Any playable subsims out there?

[Antonin]

I can't bring myself to buy SHIII because of the copy-protection issue. I'm not a computer expert, and am very worried that Starforce or whatever it's called will screw up my computer. Maybe there are ways to deal with it, but I'm worried about making a mistake and having SHIII be more trouble than it's worth.

Thumbs down to Unisoft for including such a stupid 'feature.' I'd love to spend my money on their game but I just don't have an infinite amount of time to fiddle around with a game just to get it to work and/or to fix the problems it causes with my computer.

What else is out there? I played AOD back ing the day. I played SH (Commander's Edition). Unfortunately, I don't know how to get either to run on Win XP.

Does anybody know of any playable subsims?

[Torplexed]

*Sigh* I've had SH3 for over a year now. No SF problems that I've noticed. Maybe I'm just lucky. There still is SH2 out there if you don't mind a step down in the graphics department.

[Dutch]

There are other playable sub games!?!!?

SH3 is the one and only

[pythos1]

Don't worry about SF. The problems only come up if you attempt to make illeagal copies of the DVD. I have encountered no SF related problems.

[Boris]

I think starforce problems are a myth... The negative hype is generally generated by pirates who are annoyed that it cannot be beaten easily. To play a pirated starforce you generally have to go through a lot of crap and even open up the computer and unhook the drives... way too much effort.
If you buy a legit copy of SH3 you should be fine...

[Dutch]

I agree I have 6-7 games that have "starforce" on them. Never had an ounce of trouble out of either of them.

Just buy the game

[Onkel Neal]

Starforce is not likely to give you any problems, unless you try to copy the game. I've never had any problems with SF games....maybe because I don't copy games with Achohal 120 or daemon tools, etc.

[DeepSix]

Well, without being inflammatory, and with respect to those who haven't had problems with Starforce, I have to say that I don't use Alcohol or anything else and yet have had difficulty playing and burning CDs/DVDs -- unrelated to SH3, which works fine.

This is a controversial topic and I'm not trying to start a flame war over it (I think all would agree we've had enough already), but I don't think the Starforce issue should be simply glossed over, either, particularly for potential buyers who haven't experienced Starforce one way or the other.

With SH3 itself, Starforce will probably not give you any trouble. I think it's at least fair, though, to say that it may disrupt other programs or compromise your hardware, and that's the crux of my objections to it.

The best thing to do would be to check with the manufacturer of your DVD drive and ask them about possible conflicts. Be specific about all your hardware and about what software you're buying (SH3) and ask specifically about Starforce. In other words, do all your homework beforehand, and, if possible, buy the game from a store that will allow you to return it if it doesn't work.

Just trying to show both sides of this.

[Darth Brooks]

*mod edit*

Please dont mention pirate copied games. Its not allowed on these boards.

/McBeck

[AlanSmithee]

SF is not just a problem for hackers. Legimate gamers are affected too. Now, I not only don't have any of the tools for making copies (e.g. Alcohol 120), I wouldn't even know how to do so if you asked me. Nor would I want to. However, I just spent the last weekend repalacing my failed DVD drive. No, I can't prove that SF was the culprit, but the symptoms were similar to those that others with SF-related drive issues have experienced. This has left me very skeptical of SF, and I have since taken measures to make sure it's nowhere near my computer.

That said, SH3 is an excellent game. Go buy it. I'm glad I did, even with the SF issues. As to StarForce, as others here have noted, there are workarounds.


Once more: Go buy SH3!



Alright, lock 'er up!

[CWorth]

The chances of you having any serious problems are very low though.I have had 3 games that have used StarForce and never once have I had any issues with it.

So instead of worrying about aomething that you probably don't have to worry about just pick up SH3 and have a good time with it.

[pythos1]

There is no way a computer program can break a mechanical device such as a DVD drive. These drives spin at even higher speeds than a cd rom, which put a lot more stress on the mechanism, which causes more frequent errors.

SF could in no why wreck the mechanics of your DVD, whoever told you that was on some good ganja, and propably should not command their virtual sub, cause crash dives to crush depth happen.

[Mowgli]

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

Starforce is not likely to give you any problems, unless you try to copy the game. I've never had any problems with SF games....maybe because I don't copy games with Achohal 120 or daemon tools, etc.

With respect Neal, because you havent had any problems does not mean there isn't one.

Many, many people including myself have had problems and being a retired I.T. Manager I resent the implication that anyone who has had problems must be a pirate.

I would suggest to people with doubts key in "Starforce Problems" into google and read some of the quarter million posts.

It is also interesting to note that there is currently legal action ongoing with UBI because of Starforce problems.

[Stev1]

I have never had any Problems with StarForce since installing SHlll

[goldorak]

Originally Posted by Antonin

Does anybody know of any playable subsims?

Dangerous Waters