I hate you Ubisoft!!!

Sandok · Dec 14, 2005, 07:07 PM

OMG my favorite franchise of ALL time has been completely RUINED by UBISOFT!!! They force Starforce with all their games starting from POP3 and I swear I'm going to kill them!!! Not only does it destroy my system but it stops me from being the ultimate prince of persia!!!

There goes my Xmas

PS: It's not copying gripes. I pay for all my games (I can even take piccies

) but I just can't stand Starforce. Worst program ever.

No_Style · Dec 14, 2005, 07:49 PM

Ubisoft is pretty anal with copy protection, but you can't really blame them for wanting to combating piracy. There are things much worse than StarForce. Take Sony's Rootkit for example.

If you really wanted to play the game without StarForce, get the console version.

pr0digal jenius · Dec 14, 2005, 09:32 PM

Starforce works better then any of the other "attempts" at copy protection, which si why they use it. And for the vast majority of users, it's unnoticable(myself included)

H3X4D3C1M4L · Dec 14, 2005, 09:38 PM

Copy protection period is bull, pirates always find a way around and people like me who buy games get the short end of the stick

pr0digal jenius · Dec 14, 2005, 09:45 PM

i'm actually for copy protection, so long as it doesn't hinder 'fair use", or even sue at all, in extreme cases

Judas · Dec 14, 2005, 10:02 PM

EA and Ubisoft can go straight to hell. They ruin everything, even games they create themselves. I mean, my gaud, they can take an engine like Unreal 2 Engine and completely destroy it rendering something that looks remotely the same if not expected to be performing better, yet it performs like completely and utter shit. Ontop of that, there games just plainly don't work under there own recommended system specs. (i've tried, right down to the hardrive space, yet the game crashes and burns.... and frys.....)

EA is just as bad, requiring information about a video card just to run the game... meaning old games typically don't work if you upgrade. There "3D Setup" program is utter shit, and so is ubishits.

2 of the worlds shittiest makers are some of the worlds top game makers.. they produce quanity instead of quality.... sad....

H3X4D3C1M4L · Dec 14, 2005, 10:12 PM

Yeah that and Sims 2 lags on an X800XT....

SFOSOK · Dec 14, 2005, 10:52 PM

I love ubisoft. This does not change that, they are one of the few Developers left who actually know how to make a game. When EA take sthem over it will be the end of all great video games as we know it.

Judas · Dec 15, 2005, 01:27 AM

Ubisoft has a great game.. they just don't know how to diliver it working..... or ends up cutting something out that would make it a true smash hit....

Tipstaff · Dec 15, 2005, 04:04 AM

I'm all for copy protection up to a certain point. Go ahead and protect the CDs/DVDs all you want, but as soon as you start installing hidden device drivers and software, well that's when you've over stepped your bounds, and that's exactly what Starforce does. The fact that after you uninstall a game you'd expect all files related to that game to be uninstalled too, yet Starforce device drivers are still there.

I don't hate Ubisoft for using copy protection, but I do resent their choice of protection, and their continued use of that protection knowing full well how much damage it can cause. I've had first hand experience with Starforce completely destroying a perfectly good computer. I've had it totally screw up Windows beyond repair. I've lost 2 optical drives due to the game trying to read the protection off the disc, and in trying to do so blow the variable capacitors on those drives lasers. I've had games not work because they can't read the discs to verify the protection is there, or older Starforce protected games not work because a newer version of Starforce has been installed, yet that new version is not compatible with the old version. I don't care if it is effective at protecting games. If it's going to hurt customers, damage them or their property, then you should damn well stop using it.

g35x · Dec 15, 2005, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandok

OMG my favorite franchise of ALL time has been completely RUINED by UBISOFT!!! They force Starforce with all their games starting from POP3 and I swear I'm going to kill them!!! Not only does it destroy my system but it stops me from being the ultimate prince of persia!!!

There goes my Xmas

PS: It's not copying gripes. I pay for all my games (I can even take piccies

) but I just can't stand Starforce. Worst program ever.

that really sucks for u.....i know people that have pop3 working perfectly with pirated copys......they shouldent even bother with the copy protc......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

I'm all for copy protection up to a certain point. Go ahead and protect the CDs/DVDs all you want, but as soon as you start installing hidden device drivers and software, well that's when you've over stepped your bounds, and that's exactly what Starforce does. The fact that after you uninstall a game you'd expect all files related to that game to be uninstalled too, yet Starforce device drivers are still there.

I don't hate Ubisoft for using copy protection, but I do resent their choice of protection, and their continued use of that protection knowing full well how much damage it can cause. I've had first hand experience with Starforce completely destroying a perfectly good computer. I've had it totally screw up Windows beyond repair. I've lost 2 optical drives due to the game trying to read the protection off the disc, and in trying to do so blow the variable capacitors on those drives lasers. I've had games not work because they can't read the discs to verify the protection is there, or older Starforce protected games not work because a newer version of Starforce has been installed, yet that new version is not compatible with the old version. I don't care if it is effective at protecting games. If it's going to hurt customers, damage them or their property, then you should damn well stop using it.

yeah i agree with you but as i said i know people that do this and starforce is really the only copy protection that makes so much of a problem for them that they rip their hair out and then give up and buy the game

g35x · Dec 15, 2005, 12:35 PM

double post oopsey

Sandok · Dec 15, 2005, 03:31 PM

I'm all for copy protection but Starforce ain't the way... Really, it messes up games, installs drivers without ur knowlegde and messes up my DVD and CD drive.

Apparently starforce will give 1000$ to anyone whoes PC gets messed up. I might just give that a try

pr0digal jenius · Dec 15, 2005, 03:36 PM

actually judas, ubisoft has a hybrid engine, just for the records, and I commend them for it.

It's the unreal 2 engine with a large portion of unreal 3 lighting and shadowing, as well as full Sm3.0/HDR support. What's nto to love?

I'm with SFOSOK..long live ubisoft, and EA can suck a llama(except their racing games...they own at those)

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 15, 2005, 05:44 PM

The funny thing is starforce can be defeated just like anything else...
It just a better attempt but it coauses problems, my system is unstable
with starforce installed.. so of cousre I avoid starforce protected titles

g35x · Dec 15, 2005, 05:46 PM

yep the pirates (aka my friends =D/ppl i goto school with) will alway get around it

Judas · Dec 15, 2005, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr0digal jenius

actually judas, ubisoft has a hybrid engine, just for the records, and I commend them for it.

It's the unreal 2 engine with a large portion of unreal 3 lighting and shadowing, as well as full Sm3.0/HDR support. What's nto to love?

I'm with SFOSOK..long live ubisoft, and EA can suck a llama(except their racing games...they own at those)

lots of games use the hybrid engines of Unreal engines... combining both alot of code from the orginal and using a bit of code from either an older or newer engine...

Reguardless.... this doesn't give them a reason for it to run like complete garbage....

unreal 3 engine runs great...... ..er... cough.....

pr0digal jenius · Dec 16, 2005, 12:53 AM

which game do you think runs like garbage...I'm yet to play a Ubi game that eats my machine....Chaos Theory, Warrior Within...(haven't tried the new POP yet, so can't vouch for it)

Tipstaff · Dec 16, 2005, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pr0digal jenius

which game do you think runs like garbage...I'm yet to play a Ubi game that eats my machine....Chaos Theory, Warrior Within...(haven't tried the new POP yet, so can't vouch for it)

Far Cry was the only one that made my system beg for mercy, but then again it was only distributed by Ubisoft, so I guess it doesn't count.

Truthfully, the only game from them I've had problems with was POP: Sands of Time, but only in 1 area: sound. There is a section in the game that takes place in a sort of bell tower, and that area destroyed my Audigy. I still can't play that area of the game without turning on software sound emulation.

When I look at my shelf I can't help but notice that there are a fare number of Ubisoft titles on it. Far more than you'd expect. Brothers in Arms, Far Cry, POP series, Heroes of Might & Magic series, Ghost Recon/Rainbow Six/Rogue Spear series, Splinter Cell series, Peter Jacksons King Kong (for the 360), Beyond Good & Evil (this game demands a sequel, damnit!), and the IL-2 series to name but a few. These are all games I would gladly play over again too.

I really like this company, and it's a shame that their name is marred by the protection they choose to use.

Drakon · Dec 16, 2005, 04:30 AM

Is PoP3 the only recent title that has this copy protection software? Does splinter cell: chaos theory have it?

Sandok · Dec 16, 2005, 05:52 AM

Yes it does... Both the SP and the POP series have been destryoed!

Drakon · Dec 16, 2005, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandok

Yes it does... Both the SP and the POP series have been destryoed!

Hmmm, well I don't have any problems running Chaos Theory on my machine

Judas · Dec 16, 2005, 07:23 AM

Try to play some of those older games...... there is a 95% chance that they won't even fire up

Falstaff · Dec 16, 2005, 07:26 AM

I say keep pirating to a minimum and we all pay less for entertainment...
Thieves cost us all money.....
so to hell with them...

Judas · Dec 16, 2005, 07:43 AM

Actually, in a way, the only way some of us can play is through the use of what other consider "pirating"..

Copying the entire game pretty much to the installed folder.... applying a crack... pull the disc out and play straight away..

Ubisoft and EA both have a nack for having CD-ROM/DVD-ROM detection issues that although detect... end up messing up the games playability due to various strange stupid reasons.

Nearly EVERY EA game i must apply a crack or it's thoroughly messesup.. locks up... crashes....

Tipstaff · Dec 16, 2005, 07:45 AM

Just as a point of interest, on this page HERE is a list of known offenders that are Starforce protected.

Drakon · Dec 16, 2005, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

Try to play some of those older games...... there is a 95% chance that they won't even fire up

I wonder if that's what happened to Mafia. I had tried a while ago and it won't even get past the intro for some reason. It was working before...

Btw, check this out: http://www.onlinesecurity-on.com/protect.phtml?c=55

Tipstaff · Dec 16, 2005, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drakon

I wonder if that's what happened to Mafia. I had tried a while ago and it won't even get past the intro for some reason. It was working before...

Btw, check this out: http://www.onlinesecurity-on.com/protect.phtml?c=55

I should point out that Mafia uses Safedisc v2 for it's protection, not Starforce.

As for the uninstaller, only problem is that if you uninstall the Starforce drivers you will not be able to play the games that require them. However, using this tool to remove an installed version allows you to reinstall another version. This is usefull for older games that require the older version of SF.

g35x · Dec 16, 2005, 01:06 PM

so u gota switch btwn old starforce and new!?

that just blows.......

Drakon · Dec 16, 2005, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

I should point out that Mafia uses Safedisc v2 for it's protection, not Starforce.

As for the uninstaller, only problem is that if you uninstall the Starforce drivers you will not be able to play the games that require them. However, using this tool to remove an installed version allows you to reinstall another version. This is usefull for older games that require the older version of SF.

Yes, I know that Mafia uses SafeDisc v2. Just mentioned it because my problem seems similiar to those of Starforce.

As far as uninstalling Starforce goe, once you uninstall it any game that uses it will automatically reinstall it once you pop the CD/DVD back in. Not the very best of both worlds, I agree

Dec 14, 2005, 07:07 PM	#1
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	I hate you Ubisoft!!! OMG my favorite franchise of ALL time has been completely RUINED by UBISOFT!!! They force Starforce with all their games starting from POP3 and I swear I'm going to kill them!!! Not only does it destroy my system but it stops me from being the ultimate prince of persia!!! There goes my Xmas PS: It's not copying gripes. I pay for all my games (I can even take piccies ) but I just can't stand Starforce. Worst program ever.

Dec 14, 2005, 07:49 PM	#2
No_Style Styleless Wonder Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 6,034 Rep Power: 0	Ubisoft is pretty anal with copy protection, but you can't really blame them for wanting to combating piracy. There are things much worse than StarForce. Take Sony's Rootkit for example. If you really wanted to play the game without StarForce, get the console version. __________________ "The Best Style Is No Style" Specifications Here

Dec 14, 2005, 10:52 PM	#8
SFOSOK 939 Goin Strong Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ontario Posts: 7,033 Rep Power: 90 System Specs	I love ubisoft. This does not change that, they are one of the few Developers left who actually know how to make a game. When EA take sthem over it will be the end of all great video games as we know it. __________________ Warning - Explicit Content Preceeding METAL!!

Dec 15, 2005, 04:04 AM	#10
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	I'm all for copy protection up to a certain point. Go ahead and protect the CDs/DVDs all you want, but as soon as you start installing hidden device drivers and software, well that's when you've over stepped your bounds, and that's exactly what Starforce does. The fact that after you uninstall a game you'd expect all files related to that game to be uninstalled too, yet Starforce device drivers are still there. I don't hate Ubisoft for using copy protection, but I do resent their choice of protection, and their continued use of that protection knowing full well how much damage it can cause. I've had first hand experience with Starforce completely destroying a perfectly good computer. I've had it totally screw up Windows beyond repair. I've lost 2 optical drives due to the game trying to read the protection off the disc, and in trying to do so blow the variable capacitors on those drives lasers. I've had games not work because they can't read the discs to verify the protection is there, or older Starforce protected games not work because a newer version of Starforce has been installed, yet that new version is not compatible with the old version. I don't care if it is effective at protecting games. If it's going to hurt customers, damage them or their property, then you should damn well stop using it. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Dec 15, 2005, 12:35 PM	#12
g35x Hellhound Pilot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deptford, New Jersey Posts: 1,100 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	double post oopsey __________________

Dec 14, 2005, 09:32 PM	#3
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	Starforce works better then any of the other "attempts" at copy protection, which si why they use it. And for the vast majority of users, it's unnoticable(myself included)

Dec 14, 2005, 09:38 PM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Copy protection period is bull, pirates always find a way around and people like me who buy games get the short end of the stick

Dec 14, 2005, 09:45 PM	#5
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	i'm actually for copy protection, so long as it doesn't hinder 'fair use", or even sue at all, in extreme cases

Dec 14, 2005, 10:12 PM	#7
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Yeah that and Sims 2 lags on an X800XT....

Dec 15, 2005, 03:31 PM	Thread Starter #13
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	I'm all for copy protection but Starforce ain't the way... Really, it messes up games, installs drivers without ur knowlegde and messes up my DVD and CD drive. Apparently starforce will give 1000$ to anyone whoes PC gets messed up. I might just give that a try

Dec 15, 2005, 03:36 PM	#14
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	actually judas, ubisoft has a hybrid engine, just for the records, and I commend them for it. It's the unreal 2 engine with a large portion of unreal 3 lighting and shadowing, as well as full Sm3.0/HDR support. What's nto to love? I'm with SFOSOK..long live ubisoft, and EA can suck a llama(except their racing games...they own at those)

Dec 15, 2005, 05:44 PM	#15
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	The funny thing is starforce can be defeated just like anything else... It just a better attempt but it coauses problems, my system is unstable with starforce installed.. so of cousre I avoid starforce protected titles __________________

Dec 15, 2005, 05:46 PM	#16
g35x Hellhound Pilot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deptford, New Jersey Posts: 1,100 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	yep the pirates (aka my friends =D/ppl i goto school with) will alway get around it __________________

Dec 16, 2005, 12:53 AM	#18
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	which game do you think runs like garbage...I'm yet to play a Ubi game that eats my machine....Chaos Theory, Warrior Within...(haven't tried the new POP yet, so can't vouch for it)

Dec 16, 2005, 04:30 AM	#20
Drakon DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Floatin'... Posts: 4,957 Rep Power: 0	Is PoP3 the only recent title that has this copy protection software? Does splinter cell: chaos theory have it?

Dec 16, 2005, 05:52 AM	Thread Starter #21
Sandok DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,472 Rep Power: 0	Yes it does... Both the SP and the POP series have been destryoed!

Dec 16, 2005, 07:26 AM	#24
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	I say keep pirating to a minimum and we all pay less for entertainment... Thieves cost us all money..... so to hell with them... __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Dec 16, 2005, 07:45 AM	#26
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	Just as a point of interest, on this page HERE is a list of known offenders that are Starforce protected. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Dec 16, 2005, 01:06 PM	#29
g35x Hellhound Pilot Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deptford, New Jersey Posts: 1,100 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	so u gota switch btwn old starforce and new!? that just blows....... __________________