As reported last month, Square Enix are bringing a new Final Fantasy spin-off series to the 3DS in Japan this Winter. More information has come to light about Final Fantasy Explorers, including a release date and some of the playable classes.

The action-RPG will make its debut on the 3DS this December 18 in Japan, just in time for Christmas. This news comes via the latest issue of Jump magazine, along with details on some of the job classes present in the game. Players will be able to choose from a variety of at least 20 job classes, including:

  • Knight
  • Dragon Knight
  • Monk
  • White Mage
  • Black Mage
  • Time Mage
  • Red Mage
  • Thief
  • Bard
  • Ninja
  • Paladin
  • Hunter

Further details include the story’s setting, which is an island of multiple regions through which players can freely explore. Players will encounter monsters (of course), which can also be trained and tamed. You can even fill your roster with monsters if you’re playing solo, though up to four players can play together locally.

What else can you expect from the game? Well, Final Fantasy Explorers is being likened to the monster hunting genre, although Famitsu has described it a “lite” version of Final Fantasy XIV or Final Fantasy XI, so make of that what you will.

Famitsu is also saying that the game will take between 100 and 200 hours to complete, so it’s a solid entry for RPG fans with plenty of time on their hands.

Check out a couple of magazine snapshots below, and let us know if you’re interested in starting a new Final Fantasy journey.

Source: Gematsu

  • Jump magazine with release date reveal
  • Famitsu magazine, showing off classes