Square Enix has lifted the lid on Heroes of Ruin, the Nintendo 3DS game teased by developer n-Space last week and due out early next year.

It features "four unlikely heroes brought together to form a fearsome alliance", online play and social gaming gubbins.

It uses the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass system to create a Traders' Network, where players can buy and sell items picked up in battle.

The inventory is described as "ever-changing", updating from each player passed in public.

SpotPass, on the other hand, rewards players with rare, one-off items or "unique challenges" through local Wi-Fi hotspots.

There's a community website, too, that rewards players further with daily challenges and quests available to complete in-game.

The co-op multiplayer is seamless drop-in/drop-out, but you can play alone. "Heroes can explore and fight through wild, varied and dynamic environments, discovering new layouts and routes each time they play" Square Enix said.

"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."