‘Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae 2.0’ Arrives In May, Trailer At E3, More At Gamescom, Demo Feedback Revealed

Despite the fact it was merely a limited release demo, “Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae” has managed to be one of the high points of the gaming calendar thus far. Released alongside first-run prints of “Final Fantasy Type-0 HD,” the demo gave fans their first chance to sample the delights of an open-world “Final Fantasy” series RPG on current-gen hardware. Now, Square Enix has announced that an updated version of the demo, titled “Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae 2.0” is scheduled for release in May, and given gamers info on when they’ll learn more about their next big JRPG.

News of the updated demo comes via the latest Active Time Report, hosted on the official Square Enix Presents YouTube channel. The update is planned as a free release, with a target release date of late May. Game director Hajime Tabata adds that with “Episode Duscae 2.0,” the team intends to implement improvements to the troublesome camera and targeting system.

MP usage will be tweaked, new combat actions added, joint attacks implemented and the inclusion of dodge rolls round out the items on the docket. The Tabata said that the team would also like to add individual quests, which are quests that only certain party members can complete or take part in. Tabata said the groundwork for these quests is in place, but noted that there’s a possibility they won’t be included in “Episode Duscae 2.0.”

On the technical front, the team is still aiming to get the game running at full 1080p on console. As reported by Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry, a tech analysis of the original demo shows the PS4 version operating at a resolution of 900p, while the Xbox One version only manages a sub-800p image. The publication also noted that the demo’s framerate was highly inconsistent, and particularly erratic on Xbox One, a fact not unusual for in-development beta software. Tabata stated that the studio was working hard to optimize the framerate, and would sacrifice the game’s resolution if necessary to achieve a smooth experience.

Tabata added that the team has been going over feedback from the demo very closely. The top complaint from North American players was that main character Noctis’ voice was too deep. Tabata assured fans that this would be corrected in the final release. The top European complaint was that the demo’s mechanic, Cindy, was too sexy. The director said that the team would look at finding a balance by taking care with the way she’s being presented, but added that as a bubbly, outdoorsy type, her outfit worked.

Other areas the team is looking to address include movement speed, proximity of the camera to Noctis, the inability to sprint extensively due to stamina depletion and more. As noted by DualShockers, the next trailer for “Final Fantasy XV” will arrive at E3, but Tabata cautioned that the game will only have a limited presence at the expo. Instead, the game’s big splash is currently planned for the Gamescom 2015 event in Cologne, Germany.