‘Final Fantasy XV’ Won’t Allow Access To Car In Demo

The Final Fantasy XV trailer is a remarkable show of graphics and action, mostly revolving around a car. Most fans expected to be able to drive that car in the upcoming demo.

Unfortunately, director Hajime Tabata told Polygon that the demo won’t allow players to control the vehicle.

Tabata insisted that he was worried that fans of Final Fantasy would believe the RPG series had turned into something that was all about driving. He wanted players to be able to get a taste of the “extreme improvement and evolvement” while being able to appreciate the familiar without being overwhelmed.

“Originally we were planning on making the car be available to drive throughout the world and throughout the demo. But we didn’t want people to mistake it and think ‘When did Final Fantasy become a driving game’… You’ll be able to experience the starting point of what an open-world Final Fantasy would potentially feel like. You’ll really be able to experience that seamless Final Fantasy world within the demo itself, but then if you play it, you’ll still really get a sense that it’s a Final Fantasy game. You’ll get that balance within the demo… We’ve re-thought the demo in order for it to be more playable and accessible to people who know the franchise.”

Although the demo won’t be allowing players a chance to use the brand new option of a car, the vehicle will still be a big part of the finished game.

Fans may be disappointed that they’ll be getting a delayed look at the Final Fantasy XV car, but there are other things to get excited about.

First of all, rumors are going around that there may be some online capabilities for the game. There’s been talk that Square Enix is hiring staff for a “PC Spin” of Final Fantasy XV.

“Square Enix is hiring staff for possibly a PC spin off for Final Fantasy XV, Having previously said that they’re looking for an ‘online game planner’, amongst other things, the company is now searching for an applicant that will be able to work on ‘game contents using the Network’, once again pointing to online functionality for possibly Final Fantasy XV,” wrote Gaming Bolt.

Secondly, Jump magazine recently included a small preview of Final Fantasy XV that included minor battle system information.

GEMATSU provided the translation.

“Instantaneous actions change the progression of battle! Make full use your abilities and defenses, evasion and teleportation, and other actions. Control Noctis and repel the approaching enemies! Lower left screenshot: While defending against the enemy attack, fight back with skills that can create your big opportunity. Lower right screenshot: Explore vast areas where enemies both big and small stroll along.”

The demo for Final Fantasy XV will be released to “day one” owners of Final Fantasy Type-0 on March 17.

[Image courtesy of Square Enix]