Square Enix has announced the first four playable characters set to appear in its PlayStation 2 RPG Dragon Quest VIII. Jessica is the game's whip-wielding strong heroine. She and the game's protagonist will be joined by the scar-faced power fighter Youngus, Trod who looks like a monster due to his green-colored body, and the silver haired fencer Kukul, whose trademark is his odd laughter.

Dragon Quest VIII will be available in Japan sometime this year. Fans however will be able to get a first peek at the game later this month, when Square Enix ships the PlayStation 2 remake of Dragon Quest V: Hanayome no Tenguu, as the game will come with a Dragon Quest VIII Premium Picture Disc.

• GameOnline