My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

[Dairuka]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

it shouldn't be...5 activations and can be activated on 3 computers at one time. plus you get the activations back when you uninstall a copy.

Sadly this isn't true yet, since EA's version of SecuROM is meant to work the exact same way for Spore.

*Snipped the quote*

[=98=]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

I can't understand why Spore and Crysis owners are so outraged.

You can install infinite times on up to 5 computers. I know a new motherboard counts as a new computer, but how often do you change that?

Most people have jumped on the "cool to hate" bandwagon here.

[Dairuka]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

I can't understand why Spore and Crysis owners are so outraged.

You can install infinite times on up to 5 computers. I know a new motherboard counts as a new computer, but how often do you change that?

Most people have jumped on the "cool to hate" bandwagon here.

Since you've essentially called me out on it. You've forced me to do this.

I condensed all of my posts regarding my trials and tribulations to get more activations into this one single post, separated by dates posted in this thread:

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Date: 10/02/2008 15:37:18

Started: 8:01am, Pacific Standard Time
Finished: 8:21am, Pacific Standard Time

End result regarding the issue of SecuROM's 3 computer license validation program: Unresolved.

Rumors put to rest: You do not need your receipt for this issue. You only need your receipt if you intend on replacing your CD Key, and intend on invoking your Warranty.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=

As expected from a long-distance non-toll free technical support line, I was immediately thrown into the deep end of a murky robot voice filled pool with very little direction on how to swim to keep myself from sinking.

It took almost 5 minutes for me to finally get an operator; but to save you guys time in doing so, I will tell you up front the fastest route:

Step #1 - When asked if you're phoning about Rock Band #1, or Another Game#2. Press 2 on your phone.
Step #2 - Immediately and clearly state the name of the game you're phoning about. Spore.
Step #3 - Immediately and clearly state: Warranties or My Account - Saying Registry Keys will just lead you in circles, so don't choose that one.
Step #4 - Immediately and clearly state: Operator

You will then hear a weird tone much like the Capcom logo theme, and you'll then be greeted by an operator.

You may be able to skip Steps #1 to #3 by just saying Operator.

My impressions of the customer support:

He first asked what game it was about - He then asked what the problem was.

He was no-nonsense. So if you're phoning them, know exactly what the problem was, I personally messed up and forgot to write out the entire error, and I obviously hadn't memorized it, so I wasted a good two minutes just looking it up and reciting it to him. If you can, use a cordless and recite the error as it happens on your computer to him. Once he understood what the error was, he proceeded to ask me for personal information:

- Account E-mail
- Full Real Name
- (Area Code) Phone Number

He then asked for game information and how I got to that problem. I explained to him that it happened due to me switching hardware around, as well as reformatting my computer due to my bi-annual cleaning ritual. So I clearly needed:

- The Serial Code/Registry Key

He then read back the serial code to me in phonetics. Such as "Niner" for 9, and "Zulu" for Z to clarify the registry key. Make sure it's correct, it's very important obviously. They make mistakes so you better be listening carefully.

Finally, he put me on hold for a good three minutes. Sadly, when he came back he recited "Yes, your serial code is valid, unfortunately you have hit your 3 computer limit, which is out of the hands of our Tech Support. I can however refer your problem to the head Technician, and we will phone or E-mail if the issue is resolved."

I asked how long it would take, he said he didn't know. We gave formalities, and the conversation ended abruptly with him hanging up quickly.

It was pleasant - it made sense from a phone operator's standpoint. Sadly... I'm left unsatisfied, because my issue is not resolved yet.

I will edit this post if the issue is resolved, but until then, I won't give a final summary as I'm biased by the lack of resolution in this issue.

I hope this helps anybody else who is intending on phoning the EA Customer Service to resolve their own issues regarding SecuROM's horrific experiment at our expense.

-- Dairuka Sutain.

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Date: 10/05/2008 18:54:44

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...308.page#74308

Here's EA's first E-mail response; which had arrived Saturday, October 4, 2008 at 5:56pm.

Please remember that I brought this issue to EA's attention during my phonecall on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 8:00am.

Thats more than two full days for a real response. Note that my issue is still not resolved, as they need even more proof. As if I couldn't have done this during the phone call... I don't see why I had to wait two days for this.

Anyhow, I turned this into a thumbnail to make it easier for people to read this thread:

This screen-shot shows the date received:


Don't spam my E-mail in that picture please, I use it for all of my forum registrations.

This screen-shot shows the entire message:


Apparently they either don't believe that an error has happened or my particular error is so outstandingly rare - that they just felt the need to have me take a screenshot of it. After I respond, I'll make another post so we can accurately time how long their response takes. Please note I won't count the time between the E-mail's time, and the delayed time it took for me to actually respond.

So thus far, the total time to get this issue resolved is: 2 days, 9 hours.

Issue Status: Unresolved.

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Date: 10/05/2008 19:33:24

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...400.page#74400

12:20pm: Started E-mail
12:27pm: Finished and sent off the E-mails.

Another seven minutes of my time spent trying to resolve this issue, on top of the twenty minute phone call, and two day wait. So far this easy resolution is becoming quite difficult.

What I did:

Quite simply, I followed their instructions to the Letter.

- I clicked Start
- I clicked Run
- I typed in DXDIAG
- I clicked Save All Information
- I saved it in My Documents

Then

- I tried to start Spore again on the upstairs computer
- I took a screenshot of the error by pressing Print Screen.
- I pasted the screenshot in MSPaint.
- I saved it as a .jpg.

I then clicked the exceedingly large link extended from http://ea.custhelp.com/ given to me in the E-mail.

From there I typed in, "I've enclosed the SporeCrash.JPG and DXDIAG.txt here."

I uploaded both attachments. I sent the reply there.

Then I returned to the E-mail, and I clicked "Reply". There I typed "I've enclosed the SporeCrash.JPG and DXDIAG.txt here" and I uploaded both attachments again, and sent yet another reply.

We'll just have to wait and see how long it'll take for them to respond. I'll be watching: I hope you guys are too.

Total Time I've Wasted: 27 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 9 hours.
Issue Status: Unresolved.

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Date: 10/05/2008 21:12:26

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...608.page#74608

Well, I just checked my E-mail again; and this is what I see:



Naturally EA thinks the problems instigated by SecuROM's SPORE like licensing policies are caused by my video card drivers, a full temp folder, background tasks and of course, Hardware Sound Acceleration settings.

For the sake of amusement, I'm going to do all of these tasks before responding to them.

Total Time I've Wasted: 27 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 9 hours, 30 minutes.
Issue Status: Unresolved.


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Date: 10/05/2008 21:38:41

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...687.page#74687

Sunday, October 5, 2008:


2:02pm: Started updating the computer.
2:34pm: Finished updating the computer, and sent off the E-mails.

I've responded again after following each of the suggestions made by EA's automated response system.

I took another DXDIAG, and another screen-shot of the error.

Then I responded attaching both the .txt and the .jpg of each again with the following message enclosed:

While I realize your last response was more automated, or copy and paste than anything - I still took the time to follow every step presented to me. The video card is fully updated. The sound card is fully updated. The hardware sound acceleration has been changed to Basic. The temp file has been removed, and I tried Spore both with and without something running in the background. I've enclosed my latest DXDIAG, and another picture of the error message.

It's clear to me that none of these actions will work in my favor - because the problem I'm having with Spore is caused due to the fact that I've already used up my 3 "Total" installations. Two of which had been wasted due to reformatting two computer hard-drives that the game was originally installed on. If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to have two of those activations de-activated, so that I can actually play my copy of Spore on my computer upstairs.

Lets see if I get a proper response.

Total Time I've Wasted: 59 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 9 hours, 30 minutes.
Issue Status: Unresolved.

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Date: 10/05/2008 21:52:39

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...724.page#74724

Well, I got another automated response pretty quickly telling me I should tweak my firewall. Considering the computer in question doesn't have a firewall as of yet, (I just reformatted it, and haven't touched it since.)



So, I pretty much turned off Windows Firewall, and naturally I got another error. No point in taking a screenshot of it this time.

I responded again:

I turned off Windows Firewall, and naturally it did not work. No screen-shot enclosed.

Because this is a problem with SecuROM's 3 computer licensing. I need an actual person to speak with, so I can hopefully get two installations de-activated, or at the very least garner more activations so that I can play Spore on my other computer.

Naturally I turned on Windows Firewall after trying Spore out.

This is getting kind of sad. I feel sorry for everybody else who has to go through this bull-crap to be able to play Spore.

Total Time I've Wasted: 1 hour, 2 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 9 hours, 42 minutes.
Issue Status: STILL Unresolved.

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Date: 10/06/2008 02:33:21

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...414.page#75414

I finally got a non-automated response; as he actually used my first name.

Unfortunately, the response I got was rather aggrivating:

Hello Adam,

Thank you for contacting Electronic Arts.

In order to get assistance regarding this matter, please contact us by calling our toll free number 650-628-1001 to talk to live person.
.
If there is anything else we may do to assist you please let us know.

Sincerely,

EARep Roddy
Player Relations
Electronic Arts

Truly this is customer service at it's finest.

I guess I'm phoning them tomorrow. I'm not going to be as polite now.

Total Time I've Wasted: 1 hour, 2 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes.
Issue Status: STILL Unresolved.

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Date: 10/07/2008 19:36:58

Original Post Found Here: http://forum.spore.com/jforum/posts/...800.page#79004

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Started: 11:55am Pacific Time Standard
Finished: 12:23pm Pacific Time Standard

As you all know, I phoned up the Electronic Arts Customer Service support line again at: 1-650-628-1001.

I was put on hold for quite literally 21 minutes.

Take into consideration I live in, Canada, and I was phoning a number based in Texas I imagine the long distance charges will be substantial. I only did this because of the importance of this thread.

When I had finally gained the attention of an operator, I'd like to point out that he was very impromptu, and very polite. I definitely got lucky and received someone who knew what they were talking about.

Which is actually a little un-nerving, considering the types of questions I asked him.

He stated the following about the following issues:

#1. If they believe your account has been used over 10 times, you must provide proof of purchase on the back of your manual, as well as a proof of purchase by way of a receipt.

#2. The total installation attempts on the first batch of games released in the month of September have a total of 3 installations. Any other versions of the game released have a total of 5 installations, leaving those of us suckers who bought the game early, SOL.

#3. He stated that a de-activation tool has nothing to do with Electronic Arts, and that he did not have a release date available for such a tool.

#4. He refused to acknowledge the multiple days I spent on this particular subject.

#5. He flagged my account due to the over-use of my account registration key; despite the fact that I've only given the Registration Key to The last Customer Service Representative I spoke to.

#6. He stated that changing out any hardware will directly use up an installation.

#7. He stated that changing firmware, or drivers will not use up an installation.

#8. He stated that reinstalling the game on the same computer will not use up an installation, unless you reformat.

#9. He stated that resetting your CMOS or BIOS will use up an installation.

Now, lets get down to business:

Once again he asked me for my E-mail, and my first Name.

He then asked for my problem; requiring the full details of the problem, including the error name; as well as the number of times I've installed this game on my two computers. The answer was 5. He claimed it had been installed on 15, despite the fact that I've only given the Registration Key to The last Customer Service Representative I spoke to.

He then offered to give me 3 more installations on my version of spore, but after that I would have to buy a new version of Spore, since he believes that I'm pirating it, or I have given it out to my friends.

I proclaimed my disgust in a polite manner; and he went on to flag my account, stating that if I use my E-mail address again, he'll add more installation limits as a special case. Unfortunately this means I will have to phone EA customer service at long-distance charges to get it done. I can not use their E-mail service.

However. I tried the game on my upstairs computer.

It worked. Finally.

Total Time I've Wasted: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Total Time I've Waited: 2 days, 11 hours, 30 minutes.
Issue Status: Finally Resolved.
Total number of days to get this issue resolved?: October 2, 2008 - October 7, 2008: 5 Days

So. Are you guys ready for when you need to phone EA? I know, I'm never going to do that again.

Fin.

[=98=]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

That's good. But how in hell did you manage to reach the infinite activation limit on 5 computers?

Anyway, EA is working on a new web based system that lets' you request activation codes. I agree, they should not limit what we do, but it's not as bad as people say.

[Dairuka]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

That's good. But how in hell did you manage to reach the infinite activation limit on 5 computers?

Anyway, EA is working on a new web based system that lets' you request activation codes. I agree, they should not limit what we do, but it's not as bad as people say.

Fact #1: All CD version releases of Spore prior to October 3rd, have 3 activation limits. Any copy made after October 3rd will have 5.

Fact #2: It's not an infinite activation limit. It's not concurrent. It's total.

Fact #3: You do not get an installation back after un-installing.

Fact #4: Changing any major hardware, or major hardware firmware convinces SecuROM into believing you have a different computer.

Fact #5: Formatting your computer convinces SecuROM into believing you have a different computer.

Fact #6: Trying to use spore after you've used up your 3/5 installation limits, convinces SecuROM that you're trying to license another computer. So if you use spore 6 times after you've hit your limit; EA thinks you've tried to install it on 9 computers.

Fact #7: The last time EA spoke of the de-activation tool, was September 22nd.

Fact #8: There is still no ETA on the de-activation tool.

Fact #9: There are currently 84 reported cases of users running into the same problem I did on the Spore Feedback/Help forums.

Fact #10: It is NOT easy to gain extra activations. This is EA we're talking about. I proved that with my quote.

Fact #11: If they flag your account, you're screwed. They'll force you to buy a new registration key, or force you to invoke your warranty.

[MrChris_CJ]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

this game does not use the CryEngine 2, it uses the Dunia engine, about the only thing it has in common with Crytek is that the Dunia engine uses about 2-3% of the code from the original CryEngine (used in Far Cry 1)

the game doesn't look as good as Crysis but it still looks brilliant

I didn't like the MP much myself, Crysis Wars is way more fun imo

[=98=]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Fact #1: All releases of Spore prior to October 3rd, have 3 activation limits.

True

Fact #2: It's not an infinite activation limit. It's not concurrent. It's total.

I don't about Spore, but Crysis is infinite installs on up to 5 PC's.

Fact #3: You do not get an installation back after un-installing.

I don't know about that.

Fact #4: Changing any major hardware, or major hardware firmware convinces SecuROM into believing you have a different computer.

I have changed a lot of hardware in my PC lately and done numerous OS reinstalls (mainly to do with new motherboards, general tidy ups and the fact i accidentally installed Vista 32bit instead of 64bit twice :p). I've done about 7 OS reinstalls and changed my motherboard. Each OS install i download and install Crysis Warhead which apparently uses SecuROM.

I've had no problems playing Crysis Warhead again?

Fact #6: Trying to use spore after you've used up your 3/5 installation limits, convinces SecuROM that you're trying to license another computer. So if you use spore 6 times after you've hit your limit; EA thinks you've tried to install it on 9 computers.

See above.

Fact #7: The last time EA spoke of the de-activation tool, was September 22nd.

Talk to them again.

Fact #8: There is still no ETA on the de-activation tool.

No idea what you are on about. Talking about the web based activation system?

Fact #9: There are currently 84 reported cases of users running into the same problem I did on the Spore Feedback/Help forums.

That's very low compared to sales :p

[Dairuka]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Fact #2: It's not an infinite activation limit. It's not concurrent. It's total.

I don't about Spore, but Crysis is infinite installs on up to 5 PC's.

Yes, but Ubisoft's Far Cry 2 is using the same version of SecuROM as EA's Spore.

I doubt it'll be infinite without a de-activation tool, or a web-based activation system.

Fact #3: You do not get an installation back after un-installing."

I don't know about that.

I can't confirm this with Far Cry 2; but I can with Spore. In fact. I have. It's in the huge quoted post I made. I installed it on two computers; I reformatted two computers; I changed the video cards on both and changed one of the hard-drives on the downstairs computer.

I reinstalled Spore on the downstairs computer and it worked; but when I reinstalled Spore on the upstairs computer; it gave me the error message like the one you see in this screen-shot:



Truth be told, I'm unwilling to confirm it with every SecuROM game. I've already been burned; and once is enough.

Fact #4: Changing any major hardware, or major hardware firmware convinces SecuROM into believing you have a different computer.

I have changed a lot of hardware in my PC lately and done numerous OS reinstalls (mainly to do with new motherboards, general tidy ups and the fact i accidentally installed Vista 32bit instead of 64bit twice :p). I've done about 7 OS reinstalls and changed my motherboard. Each OS install i download and install Crysis Warhead which apparently uses SecuROM.

I've had no problems playing Crysis Warhead again?

The Sims 2: Bon Voyage, and Crysis: Warhead both use a far less invasive version of SecuROM than the one Spore, Far Cry 2, and Mirror's Edge will be using.

Fact #5: Formatting your computer convinces SecuROM into believing you have a different computer.

See above.

See Above.

Fact #7: The last time EA spoke of the de-activation tool, was September 22nd.

Talk to them again.

Trying. Failing to get a response.

I've started petitions on multiple forums just to get them to release the de-activation tool. (Thats what EA calls it.)

At this point; 2 weeks later, I've all but given up trying to get a response.

Right now I'm gathering evidence, and preparing a testimonial for the current two lawsuits against EA's illegal use of SecuROM.

Fact #8: There is still no ETA on the de-activation tool.

No idea what you are on about. Talking about the web based activation system?

EA calls it the De-activation tool.

Fact #9: There are currently 84 reported cases of users running into the same problem I did on the Spore Feedback/Help forums.

That's very low compared to sales :p

First off: The official Sporum has about 25,163 users. That is less than the Total Gaming Network. There are on average 40 people on at any given time. That is also less than the Total Gaming Network.

Second off: Sales have been over-inflated due to including the Nintendo DS version of spore, as well as the Creature Creator.

The latest total sale projection for September has Spore at 406k sales. Thats far less than the 1 million sales+ they were bragging about for September.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/152396/npd_xbox_360_soars_past_ps3_in_september_sales.html

Though PC game sales weren't included in these numbers, Fraizer singled out two for mention: Spore, with sales of 406k units, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, with 274K, "which would put them both in the top 10 list of combined console, portable and PC games sales for the month."

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20081017-september-npd-numbers-star-wars-trumps-flagging-us-economy.html

Frazier said that, "although PC games sales are not included in these numbers, there were two that should be pointed out. Spore realized sales of 406K units and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning sold 274,000, which would put them both in the top 10 list of combined console, portable and PC games sales for the month." While the hardcore community may be up in arms over Spore's DRM, it certainly doesn't seem to be slowing down sales.

[imported_Whiskey]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Are there aliens in this game?

No, thank god. No supernatural stuff in this one (that we know about, anyway). You're a human bad@ss in the middle of a conflict in Africa, dealing with other ruthless human scumbags.

[BlueAngel7]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

It's worth a purchase for this alone:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_HmDUsDykdM :laugh:

[Death Merchant]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Are there aliens in this game?

No, im really suprised how realistic this game really is its shares nothing in common with the origional far cry or crysis other than the name

uploading more screenshots now

you might complain about secureROM but there needs to be some way to combat piracy, its causing more and more games to switch over to consoles, and less games being released so anything that can stop piracy i support TBH.

The compalint Dairuka posted seemed to me to be an issue with the EA support team other than the securerom itself, the rule from what ive read seems to be if you phone and ask for more you will get 3 more licences the problem is if people decide to stop offering this

[iQue]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Well it hasn't stopped piracy really... Go into a random torrent site and you'll find crysis warhead and fc2, no doubt.

[Death Merchant]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review











Healing:

[Dairuka]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

you might complain about secureROM but there needs to be some way to combat piracy, its causing more and more games to switch over to consoles, and less games being released so anything that can stop piracy i support TBH.

Oi. At least with EA I can say this with confidence:

The DRM is not meant to protect EA from pirates; it's meant to rip off legitimate customers by killing off resale value entirely. Worse yet, it's limitations cost the consumer even more money when those limitations are reached; by way of phoning long distance to a non-toll free number in Texas multiple times to get the problem fixed, or by simply giving up and buying another license that is doomed to expire in the same way.

I fear that if we become apathetic to this; every large publisher is going to adopt it...

And so far... They are!

The compalint Dairuka posted seemed to me to be an issue with the EA support team other than the securerom itself, the rule from what ive read seems to be if you phone and ask for more you will get 3 more licences the problem is if people decide to stop offering this

Remember when Yahoo! Music decided to shut it's DRM licensing server down just this September?

People who legitimately bought music from them could no longer listen to their music. They haven't been reimbursed either.

Welcome to the gaming of the future.

[Death Merchant]

Re: My Pre-release, Far Cry 2 mini review

Remember when Yahoo! Music decided to shut it's DRM licensing server down just this September?

People who legitimately bought music from them could no longer listen to their music. They haven't been reimbursed either.

Welcome to the gaming of the future.

Thats a ***** for sure, but unless it was listed in the terms and conditions that they can terminate usage without consent, a court case would always be succesful and they should be refunded, unless the company goes bankrupt whereas yes, i can see this becoming a problem

But If this securerom stuff becomes big time, im sure legislation will pass so that it will protect the customer, in this country for sure at least