I have a collection of games for the PC that would probably make EB, Babbages and half a dozen OTHER computer game stores jealous! I would estimate that I have over 1000 current titles, ALL bought and paid for and still with the original disks and packaging.
One of the FIRST things that I do when I buy a new game (actually, BEFORE I buy the game...) is to go on line and search out a crack that will allow me to run the game without having to insert the CD all the time. A few years ago I purchased a Virtual Drive program to get around the copy protection in a few OTHER games (such as Virtual Pool 3). As soon as I get the game installed and running, I put the CD's away in the original boxes and store them in a safe place.
Let me say that I DETEST people who pirate computer software! Doing such things only drives up the prices for the REST of us. BUT I EQUALLY strongly dislike being FORCED to constantly insert and remove a CD in order to play a game.
I recently purchased Sacred (before discovering that it was "protected" by StarForce), and actually ENJOYED playing it without a cd for a while, until the update patch came out. THEN, when I updated the game, I was FORCED to use the CD to play. Also, the preformance of the game DROPPED with this change!!!
With regards to BD, I installed and played the demo for a couple of months before deciding to purchase the retail version of the game. I installed it, looked for a crack (couldn't find one...), and played a little with the CD in the drive. It just sat on my computer for a few weeks, and then tonite I tried it again. The ONLY thing that I could get was the Disk Detection Error!!! NOTHING had changed in my system (other than installing a few games). I tried using TM to remove any processes running in the background, but nothing worked. I even rebooted several times, disabvling various items from starting up on boot. But STILL I keep getting the DDError...
I have VOWED that I will NEVER AGAIN spend ONE PENNY on any game that has SF "protection" on it. It is just TOO FRUSTRATING, and games should NOT be frustrating!!! ...At least NOT until you get INTO them! LOL
I had planned on purchasing several copies to send to family and friends (I frequently do this...), but if possible I would be returning the copy that I purchased for myself!
Oh yeah, one other thing... I just wonder how many "damaged CD's" were returned to Larian??? I spoke to several people who got SO disgusted with the whole thing that they DELIBERATELY damaged their CD's, returned them to the store for replacement, and then returned the unopened REPALCEMENTS for a refund!!!
Way to go you guys! I don't normally condone such behaviour, but in THIS case I would have to sit and cheer for them!
Larian, PLEASE think of your customers in the future. Very few of us who use no-CD cracks, virtual drive programs, etc are looking to engage in piracy. PLEASE don't drive us away in your zeal to get at the wanna-be pirates!!!
