroes II, but be wary of potential story spoilers.

PSLS' resident Japanese expert Heath Hindman got to grips with a review copy of Dragon Quest Heroes II last year and left overly impressed, writing that Square's sequel "comes as an easy recommendation to any musou fan and anyone who liked the first Dragon Quest Heroes. It keeps the classic Dragon Quest world and Warriors-style combat that made the first so fun while tossing in some small changes and additions that make this sequel a worthy successor."

Priced at $59.99, the contents of DQ Heroes II's Explorer's Edition can be found below: 

• Includes the Full Game, Reversible Cover, 15 DLC Weapons includng Archdemon Arcs, Drackerang, Gem Slime Sword, Golem Gauntlets, Goodybag Abacus, Great Sabreclaws, Imp's Fork, Night Club, Plat o' One Tails, Robo-Bow, Robo-Razor, Royal Flush, Shadowblade, Slime Knight's Shield, Slime Stack S tick.
• Online Multiplayer - Up to 4 players can play online.
• Transform into a monster and battle as one of them.
• New world, new story & new adventures.
• Numerous playable characters each with unique abilities.

Tyler Treese is handling the English-language review for PSLS. The embargo has been set for April 25, so keep your peepers peeled.