The latest issue of Famitsu got the first word on Dragon Ball DS, Namco Bandai's latest take on the Dragon Ball series.

As previously revealed, Dragon Ball DS goes back to the origins of the series, offering players a chance to play through the early comics in game form. The game leads players on a multi-episode adventure involving young Goku when he first encounters Bulma. The focus of your quest as these two is to collect seven Dragon Balls.

Namco Bandai and developer Game Republic have taken the world and characters of Akira Toriyama and converted them into full 3D for the DS. In addition to a fully 3D world, presented to the player in three-quarters overhead view, the title recreates many classic Dragon Ball scenes in-engine.

Gameplay appears to be heavy on the action. You make use of the stylus to make Goku perform punches and kicks. Bulma is also playable and makes use of a variety of weapons, including hand guns and machine guns.

Dragon Ball DS will be released in Japan on September 18. Expect an international release to be not too far behind.