Possible to get SH3 without Starforce?

[MrCynical]

I've read on some places that there are certain releases of SH3 in the UK that don't contain the Starforce malware. Is this true? The two releases I can find online are the 2005 original one, and the 2006 "Ubisoft Exclusives" budget version. Are either of these the 1.4 version that supposedly doesn't include Starforce?

[bigboywooly]

Not sure about the Ubi budget realease but the ones I have heard are patched to 1.4 with a no cd exe arent made by Ubi but two other companies on Ubis behalf
Cant recall the names off hand
Maybe someone will be along that has one

EDIT

Not sure where in world you are but

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Hunter-III-PC-DVD/dp/B000FUCGDY

Or Direct2drive has the 1.4 pacthed version for D\L

[MrCynical]

EDIT

Not sure where in world you are but

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Hunter-III-PC-DVD/dp/B000FUCGDY

Or Direct2drive has the 1.4 pacthed version for D\L
That's the Ubi Exclusives one I was talking about (same site even :P) - somehow I failed to notice the stonking great 'Focus' logo on the box image. Does that come without Starforce? If it does my long SH drought may be about to come to an end via Super Saver Delivery :D

EDIT: Also would it be lan-compatible with someone who has the original (presumably Starforced) game patched to the same 1.4 version?

[bigboywooly]

Pretty sure the non ubi ones are already patched and nocd but cant swear on it

[Dutchie-one]

I buy my second cd by Amazon.co.uk it is up to 1.4
and no cd needed while playing SH 3

all the best, Dutchie-one :up:

[MrCynical]

So it definitely does not contain Starforce at all? Sorry if I sound pedantic, but I know there's a version of StarForce that can allow the game to play without the disc.

[Weiss Pinguin]

StarForce is also absent in the download versions, or at least I've never seen anything related to it on my computer after several months.

[MrCynical]

I've found out from a Gamespot thread that the 1.4b/nocd (included in the Focus version) does indeed prevent Starforce from being installed if the game is not run before the patch is setup. Since the Focus DVD installs the prepatched version, that isn't an issue for me so I've ordered one.

[Laufen zum Ziel]

My SHIII is from Direct2Drive elect. DL. No disk to
insert and no codes. Can be reloaded from D2D if
it crashes. 5 months ago it was $19.00 US.

[Murr44]

A few months ago I bought the pre-patched EMEA (English) version from NWS. If anyone else is looking for a copy you can find one here: http://http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/sihuiii.html. This version is, as I said, already patched to 1.4b, does not contain Starforce drivers and you don't need the dvd to be in the drive to play once the game is installed. Just be sure to state that you want the "No Starforce, Pre-Patched to 1.4b, Playable without the dvd in the drive" version in the Comments box if you place an order with NWS.

[MrCynical]

My SHIII is from Direct2Drive elect. DL. No disk to
insert and no codes. Can be reloaded from D2D if
it crashes. 5 months ago it was $19.00 US.

The pre-patched Focus version is about £8 (less than $12 with the recent collapse in the UK's exchange rates) on Amazon UK

[timbob]

That Amazon.co.uk one seems to be the way forward.

Neither Direct2Drive or Steam have SH3 for download on their UK sites - it's only available on the US online stores.

[Wildhawke11]

I am now using the Focus UK version its patched to 1.4 - No SF no CD needed - perfect

[jazzabilly]

I just bought a wickedly good PC gaming rig with bags of GhZ and viddie ram. I haven't been able to play SH3 as my version has that rotten Starforce protection crap-ola.

Where can I buy a non-Starforce version?

Thanks!

[_Seth_]

@ Jazz; Merged your thread into this one.:up:

[ReM]

Budget version over here (Netherlands) costs only € 5 and is patched to 1.4 and comes without Starforce. There is no manual an no reference card or map...only the disc and that's it.

[owner20071963]

I am now using the Focus UK version its patched to 1.4 - No SF no CD needed - perfect
That is true Focus seems to be the Perfect Buy,No Cd Protection,as the game
Nowadays is Sold through them,so Just search for the 'Focus' Version On Google,
and Your good to Go,Happy Hunting.:arrgh!:

[Lanzfeld]

For those who want to know:

I just bought SH-3 DVD from NWS for $10 and it came patched to 1.4 and NO Starforce. You dont even need the DVD in the drive after install. So much better. Thank you NWS. :up:

[Spike88]

I got the Encore edition for 10$ from Amazon and it came with SH2. Installed with no starforce, and I can run it without the cd.

[Robert Fulton]

I got the Encore edition for 10$ from Amazon and it came with SH2. Installed with no starforce, and I can run it without the cd.

Ditto.

[flugkapitan]

I got the Encore edition for 10$ from Amazon and it came with SH2. Installed with no starforce, and I can run it without the cd.

Is this version patched to 1.4b? I have it on my wishlist at amazon...tempted to buy it. I've been wanting to play SHIII for a long time.

Cheers,
Scott

[JHuschke]

If it was possible, I wish we could get any game without Star-Force in the U.S.

[prowler3]

Let's say I find a non-starforce version of SH3. I don't suppose there is any real way around a complete re-install of SH3 and GWX, is there? It wouldn't be as simple as installing the non-sf to a temporary directory and just copying the SH3.exe to the current install, over-writing the old one, )doing this AFTER removing Starforce from the system, of course)?

Vic

[Fincuan]

You could try copying sh3.exe and all the .dlls from the new installation. No idea if this works, but for example the no-cd crack contains just these files.

That assuming it's even possible to install it twice using the official installer. I have no idea, I've always just copied the whole directory and used MultiSH3 when I've wanted another installation.

[h.sie]

In germany I bought SH3-Gold (v1.4b) with two Add-Ons. It is without Starforce. The Add-Ons I put in the waste-basket.