Final Fantasy XII-2's chocobos, vendors and weather detailed

Famitsu has shed light on some fresh Final Fantasy XIII-2 details ahead of the game's Japanese launch in December.

According to Siliconera's translation, players can use chocobos to get around levels they've explored, as long as they're carrying gysahl greens.

Chocobos also appear as recruitable party members and can be raced in a casino setting - which should appeal to Gold Saucer fans. One chocobo, an unusual red variety, could prove to be a problem for the player - and may be part of a side quest.

There's a vendor who dresses in a chocobo suit - a bit of light relief - who carries gysahl greens as part of her five categories of goods - items, weapons, accessories, monster items and "bargains". Chocolina appears in many worlds.

Speaking of many worlds, to add even more variety, the music and monsters in each location change depending on weather conditions. One the Archylte Steppe ffor example, you might experiencefine weather, a sandstorm, a thunderstorm or something else.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 is due in the West in early 2012, on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.