IGN is letting loose the news early about the new DS version of Capcom’s highly praised Okami franchise. Unfortunately no new screens or media assets have been made available yet (heck we’ve yet to receive the press sheet here) but that didn’t stop IGN and Famitsu from breaking the news.

This time around the game’s lead will be the “adorable” Chibiterasu and like any game for the DS, the focal point falls in line with putting the stylus to heavy use. It makes simple sense because the stylus can easily be used with the game’s Celestial Brush to draw simple objects or attack enemies with slashes and strikes.

New to the game is the partner system that has players performing specific tasks to help accompanying travel mates get from one area to the next. Such as drawing an additional pathway to help a companion get across a chasm, etc.

The game is due out in 2010 for the Nintendo DS. There is speculation that the game will be on display at the Tokyo Game Show later this year. For more gaming news, info, updates and insight, be sure to stay tuned in with Blend Games.