Every RPG needs zombies.

Last week, developer n-Space leaked the first details of Heroes of Ruin, and now publisher Square Enix has made the game official.

The multiplayer action-RPG will make use of StreetPass to let players exchange and trade weapons, armour and useful items, with new challenges and rare items sent through SpotPass. Drop-in, drop-out co-operative play is included, though the official release doesn't specify whether this is online or local play.

Heroes of Ruin is due out early next year but will be shown off at E3 next week, so check back for more details then. The official site has a teaser trailer, too.

Square Enix announces Heroes of RuinTM for Nintendo 3DS

A brand new adventure featuring a line-up of unlikely heroes and deep social functionality

London (31 May, 2011) – Square Enix London Studios, part of Square Enix Europe, today announces HEROES OF RUIN, a brand new adventure featuring four unlikely heroes brought together to form a fearsome alliance. Custom-built for Nintendo 3DS™, with support for online play and a wealth of social gaming features, players will find a new experience awaits them every day.

“With HEROES OF RUIN we wanted to take the game experience beyond the confines of the console’s two screens,” said Lee Singleton, General Manager, Square Enix London Studios. “Nintendo 3DS’ online and social features allow us to do so much more than multiplayer, using both StreetPass™ and SpotPass™ to give players innovative ways of enhancing their experience.”

HEROES OF RUIN uses StreetPass to create an inventive in-game ‘Traders’ Network’ where players can buy and sell rare and powerful items picked up in battle. With an ever-changing inventory updated from each player passed in public, character strengths and abilities can be greatly enhanced through accessing items from other players’ games. Outside of the game, HEROES OF RUIN makes use of SpotPass to reward players with rare one-off items or unique challenges through local wi-fi hotspots. The official HEROES OF RUIN community website will reward players further with daily challenges and quests available to complete in-game. With social media functionality, the site will also give players a platform to meet other gamers, swap ideas and items and team-up in-game.

HEROES OF RUIN challenges players to carve their own adventure, joining forces with other heroes through seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op multiplayer or venturing forth alone. Players will enter an ever-changing world where danger waits around every corner. Heroes can explore and fight through wild, varied and dynamic environments, discovering new layouts and routes each time they play. Packed with strange and deadly creatures, these dangerous lands will stretch players’ combat and tactical skills as they enhance their character, collecting loot, weapons and armour to empower them on their quest.

HEROES OF RUIN will be playable at E3 on the Square Enix stand (South Hall, Booth 1647) and will be available in early 2012 for Nintendo 3DS. The game is not yet rated. For more information and updates, join the HEROES OF RUIN community at www.HeroesOfRuin.com.