With tomorrow being the release date for Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, Nintendo World Store and Rockefeller Center hosted a grand event to celebrate the launch of the highly anticipated title. Attendees were able to purchase and play the game a day early, snag themselves a T-shirt, enjoy some frozen snacks and even a special few were able to receive autographs from Yuji Horii, creator of the Dragon Quest series. This all sounds overwhelming, so we'll walk you through on the details on what went on between the hours of 1pm and 4pm.

Demo stations of Dragon Quest IX were scattered all over the outside of the Nintendo World Store, and players were able to team up with 3 friends thanks to the game's co-op feature. After trying the game out for themselves, there was no better way for attendees to cool off from the hot gaming action than to stop by the special Dragon Quest ice cream truck.

People who tried the game out for themselves were given vouchers to receive some treats from the sweet lookin' ice cream truck that was parked directly in front of the Nintendo World Store. Blue Italian ices seemed to be the preferred treat handed out throughout the day. I suppose it was to make the fans of the game feel as though they were actually taking a lick out of Dragon Quest mascot Slime.

The first 30 on line were promised an autograph from the creator of the Dragon Quest series. Pictured above is Dragon Quest ultra fan, Andres Davila. He was number one on line for his opportunity to meet Yuji Horii. Davila told us that he traveled from Houston to New York City walking and taking rides from those who offered them. During his journey, he counted a total of 7 times where strangers gave him a lift. Upon arriving in New York, he also waited on line for an additional 3 days. Now, Davila has his signed copy of Dragon Quest IX and his favorite Dragon Quest VII, and plans to stay in New York. Believe his story or not, you cannot deny the commitment of some gamers.

Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies has arrived and it has arrived in a big way. If you missed this event, we hope that you make it to the next event at Nintendo World Store in New York City. These photos and this article cannot do this event justice. Remember, Dragon Quest IX arrives on shelves tomorrow. Be sure to check out the rest of the photos below.