Customer Reviews

Crysis Warhead

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(195)

 

 

Crysis is simply amazing, and I expect Warhead to be excellent also. I've waited for this release, but sadly, I will not be buying it. The DRM in this game is a deal-breaker for the following reasons:

1. Securom 7, the DRM scheme, installs itself on your computer and is as hard as a computer virus to uninstall. It requires making registry edits, and is far outside the realm of what most people are comfortable with Securom 7 causes possible security issues, system failures, and some legitimate software to stop working. It can prevent legitimate programs that burn cds to stop functioning correctly. It does not install when you uninstall the game. EA doesn't disclose these facts on the game's packaging, or in the game's EULA.

A very similar program was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. The FTC's previous ruling against Sony can by found here: [..]

"Installations of secret software that create security risks are intrusive and unlawful," said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. "Consumers' computers belong to them, and companies must adequately disclose unexpected limitations on the customary use of their products so consumers can make informed decisions regarding whether to purchase and install that content."

2. The game has limited activations (5) meaning that you can only install the game a total of 5 times. I think I rebuilt my computer 4 times just in life span of the original Crysis (always chasing more frames, new graphics card, then two of them in crossfire, new processor {quad core} etc... With this new DRM I would have run out of installs in only 6 months or so! I will not pay $30.00 for a game rental, which is what 5 installs effectively makes this game. Even the version available for download through Steam comes packaged with the install limit and Securom, really calling into question the purpose of both: Steam by its very nature prevents piracy, so why would the Steam version need additional DRM OR an installation limit???

3. DRM doesn't stop piracy, it only hurts honest consumers like myself (I own, and have paid for, literally hundreds of games). Spore is a perfect example of how DRM doesn't stop piracy. It is now the most pirated game in history, despite this same invasive DRM. Pirates don't care about DRM; they crack it and then happily play their DRM free version. It is those like myself who buy the game retail that get stuck with all the crumminess of DRM.

4. DRM means you can never re-sell your copy. This potentially violates the doctrine of first sale, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court on more than one occasion. Basically, if you buy this game and don't like it or finish playing it and don't want it any more, you will never be able to sell it to someone else, because there is no way to demonstrate to them that there are installs left on your version. You can read about first sale law here:[..]

In conclusion, the game itself is not the issue here. The issue is that a really excellent game comes packaged with an invasive, draconian DRM scheme that cannot be uninstalled, has ring 0 access to your computer, limits your installations to three, and can potentially crash software you have installed, or even your computer itself.

This would not be acceptable in the case of a DVD or CD, so why would we as consumers accept it in a game? I honestly feel bad that Crytek got hooked up with EA and their malware DRM, as I love their games. I hope that by not buying this one (unless they change the DRM scheme) I and others will influence EA games, or at least Crytek, to steer clear of DRM that only hurts me and you, their honest, paying customers. If you want to learn more about DRM, here is a useful guide: [..]

***UPDATE***

YES I HAVE READ THE FAQ PUT OUT BY CYRTEK. Their FAQ fails to answer or even address many of the concerns with DRM:

1. How is this DRM expected to prevent piracy since all DRM (even Securom 7x) gets cracked almost immediately? (Take a look at Spore which was cracked in HOURS, not days)

2. Why do we, the paying customers then get stuck with DRM, while pirates, who pay nothing, get a superior copy without DRM?

3. I have problems with any DRM that installs in the background, is virus hard to uninstall, and has ring 0 access to my system. I am the administrator of my computer NOT Securom 7x, and any program that takes that control away from me is unacceptable. It is also well known to cause conflicts with legitimate software, and even cause some user's computers to crash. The FTC shot down Sony's similar DRM a couple years ago; this seems like the same thing all over again. Securom 7 utterly fails in its stated purpose, to prevent illegal copies of the game. So why is it still being used considering all of it's negatives?

4. Why is this DRM necessary on the Steam version? Steam, by its very nature, prevents illegal copies from being made.

5. Is the number to get new activations toll free? Also, EA has deplorable customer service (check out the fiasco for those of us with Vista 64-bit who purchased Crysis online and were forced to play at 32-bit, all while EA insisted it was our computers that were the problem, when it was their garbage software installer) and I frankly don't trust them. What assurances are in place that if making a call, someone will be able and willing to help us in a reasonable amount of time?

If they get back to me with answers, I will happily modify this review as necessary.

Would you buy a DVD that was limited to playing only on certain DVD players in your house, and then when you buy a new DVD player you have to call the company and beg them for another "activation" (which they are not obligated to give you)? Of course not. That's why DIVX discs went out of business.

Would you purchase a book that only worked with certain registered reading lamps? Why do we put up with arbitrary restrictions on games that we would not stand for in other media? I personally purchased this game from Steam in order to avoid the activation limit, not realizing until afterward that even the Steam version comes with a limit of 5 activations.

Do you think 5 activations is a lot? Well consider this: I installed the game on my desktop computer but my computer was having problems so I then installed on my new laptop but it was not powerful enough. That's 2 down. After I format the harddrive on my desktop I am going to install again and that will be 3. It probably won't be long after that that I'll be buying a new computer, which means number 4, and I will only have owned the game for a few months. For gamers who buy a new computer every couple of years, or gamers who format their drives every 6 to 18 months, or gamers who like to install a game on both their desktop and laptop (or their work computer and home computer), 5 activations will not last long. I've installed games like Diablo 2 and Starcraft literally dozens of times. In fact, just the other day I played the original Quake -- good thing id software didn't put activation limits on it!

I will NEVER buy another PC game that includes install limits and I suggest we all do the same.

I want to own this gane but I can't. It installs DRM along with the game. I refuse to give up control of my PC to what I consider to be an EAvil, GrEAdy company. I also refuse to purchase what is basically a rental game. Instead, I'm willing to give up something I really want, to help make a point. My part is small but maybe all of us together will make a statement. Hurting EAvil in their pocket book is all that's left to us. This may be the last chance we have to stop this nonsence and save PC gaming.

I loved Crysis and I would have eagerly shelled out my hard earned money to purchase Crysis Warhead. However, now that EAvil has included Securom. I can't. I just finished completely rebuilding my PC as a result of the issues caused by the DRM installed by Mess Effect" (I do mean Mess not Mass).

Folks, I'm not an atomic scientist but I'm smart enough to avoid getting burned twice. Do the same. Stand up for your right to own the PC software you paid for and to retain control of the PC you own.

The original Crysis, although demanding in hardware and harboring a benign version of SecuROM, was a worthy successor to FAR CRY: high quality graphics, interactive environment and fast paced action (OK, except the space stage), what was there not to like?! CRYSIS-WARHEAD, its standalone sequel, was bound to do well. But it will not. Here is why.

Similar to all major EA releases since June (MASS EFFECT & SPORE) CRYSIS-WARHEAD harbors the most malignant version of SecuROM (7.xx) and is also crippled by Limited Installations. And to no avail mind you: both MASS EFFECT and SPORE received ZERO protection from their draconian DRM scheme when it came to preventing their piracy!

Exactly like Spore, for which the customer backlash was heard around the world, EA is trying to force this DRM scheme down its customers' throats than do the reasonable thing: listen to them.

Since piracy will always be a factor to consider and everyone has the right to protect his investment, a form of DRM will also always exist. But NOT at the expense of their own customers!

- Revoking our rights as the Administrators of our own computer by creating irremovable folders or registry entries or subroutines that run masked is unacceptable!
- Bundling a snooping, auto-updating and in-secret-contact-with-the-mothership utility that retains backdoor access to our computers is unacceptable!!
- Trying to force legitimate gamers to pay again and again for the same game by Limiting its Installations is UNACCEPTABLE!!

It might be just me, but I believe that, in the end, the best and more effective DRM method will prove to be reasonable pricing. Who would place his computer in danger of Trojans, Worms or slow Viruses for $20? And since even more people would buy the game, everyone should be happy.

Now, at $30, CRYSIS-WARHEAD is indeed reasonably priced (it could do better considering its length but I digress). Why could it not be SecuROM-free and actually owned by the people who paid and bought it?

EA, you had me as a customer for years. I even gave your products more than fair reviews. Unless someone cleans house over there and you start listening to your customers, you cannot count on any more of my money.

It's not the number of installs. It's not the number of times DRM requires to "phone home." It's not whether or not less wary consumers can call up now and get new activations NOW. It's about buying a service not a product. Services end when a service provider ends, or chooses to stop offering the service. Products exist until they break or at least until they no-longer serve a function (we have no use for them). EA's breed of DRM is guaranteeing that their games will not live any longer than they do with a promise that is 100% not enforcable.

Companies who are about to shut their doors, or are looking at their next big cash flow do not suddenly throw a bunch of resources into developing software to ensure existing consumers, who they already label as a bunch of no-good thieves, can continue to enjoy their games.

DRM limitations are not listed in the EULA. They are not listed on the box. There is mice-type about requiring internet to play the game (that's the activation part).

I can't tell you how many times I have picked up an old game, which I uninstalled, and reinstalled it because a new release of that game is being developed, hitting shelves soon, and I am excited about it again. Or reinstalled a game because a new expansion pack brought life into it. I build my own computers. I've seen harddrives fail. Motherboards fail. I know at least two people whose computers shorted out due to faulty parts. EA claims that only a small margin of people who installed a pay for play DEMO (and I don't pay for DEMOs either) didn't reinstall their games so therefore the entire gaming community is a bunch of ignorant consumers who won't realize that the pirates are going to get these games before release, DRM free, and have a much more enjoyable experience than the saps that paid for the game and now are being told where, when and how they can play their games.

Every single game EA produces with online activations that are required to play (not referring to incentive activations like Stardock), and especially installation limits does not deserve more than a 1 star rating.

DRM and gameplay are a packaged deal. They get rated together and fall together.

Great game if you enjoyed the original Crysis, which I did. SecuROM with a 5 activation limit is BS. Why do they need to punish their paying customers?

I feel like such a idiot. I should of read all the reader reviews through Amazon before I went out and purchased Crysis Warhead. Even the sales clerk at the retail store where I bought the game from last Friday tried to warned me to not buy the game. I should of listened.

I bought the first game Crysis last year and I installed that game on my computer and it installed fine. I love playing that game. I thought since I bought the first Crysis game I would go out and buy the follow up game, Crysis Warhead. I just had to have this game. So I went out last Friday and bought Crysis Warhead and went home and tried to install the game onto my PC computer.

Big mistake. The game started to download onto my computer and all of sudden it stopped and it said "Error Message". The error message said first of all I needed to be connected to the internet to install the game. So I thought okay I would go ahead and do that. So I tried to download the game again with the internet connected to my computer. Okay so the game started to download and I got the same error message again. Only this time it said I need to register my game. I'm like wait a minute. I put in the registration code at the beginning of the game and now it's asking me for a registration code? So I had to take out the game and try to register it again. The game started to download and then I got another error message telling me that SecuROM does not recognize my registration code and will not let me finish downloading the game. Do you know after all that hassle I took the game out of my computer and it screwed up my computer. That SecuROM is like putting a virus into your computer. I am not kidding you.

I try to get back into the original Crysis game on my PC after all this and it screw up my computer so I can't get into the Crysis game. I ended up taking Crysis out of computer and now the computer won't let me reinstall Crysis back into my computer. Then on top of all this it, SecuROM screwed up my drives so that I can't watch any DVD movies on my PC. SecuROM get into your operating system in your computer and screws up everything and you can't take it out.

I contacted EA Games Customer Service Department and they told me just to keep reinstalling Crysis Warhead until it finally works. What kind of answer is that? I told them my PC is all screw up because of Crysis Warhead and the stupid SecuROM that came with it. They said I need to see things from a business point of view. They're trying to make money and keep people from stealing the game by putting in SecuROM. I told them in twenty years of playing PC games I have never had so much trouble installing a game except when it comes to any PC games through EA Games. That includes Spore which is a joke.

I will never buy another PC game made through EA Games. It just isn't worth all the time and trouble. Especially when it ends up messing up your PC and then you spend weeks trying to fix it. Don't pay any attention to Gaming Sites or Gaming Magazines who give these games good reviews. Game Publishers give a lot of money to these people to make sure they give good reviews on the games without mentioning all the other crap that is in the games. I remember earlier this year when a long time Game Reviewer for Gamespot got fired for giving a bad review to a game because the Game Publisher didn't like the low review the Game Reviewer had given one of their games. I personally don't work for in the gaming industry. I'm just an average guy who trying to help people so they don't get ripped off.

That SecuROM should only go to Third World Countries because that is really the only place where piracy takes place. This is not right to treat honest paying customers this way by EA Games. Thank you Amazon for giving us freedom of speech and letting us tell people the truth about these inferior PC games. I buy most of my games for Xbox 360 since I don't have any problems with installation or running their games. Buying PC games really sucks now.

Pros: Content is an action-packed bulletfest compared to the slower pace of the first game. Youll barely have time to take in the scenery when the bullets start flying past your ears. A BIT faster (optimized) than Crysis..but it aint a night and day difference. If you have a decent card like I do (ATI Radeon 3850, 1.8ghz conroe cpu/3gigs ram) you might not even notice. Good music and pacing with the gameplay.

Cons: A.I. is still a bit wonky. Still requires a bit of a powerhouse PC to run at high resolutions especially in the "ice" levels (my native LCD monitor res is 1900x1200..anything lower and I get faster framerates, but blurry textures) 3 installs, rootkit DRM and virus-like qualities with the copy protection. Sorry but even at 30 bucks, it really will be a quite useless when EA shuts down the servers for this admittedly SINGLE PLAYER game. Crytek is locking all threads over on the Crysis forums that have anything to do with the dreaded SecuROM on the game. All in all, a verty fast paced action romp that is crucified by the unethical behavior of the publisher..Electronic Arts (EA). The DRM in this game is even more of an insult than Spore was considering that Crytek is trying to suppress people's opinion of the drm'd game..hoping to get as many first and second day sales as possible before people learn the TRUTH. There used to be this thing called "honesty". It was called also called a "virtue"..meaning, the right thing to do was to be honest with your customers..something Crytek obviously has issues with.

How long will it take companies to understand that people who are willing to pay will pay and people who steal will steal, regardless of what DRM they implement. To defeat it, all that is required is for one group of hackers to crack it and then it will be everywhere for free anyway - and this always happens.

All odious DRM like this does is cause some people who want to be law abiding and would otherwise pay to steal it so they don't get the DRM on their machine. I actually know someone who bought a copy, but won't install it and is waiting to download an illegal cracked version. He wanted to pay for it, but doesn't want the DRM on his machine. Talk about causing the very problem you're trying to prevent! Idiots!!!!!

I'm gonna keep this short, since the other reviewers have already said what needs to be said.

The DRM turns this game into rentware. If the game was priced at the regular rental price of $3, then yeah this kind of DRM would have been acceptable. But as it is, I am not paying 30 bucks to rent a PC game.

Good job EA on destroying your own products. There has got to be a prize for this. Maybe the "Retarded Company of the Year" award?