^ Apparently the online component of the game makes something like that possible. I don't have all the details off the top of my head, but there's a summoning system that can be used by other players to 'curse' your world (making enemies harder, etc). There's also a new equipment-dropping mechanic that causes high-level monsters to spawn where equipment has been discarded (I'm not sure if it needs to be discarded in the player's own world or another player's world). When killed, these monsters may leave behind even better equipment.

Basically, DS sounds like the most interesting game of the year. I'm so glad I got re-interested in it, especially after Deus Ex let me down slightly.