Gods help me -- I've purchased Civilization IV

[Greybriar]

Question:  Since this isn't actually what I ordered (I was expecting just the Civ IV: Complete Edition, but received Civ IV: Complete plus Civ III: Complete), does anyone know if there's onerous DRM on this package?  Or is it the same?

Civilization III Complete has SecuROM according to DAEMON Tools.

There are two games with very similar names: Civilization IV Complete (2007) and Civilization IV The Complete Edition (2009). The earlier one did not include Colonization. The version you have was touted as being "DRM Free: The complete Civ IV experience with no Digital Rights Management limitations."

[Martok]

The version you have was touted as being "DRM Free: The complete Civ IV experience with no Digital Rights Management limitations."

See, that's the problem:  While that is indeed what I *ordered* (and I ordered that specific version partially because it's DRM-free), it's not what I actually *received*. 

This is what I ordered, but this is what I got.  (Also, I see the latter product is far cheaper, which does not amuse me.) 



EDIT:  I looked up the License Agreement on the Take2 site.  I'm not sure exactly what this part means, but it does concern me a little: 

INTERNET CONNECTION: The Software may require an internet connection to access internet-based features, authenticate the Software, or perform other functions. In order for certain features of the Software to operate properly, you may be required to have and maintain (a) an adequate internet connection and/or (b) a valid and active account with an online service as set forth in the Software documentation, including but not limited to third-party gaming platform, Licensor or a Licensor affiliate. If you do not maintain such accounts, then certain features of the Software may not operate or may cease to function properly, either in whole or in part.

INFORMATION COLLECTION & USAGE

By installing and using this software, you consent to these information collection and usage terms, including (where applicable) transfer of data to Licensor and affiliated companies into a country outside of the European Union and the European Economic Area. If you connect to the Internet when using the Software, either through a gaming platform network, or any other method, Licensor may receive information from hardware manufacturers or gaming platform hosts and may automatically collect certain information from your computer or gaming unit. This information may include, but is not limited to, user IDs (such as gamer tags and screen names), game scores, game achievements, game performance, locations visited, buddylists, hardware MAC address, internet protocol address, and your usage of various game features. All information collected by Licensor is intended to be anonymous information that does not disclose your identity or constitute personal information, however, if you include personal information (such as your real name) in your user ID, then such personal information will automatically be transmitted to Licensor and used as described herein.

The information collected by Licensor may be posted by Licensor on publicly-accessible web sites, shared with hardware manufacturers, shared with platform hosts, shared with Licensor's marketing partners or used by Licensor for any other lawful purpose. By using this Software you consent to the Licensor's use of related data, including public display of your data such as identification of your user created content or displaying your scores, ranking, achievements and other gameplay data. If you do not want your information shared in this manner, then you should not use the Software.

[Shelldrake]

The version I have is Civ 4 Complete (includes Civ 4 GOTY + Warlords + Beyond the Sword expansions), no Civ 3 and no Colonization. It is from Take 2 so sounds like the 2007 version.

[Greybriar]

See, that's the problem:  While that is indeed what I *ordered* (and I ordered that specific version partially because it's DRM-free), it's not what I actually *received*....

Unless you like Civ3 (and I'm not one of its followers, although some are) and don't mind missing out on Civ4 Colonization, I would demand a refund or Civ 4: The Complete Edition.

[Bismarck]

You guys setting up an PBEM game?

[Martok]

See, that's the problem:  While that is indeed what I *ordered* (and I ordered that specific version partially because it's DRM-free), it's not what I actually *received*....

Unless you like Civ3 (and I'm not one of its followers, although some are) and don't mind missing out on Civ4 Colonization, I would demand a refund or Civ 4: The Complete Edition.

Thanks Greybriar.  That's what I'm starting to contemplate (demanding a refund). 

I'd determined long ago (based on what I'd seen/heard) that I had no interest in Civ III.  And since I can't tell whether or not this bundle has the same lack of DRM, I'm not inclined to keep it in any case. 

You guys setting up an PBEM game?

Possibly.  OJsDad and I have been discussing doing one together (since we're both Civ IV virgins), plus both MetalDog & W8taminute have expressed interest in a PBEM game as well. 

[Barthheart]

You guys setting up an PBEM game?

Possibly.  OJsDad and I have been discussing doing one together (since we're both Civ IV virgins), plus both MetalDog & W8taminute have expressed interest in a PBEM game as well.

Me too please!

[Shelldrake]

You guys setting up an PBEM game?

Possibly.  OJsDad and I have been discussing doing one together (since we're both Civ IV virgins), plus both MetalDog & W8taminute have expressed interest in a PBEM game as well.

Me too please!

And me!

[Martok]

Well I contacted Amazon tonight, and they're sending me a shipping label so I can return it for a refund.  In the meantime, I'll see if I can't pick up a copy of Civ IV: The Complete Edition at my local store sometime in the next day or two. 

You guys setting up an PBEM game?

Possibly.  OJsDad and I have been discussing doing one together (since we're both Civ IV virgins), plus both MetalDog & W8taminute have expressed interest in a PBEM game as well.

Me too please!

And me!

Well damn, looks like it's gonna be a party! 

Of course, you realize there's nothing stopping the rest of you guys from getting a PBEM campaign going in the meantime.  OJsDad and I are gonna need a little shakedown time with the game first anyway, so no need to wait for us.  8) 

[meadbelly]

I'll break out the Civ4 for some pbem if there's room.

[MetalDog]

Alright, it DOES sound like a party!  Anyone interested, send me a PM.  Please include suggestions for map size, victory conditions, etc.  Once we get this going, we can start another one when Martok and OJs Dad get comfy.

[Martok]

Now I'm pissed off... 


So I went to Target this morning after work to pick up a copy of Civilization IV: The Complete Edition...only to discover that they're completely out already.  What's more, none of the three next closest Targets have it either (they checked for me).  I went to four other stores in town, and none of them carried it at all. 

I then look to see if I can order the game directly from the Take 2 site.  It turns out I can...but at the price of 40 bucks. 


Un-f*****g-believable. 

[Barthheart]

^Just get it on Steam... Ya know ya wanna....  ;)

[Martok]

Bartheart, my friend, you know I love you...but right now I want to smack you upside the head.  :P 

[Barthheart]

Bartheart, my friend, you know I love you...but right now I want to smack you upside the head.  :P

Love you too man!

8)