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760 of 838 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Eagerly anticipated, sadly unwilling to purchase, September 16, 2008
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
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.
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136 of 161 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
EA IN CRYSIS: GAMERS ON THE WARPATH, September 16, 2008
Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars
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.
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42 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
More of the same..with tighter DRM than Spore!, September 18, 2008
Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars
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.
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