Spore!
09-09-08 | 07:42 AM
#126
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
09-09-08 | 08:52 AM
#127
DVD Talk Special Edition
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From: Seattle,WA
Well one thing I'll give EA credit for. I've yet to run into a single Penisaur. 
Thanks for the pointers. My main problem is I was going for a certain look to my creature rather than using the parts that worked best, I nailed it. Trying to run a carnivore probably wasn't my best bet to start out. Fortunately once you win the Creature level the game gives you the oportunity to mod your creature once more before moving on to Tribal. So you can go back to the look you really want.
So now I'm most of the way through the Tribal stage, and loving it. It's the little details that stand out. From having to escape from a Godzilla stomping through the jungle, to zooming into a neighboring tribe and watching someone roating marshmellows over the campfire, an even the ocassional spacecraft swooping in and beaming up some of the local wildlife.
My only regret is theres only one save game at a time. And I'm still trying to find a control for resizing your creature. I'm sick of running around as this little beagle sized critter. I'd like to tower over someone for a change.
Anyway, needless to say I'm pretty much addicted at this point.
Thanks for the pointers. My main problem is I was going for a certain look to my creature rather than using the parts that worked best, I nailed it. Trying to run a carnivore probably wasn't my best bet to start out. Fortunately once you win the Creature level the game gives you the oportunity to mod your creature once more before moving on to Tribal. So you can go back to the look you really want.
So now I'm most of the way through the Tribal stage, and loving it. It's the little details that stand out. From having to escape from a Godzilla stomping through the jungle, to zooming into a neighboring tribe and watching someone roating marshmellows over the campfire, an even the ocassional spacecraft swooping in and beaming up some of the local wildlife.
My only regret is theres only one save game at a time. And I'm still trying to find a control for resizing your creature. I'm sick of running around as this little beagle sized critter. I'd like to tower over someone for a change.
Anyway, needless to say I'm pretty much addicted at this point.
09-09-08 | 09:55 AM
#128
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
My only regret is theres only one save game at a time. And I'm still trying to find a control for resizing your creature. I'm sick of running around as this little beagle sized critter. I'd like to tower over someone for a change.
Anyway, needless to say I'm pretty much addicted at this point.
09-09-08 | 01:36 PM
#129
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
I played for a few more hours last night. I'm now in Space, which seems like the place they spent most of their time developing. It's massive. So much to do and a significant ammount of options compared to the earlier stages. I can imagine it being very overwhelming to people who don't game very much. It's still very addictive though and I hope to rule the galaxy soon enough.
09-09-08 | 04:30 PM
#131
Suspended
I bought this yesterday and stayed up way too late playing this last night. So far, I'm halfway through the creature stage with my first game, so it sounds like I still have a ways to go. It's definitely interesting. I was expecting something 100% sanbox, so I'm not too put off by how much (or how little, depending on your perspective) there is to the game so far.
09-09-08 | 05:38 PM
#132
Banned by request
I think that while carnivore is the hardest to play in the land stage, they make up for it in the civilization stage, where you can get a special ability that lets you conquer a city with a single touch of a button.
09-10-08 | 01:58 AM
#133
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From: Seattle,WA
Currently in the civ stage and just invented airpower. At the moment its down to just me and one other religious nation. Looks like we're gearing up for a nice fat holy war.
And I just checked out the Amazon review section. Jeez, did they bitch this much when Half-Life 2 came out?
09-10-08 | 02:58 AM
#134
Banned by request
To be fair, it is a special power that takes a long time to recharge. And you have to conquer several cities and get airplanes to acquire it, IIRC. On the other hand, once you get it, all you have to do is protect your borders while you wait for it to recharge. Send out a few suicide vehicles to the neighboring cities to make sure their vehicle numbers stay low and they're always on the defense, then hit 'em with the big missile.
09-10-08 | 07:46 AM
#135
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
Still wandering about with 3 others in my pack. Just seeing what other species are inhabiting my planet. It's been a while since I ha a "that's so cool" moment when playing a game. I've had several so far with Spore. Seeing those REALLY BIG creatures dropping out of the sky (or rumbling out of the forest) and laying waste to an entire species is pretty f'n cool.
I'm almost to my next developmental stage, but I think I'll drag it out a bit just so I can see more of the planet.
So, with the DRM that's in the game, can I install this on my notebook (in addition to my HTPC) without any problems? This would be a perfect game to play while traveling.
I'm almost to my next developmental stage, but I think I'll drag it out a bit just so I can see more of the planet.
So, with the DRM that's in the game, can I install this on my notebook (in addition to my HTPC) without any problems? This would be a perfect game to play while traveling.
Last edited by SmackDaddy; 09-10-08 at 07:49 AM.
09-10-08 | 08:56 AM
#136
DVD Talk Godfather
Wow, talk about throwing the player a bone.
Currently in the civ stage and just invented airpower. At the moment its down to just me and one other religious nation. Looks like we're gearing up for a nice fat holy war.
And I just checked out the Amazon review section. Jeez, did they bitch this much when Half-Life 2 came out?
Currently in the civ stage and just invented airpower. At the moment its down to just me and one other religious nation. Looks like we're gearing up for a nice fat holy war.
And I just checked out the Amazon review section. Jeez, did they bitch this much when Half-Life 2 came out?
09-10-08 | 08:57 AM
#137
DVD Talk Godfather
09-10-08 | 09:22 AM
#138
DVD Talk Hero
I bought this game, but I feel like a sucker for doing so. I was sitting on my couch last night half-watching Fringe and thought how nice it would be if I could install Spore on my laptop to play it.
I hate this fucking DRM.
I hate this fucking DRM.
09-10-08 | 10:48 AM
#139
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
I knew about the limitiation (and you can actually install it more often than that, but you are required to call EA support). I was just wondering if it can be installed on my laptop AND pc at the same time using my same account.
09-10-08 | 11:47 AM
#140
DVD Talk Special Edition
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From: Seattle,WA
I personally haven't had a problem with the whold DRM thing. Yeah, the three install limit is an annoyance, but at least to me its hardly a game killer. MaybeI'm just the exception, but I only have the one computer its been stable as a rock for well over a year.
While its not perfect, I've been enjoying the game, and was hoping there'd be a better pool of fellow players to trade war stories with. If anything the non-stop bitching about DRM is just dragging down my enjoyment of the game. Maybe theres something wrong with me for not marching around waving the 'Spore sucks!' banner.
09-10-08 | 12:02 PM
#141
DVD Talk Limited Edition
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From: Seattle and sometimes hell
Wow, talk about throwing the player a bone.
Currently in the civ stage and just invented airpower. At the moment its down to just me and one other religious nation. Looks like we're gearing up for a nice fat holy war.
And I just checked out the Amazon review section. Jeez, did they bitch this much when Half-Life 2 came out?
Currently in the civ stage and just invented airpower. At the moment its down to just me and one other religious nation. Looks like we're gearing up for a nice fat holy war.
And I just checked out the Amazon review section. Jeez, did they bitch this much when Half-Life 2 came out?
09-10-08 | 12:30 PM
#142
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
What are the odds they will actually release a patch to get rid of this installation limit? With all this press and the nearly 2,000 1-star reviews complaining about it, you'd think they'd be on top of it.
09-10-08 | 01:18 PM
#143
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
According to EA:
QUESTION
How will Digital Rights Management (DRM) work with Spore and Spore Creature Creator?
spacer
Answer
The DRM solution implemented for the Spore and Spore Creature Creator changes copy protection from being key-disc based, which requires authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the drive, to a one-time online authentication. This system has the added benefit of allowing you to seamlessly play your game without requiring the game disc in the drive.
KEY POINTS:
* This system allows you to authenticate your game on three computers with the purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
* Games are authorized to your machine when you first install and launch the game.
* We’ve all had those times when the discs get lost or scratched, and you can’t play a game you’ve bought because you need a working disc in the drive. With this new system, players will no longer need the disc to play the game, but can instead simply retain the disc as backup for reinstallation.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?
A: Two things have changed:
* First, authentication of your game disc has changed from a physical format to an online format, eliminating the need to have a disc in the drive when playing.
* Second, with online authentication, consumers now connect to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are only required to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.
Q: How will the game authenticate now?
A: We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it for the first time.
Q: Do I have to reauthenticate after the first time my game is launched?
A: Reauthentication is required only if you make significant changes to your PC's hardware, reformat your hard drive, or in some cases, upgrade your Operating System. Multiple installations of the game on the same computer do not count against the number of computers the game can be installed on.
Q: What are the benefits of online authentication versus the disc-based model?
A: The new system means you don't need to have the game disc in your computer in order to play. Losing a disc will no longer keep you from enjoying a game you already have installed.
Q: Am I able to play my game on more than one computer? Do I need the disc for that?
A: You'll be able to install and play your game on up to three computers without the need of the game disc. Your computer is authorized after installation and the initial launch of the game.
Q: Will I still be able to play my game offline?
A: Yes, you can play offline, however, we do hope that you will play online. Sharing creatures, buildings, and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and Spore Creature Creator, and is one of the coolest features of the game.
Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum number of computers for my game and I need more? (Due to computer upgrades, theft, crashes, etc.)
A: EA Customer Support is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
Q: Why are Maxis and EA implementing this new authentication process?
A: This solution serves to protect our software from piracy. It has the added benefit of allowing you to activate your game on multiple machines without needing the game disc in the drive when playing the game.
How will Digital Rights Management (DRM) work with Spore and Spore Creature Creator?
spacer
Answer
The DRM solution implemented for the Spore and Spore Creature Creator changes copy protection from being key-disc based, which requires authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the drive, to a one-time online authentication. This system has the added benefit of allowing you to seamlessly play your game without requiring the game disc in the drive.
KEY POINTS:
* This system allows you to authenticate your game on three computers with the purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
* Games are authorized to your machine when you first install and launch the game.
* We’ve all had those times when the discs get lost or scratched, and you can’t play a game you’ve bought because you need a working disc in the drive. With this new system, players will no longer need the disc to play the game, but can instead simply retain the disc as backup for reinstallation.
FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the old PC disc authentication solution and the new online model?
A: Two things have changed:
* First, authentication of your game disc has changed from a physical format to an online format, eliminating the need to have a disc in the drive when playing.
* Second, with online authentication, consumers now connect to the Internet the first time the game is launched and are only required to reconnect if they are downloading new game content.
Q: How will the game authenticate now?
A: We authenticate your game online when you install and launch it for the first time.
Q: Do I have to reauthenticate after the first time my game is launched?
A: Reauthentication is required only if you make significant changes to your PC's hardware, reformat your hard drive, or in some cases, upgrade your Operating System. Multiple installations of the game on the same computer do not count against the number of computers the game can be installed on.
Q: What are the benefits of online authentication versus the disc-based model?
A: The new system means you don't need to have the game disc in your computer in order to play. Losing a disc will no longer keep you from enjoying a game you already have installed.
Q: Am I able to play my game on more than one computer? Do I need the disc for that?
A: You'll be able to install and play your game on up to three computers without the need of the game disc. Your computer is authorized after installation and the initial launch of the game.
Q: Will I still be able to play my game offline?
A: Yes, you can play offline, however, we do hope that you will play online. Sharing creatures, buildings, and vehicles with other players is something that is unique to Spore and Spore Creature Creator, and is one of the coolest features of the game.
Q: What happens when I’ve reached the maximum number of computers for my game and I need more? (Due to computer upgrades, theft, crashes, etc.)
A: EA Customer Support is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting Customer Support.
Q: Why are Maxis and EA implementing this new authentication process?
A: This solution serves to protect our software from piracy. It has the added benefit of allowing you to activate your game on multiple machines without needing the game disc in the drive when playing the game.
Either way, I'm having a blast playing it. I plan in installing it on my Macbook when I get home. Perhaps I'll create a herbivore on my laptop, see how it compares with life as a carnivore!
Last edited by SmackDaddy; 09-10-08 at 01:20 PM.
09-10-08 | 03:40 PM
#144
DVD Talk Hero
Yeah, but I shouldn't have to ask permission to do anything legal with something that I bought. Aside from the installation limit, what happens if I want to install and play the game in 10 years? Will I be able to?
09-10-08 | 04:09 PM
#145
DVD Talk Special Edition
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From: Austin, TX
I hope they do at some point. Bioshock had a similar install limit when it was first released on PC. They released a patch a few months ago that removed the install limit, and said they may patch out the online activation all together later on. I've also had other PC games that have patched out needing the CD/DVD in the tray to play. So, there is at least a precedent of a company patching out restrictive DRM.
09-10-08 | 08:25 PM
#146
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
I shouldn't have to call them up to install this game on a 4th machine. And I don't know about you guys, but I reformat my computer at least twice a year. And when Snow Leopard comes out for my Macbook Pro, I wonder how that's going to affect it. The sooner EA fixes this, the better.
In other news... Anyone know if I can throw my saved games from my Mac onto my PC?
In other news... Anyone know if I can throw my saved games from my Mac onto my PC?
09-11-08 | 08:53 AM
#148
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From: Boston, MA
I shouldn't have to call them up to install this game on a 4th machine. And I don't know about you guys, but I reformat my computer at least twice a year. And when Snow Leopard comes out for my Macbook Pro, I wonder how that's going to affect it. The sooner EA fixes this, the better.
In other news... Anyone know if I can throw my saved games from my Mac onto my PC?
In other news... Anyone know if I can throw my saved games from my Mac onto my PC?
09-11-08 | 12:33 PM
#150
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
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From: Pittsburgh, PA GO PENS!
This game is getting lambasted in the Amazon.com reviews.