Square Enix’s news from Jump magazine has surprised everyone; the Final Fantasy game previewed was not the single-player adventure The Crystal Bearers, but an entirely new game for both the Wii and the Nintendo DS.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is apparently a sequel to the Nintendo DS game Rings of Fate. Primarily a multiplayer game, up to four players will choose from four different classes to do battle together. According to the article, both local multiplayer and play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection will be in the final release.

Using what is being labeled the Pollux Engine, players will be able to connect the Wii and DS versions of the game, sharing data across platforms. Screenshots also revealed that Mii data will be able to be transferred to the DS, allowing players to have their customised character on the handheld system as well.

Both the DS and Wii version will be released simultaneously for the same price of 4,800 Yen (~$45) making it a regularly priced DS game, but an attractively priced Wii game.

It is scheduled for release in Japan on January 29.