SH4 UPLAY vs SH4 DISCS - IMPORTANT INFO

lowbow · 10-22-19, 09:22 AM

I have recently started to get back into SH4.
I have 'SH4 Gold on Uplay' and I also have 'SH4 on Disc+Uboat Missions Disc.
I have been trying to get 4 different installs up and running, but have come across an important issue.

Here is how it started:-
1. I downloaded & installed SH4 Gold form Uplay. I used this as my 'Master'

2. I then made 4 different copies & set those up individually with 'jsgme' - Large Address Aware - & MultiSH4 in each of the 4 copies.
So far all was normal.

3. I then added mods to each of the relevant installs 'GFO' 'FORS' 'OM+OMEGU' 'TMOwTw' Still no problems.

4. I then proceeded to run each of the installs, but that is when the issue shows up.

Each install when run should run from it's own particular location & create it's own '3 letter' save game location in 'Documents'.
This was not happening. It just used the original 'Master' SH4 save game location.
I also could not run the 4 different mod installs without it loading only the first copied install. No matter which one I ran.

I eventually found the problem -the 'UPLAY DOWNLOADED GAME'.
There is a possibility that further down the line that there maybe other issues
that will be caused if you use the UPLAY download version.

SOLUTION ? - Install SH4 form the disc(s). Do Not Use UPLAY !!!

The whole issue never cropped up & everything works as it should.
I am now running 4 different SH4 games with mods.

I hope that this maybe of some help to my fellow subbers, especially if you want to run multiple installs.
If I've not explained anything clearly enough for you. just ask me.

propbeanie · 10-22-19, 11:54 AM

Where did you install your Gold Edition? I have the same UPlay version of SH4 on a Windows 10 64-bit laptop. I do not have issues, and my UPlay has the latest / greatest "update" from September. My initial install of the UPlay version of the SH4 game was NOT put in a Program Files folder. When the Installation dialog came up, I chose to alter the path, and install the whole shmear into a "C:\Ubisoft" folder, which I did by editing out the "Program Files (x86)\" portion of the path. After the install, running the game, and exiting, I then proceeded to make my modding copies, which are put into a "C:\Games" folder. I have FotRSU, GFO, TMO / RSRDC (with options for Ralles) and WDAD / Med Campaign. I do not have issues with any of them, and start them all from the SH4.exe file in each folder. I use MultiSH4 1.5 to create individual Save folders for each. My SH5 is a Steam version, and UPlay offered to put it on its start menu, and I must have missed the "offer", and did allow it to happen. My TWoS runs fine, even after the UPlay update. None of my Ubisoft games are in a Program Files folder, the Game Starter folder is in the Ubisoft folder, along with the plain Jane SH4, and the Steam SH5 (and SH3)... Is there maybe a different update for the SH5 game for UPlay that is messing things up??

lowbow · 10-22-19, 03:27 PM

I do not install anything ie games or game related on my 'C drive'. I have 3 other separate drives.
In the case of SH4 Gold, when I log into Uplay I've got that set to download & install in a 'Games Folder' on my 'E drive'
If you're using the same one that you downloaded from Uplay as I was then that is why you had to change installation destination. I had that preset to 'E drive' & once downloaded I set Uplay to start in offline mode before exiting.

Everything I've done is as I've done many time over the years with SH3-SH4-SH5, using 'Discs' to install them and mod them. No problems all run fine.

The only difference this time was I tried the Uplay download version of SH4 Gold because it was showing up in my Uplay library.

The issue is definitely the 'SH4 Gold Uplay Download' & the fact that Uplay is having to start (offline mode) to run the game.

Take Uplay out of the equation, by using the Ubisoft Disc(s) and everything works perfectly.
My 'Master install' and my '4 other installs with mods' all work as intended.

'propbeanie'
Is you're version Uplay or Ubisoft ? Because that could be why you do not have the issues.

propbeanie · 10-22-19, 06:16 PM

UPlay is Ubisoft. I purchased from Ubisoft when it was being sold for $4 US a while back, and put it on my Windows 10 laptop. I have no issues whatsoever with it, but I do not use UPlay, only the SH4. exe to start the game...

lowbow · 10-23-19, 01:34 PM

I'm fully aware that Uplay and Ubisoft are on the face of it the same, but 'under the hood' so to speak it is two different animals in how the install & execution of the game is delivered & works.
Fellow subber 'propbeanie' (in previous post here) just proves that not having 'Uplay Client' is the way to go.

A Uplay SH4 Gold download installs differently to a SH4 Ubisoft install, but you don't know that until it's on your system.

Bottom line is if you use 'Uplay downloaded version' then you have no option but to run it through 'Uplay Client' & this prevents multiple installs & save games working as they should.
Just make sure that you get an UBISOFT version & and NOT UPLAY & you'll not have any multi-installs problems. Believe me they are two different animals.

That is why I'm imparting this info. To try and save anyone the money, time and grief if they intend to get the game to run multiple installs with different mods & save game locations.

At the end of the day it's you're call.
But if I save somebody some time, grief, and some money then that is the sole intention to help anyone on this great site.

propbeanie · 10-23-19, 02:09 PM

lowbow, when I am on the US Ubisoft "store" site, I am prompted as to which I want to download, but the UPlay version here in the US appears to be a yearly "license fee" subscription that gets you several Ubisoft games on UPlay for $15 a year. Is that the one, or is there another available in other countries or regions?... thanks

10-22-19, 09:22 AM	#1
lowbow A-ganger Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UK Posts: 73 Downloads: 350 Uploads: 0	SH4 UPLAY vs SH4 DISCS - IMPORTANT INFO I have recently started to get back into SH4. I have 'SH4 Gold on Uplay' and I also have 'SH4 on Disc+Uboat Missions Disc. I have been trying to get 4 different installs up and running, but have come across an important issue. Here is how it started:- 1. I downloaded & installed SH4 Gold form Uplay. I used this as my 'Master' 2. I then made 4 different copies & set those up individually with 'jsgme' - Large Address Aware - & MultiSH4 in each of the 4 copies. So far all was normal. 3. I then added mods to each of the relevant installs 'GFO' 'FORS' 'OM+OMEGU' 'TMOwTw' Still no problems. 4. I then proceeded to run each of the installs, but that is when the issue shows up. Each install when run should run from it's own particular location & create it's own '3 letter' save game location in 'Documents'. This was not happening. It just used the original 'Master' SH4 save game location. I also could not run the 4 different mod installs without it loading only the first copied install. No matter which one I ran. I eventually found the problem -the 'UPLAY DOWNLOADED GAME'. There is a possibility that further down the line that there maybe other issues that will be caused if you use the UPLAY download version. SOLUTION ? - Install SH4 form the disc(s). Do Not Use UPLAY !!! The whole issue never cropped up & everything works as it should. I am now running 4 different SH4 games with mods. I hope that this maybe of some help to my fellow subbers, especially if you want to run multiple installs. If I've not explained anything clearly enough for you. just ask me.

10-22-19, 11:54 AM	#2
propbeanie CTD - it's not just a job Join Date: May 2016 Location: One hour from Music City USA! Posts: 9,755 Downloads: 440 Uploads: 2	Where did you install your Gold Edition? I have the same UPlay version of SH4 on a Windows 10 64-bit laptop. I do not have issues, and my UPlay has the latest / greatest "update" from September. My initial install of the UPlay version of the SH4 game was NOT put in a Program Files folder. When the Installation dialog came up, I chose to alter the path, and install the whole shmear into a "C:\Ubisoft" folder, which I did by editing out the "Program Files (x86)\" portion of the path. After the install, running the game, and exiting, I then proceeded to make my modding copies, which are put into a "C:\Games" folder. I have FotRSU, GFO, TMO / RSRDC (with options for Ralles) and WDAD / Med Campaign. I do not have issues with any of them, and start them all from the SH4.exe file in each folder. I use MultiSH4 1.5 to create individual Save folders for each. My SH5 is a Steam version, and UPlay offered to put it on its start menu, and I must have missed the "offer", and did allow it to happen. My TWoS runs fine, even after the UPlay update. None of my Ubisoft games are in a Program Files folder, the Game Starter folder is in the Ubisoft folder, along with the plain Jane SH4, and the Steam SH5 (and SH3)... Is there maybe a different update for the SH5 game for UPlay that is messing things up?? __________________ "...and bollocks to the naysayer/s" - Jimbuna

10-22-19, 06:16 PM	#4
propbeanie CTD - it's not just a job Join Date: May 2016 Location: One hour from Music City USA! Posts: 9,755 Downloads: 440 Uploads: 2	UPlay is Ubisoft. I purchased from Ubisoft when it was being sold for $4 US a while back, and put it on my Windows 10 laptop. I have no issues whatsoever with it, but I do not use UPlay, only the SH4. exe to start the game... __________________ "...and bollocks to the naysayer/s" - Jimbuna

10-23-19, 02:09 PM	#6
propbeanie CTD - it's not just a job Join Date: May 2016 Location: One hour from Music City USA! Posts: 9,755 Downloads: 440 Uploads: 2	lowbow, when I am on the US Ubisoft "store" site, I am prompted as to which I want to download, but the UPlay version here in the US appears to be a yearly "license fee" subscription that gets you several Ubisoft games on UPlay for $15 a year. Is that the one, or is there another available in other countries or regions?... thanks __________________ "...and bollocks to the naysayer/s" - Jimbuna

10-22-19, 03:27 PM	#3
lowbow A-ganger Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UK Posts: 73 Downloads: 350 Uploads: 0	I do not install anything ie games or game related on my 'C drive'. I have 3 other separate drives. In the case of SH4 Gold, when I log into Uplay I've got that set to download & install in a 'Games Folder' on my 'E drive' If you're using the same one that you downloaded from Uplay as I was then that is why you had to change installation destination. I had that preset to 'E drive' & once downloaded I set Uplay to start in offline mode before exiting. Everything I've done is as I've done many time over the years with SH3-SH4-SH5, using 'Discs' to install them and mod them. No problems all run fine. The only difference this time was I tried the Uplay download version of SH4 Gold because it was showing up in my Uplay library. The issue is definitely the 'SH4 Gold Uplay Download' & the fact that Uplay is having to start (offline mode) to run the game. Take Uplay out of the equation, by using the Ubisoft Disc(s) and everything works perfectly. My 'Master install' and my '4 other installs with mods' all work as intended. 'propbeanie' Is you're version Uplay or Ubisoft ? Because that could be why you do not have the issues.

10-23-19, 01:34 PM	#5
lowbow A-ganger Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: UK Posts: 73 Downloads: 350 Uploads: 0	I'm fully aware that Uplay and Ubisoft are on the face of it the same, but 'under the hood' so to speak it is two different animals in how the install & execution of the game is delivered & works. Fellow subber 'propbeanie' (in previous post here) just proves that not having 'Uplay Client' is the way to go. A Uplay SH4 Gold download installs differently to a SH4 Ubisoft install, but you don't know that until it's on your system. Bottom line is if you use 'Uplay downloaded version' then you have no option but to run it through 'Uplay Client' & this prevents multiple installs & save games working as they should. Just make sure that you get an UBISOFT version & and NOT UPLAY & you'll not have any multi-installs problems. Believe me they are two different animals. That is why I'm imparting this info. To try and save anyone the money, time and grief if they intend to get the game to run multiple installs with different mods & save game locations. At the end of the day it's you're call. But if I save somebody some time, grief, and some money then that is the sole intention to help anyone on this great site.