The latest issue of Jump magazine in Japan revealed new information about characters in Final Fantasy XIII.

Hope Estheim is first introduced during the opening of the game and he’s also in the demo for the game. The boy will be available for use in battle using a boomerang to fight. He holds a major grudge against Snow for getting his mother involved with a big battle.

Vanille, whom we’ve known about, has been shown several times before but is still a bit of a mystery when it comes to her role. She will use a yo-yo type weapon in battle. However, on the subject of her abilities, we’re not quite sure.

A new creature named Cie Corpse has been detailed as well, which can only be formed when an I’Cie fails at completing an object in a certain amount of time.

Final Fantasy XIII is set to launch on PlayStation 3 in Winter 2009 in Japan. A North American PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 launch will follow next year.

New Final Fantasy XIII characters detailed [Examiner]