Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae version 2.0 is already in development, and Square Enix hope to be able to distribute an updated version of the demo sometime between mid to late May, director Hajime Tabata says in an Active Time Report presentation.
Tabata says that there’s no precedent of applying update patches to a demo release up until now, so Square Enix are currently in discussions with Sony and Microsoft to see if this would actually be possible. In the event that it isn’t possible, Square will make Episode Duscae 2.0 available at events for attendees to play.
For Episode Duscae 2.0, the plan is to make AXB enhancements, adjustments to the game’s camera and targeting system, as well as add more moves to the combat system. This includes more joint attacks, the possible inclusion of a dodge roll, improving the range on Noctis’ weapons, and more.
Additionally, Square Enix also plan to make adjustments to the demo’s game balance, take another look at MP recovery and usage (and not using up MP for perfectly timed dodges), and make bug fixes where necessary. Tabata mentions that the update will prevent players from reaching the Titan via the previously discovered Titan bug, but teases that there might be a different way to reach him in Episode Duscae 2.0.
In terms of features that are still under consideration, Tabata touches upon the possibility of there being quests where you’re paired up specifically with one or two other characters, which will result in different conversations taking place. Battles might play out differently as well, due to there being fewer members in the party. Once the entire party gathers back at camp at night, different characters may bring different items back with them, depending on what they were doing.
Additionally, improvements to framerate might be possible as well, although Square Enix are still evaluating this aspect of the game and may not be able to have framerate fixes ready in time for Episode Duscae 2.0.
“We’ve already made plans for improving certain things, and we’ve begun implementing things that used to be unknowns for us,” Tabata says. “And if possible, instead of presenting a master that will be like the final release, I really want everyone to see and feel how the game is improving toward the final release as we take in all of their feedback.”
Final Fantasy XV is in development for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Update: An archived version of the stream is now available and we have updated our report with the pertinent details.
