Video Game Quick Hits 12/13/13

An interesting interface decision from Microsoft results in users not actually being table to see how much of their XBox One’s 500GB hard drive is available for use. IGN ran a test that filled their hard drive to about 362GB, and received a “Not Enough Space” message when trying to install Zoo Tycoon’s 3GB. So, 360-365GB is your available limit. With many installs running up to 50GB, tha’s not much. Managing your save data is an automatic task provided to you by Microsoft and their cloud service, which is “virtually unlimited.” You can manually uninstall games by highlighting the item and pressing the menu button. No one expected the full 500GB, of course, and the OS usage by Sony’s PS4 is similar. I certainly don’t think many people will need 50 games installed. But this looks like you could be easily limited to fewer than ten.

Square Enix has revealed the Collector’s Edition of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Available exclusively from the Square Enix store ($89.99), this edition will include the standard art book (80 pages), costume DLC, and a very nice collectible pocket watch. Release is scheduled for February 11, 2014.

The Elder Scrolls Online, the highly anticipated MMO from Zenimax is scheduled for release in April 2014. It has now been confirmed that a console version will be coming shortly thereafter. The PS4 and XB1 release is scheduled for June 2014.

Another rumor has popped up about Fallout 4, this time due to “leaked” casting documents that feature the signature line, “War. War never changes.” The documents would seem to confirm the rumored Boston setting. Kotaku claims these documents are “confirmed to be real.” I’m remaining skeptical. If someone could fake a countdown website they could easily fake some casting documents. I am excited for the possibility though, so I’m remaining hopeful.

Ubisoft has confirmed December 17th as the release date for Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag’s “Freedom Cry” DLC. This was the date initially seen on a leaked Game Informer advertisement that was denied. Turns out it may be okay to trust rumors based on leaked documents sometimes. The DLC takes place 15 years after the main game and stars Adewale on a quest to free slaves. The add-on is part of the Season Pass and should be available separately, though the individual price has not been announced.

Kind of a short update this week, but that’s par for the course this time of year. Check back Tuesday for more news.