View Full Version : Steam download or DVD
SpencerH
02-09-2009, 21:32
I hoping to maintain my pledge not to buy ETW until I've seen reviews from players who'se opinions I trust, but I have to admit that I'm somewhat excited about the possibility of a new TW game.
Assuming I do buy it, what's the best way to do so.
I like the idea that if I download from Steam since I'll always have access to the patched version. OTOH, the download itself is likely to be a massive undertaking, especially on and around the release date.
I like DVD's. There is something reassuring about actually possessing the disks. OTOH, The version on the disks will not be as up to date as the version available for download.
ByzanKing
02-09-2009, 21:38
It is really just a matter of preference. I myself am the strange type and will always like a physical copy of the game.
Barkhorn1x
02-09-2009, 21:41
I thought about it a lot - and went with STEAM.
I can always print and bind the manual and the thought of pre-loading 48 hours in advance really appealed to me.
I was about to make a very similar thread last night but decided not to, as I needed to finish a paper. :idea2:
Both options have their pros. Downloading from Steam will directly tie the game to your account. On a trip, dont have your dvd? No problem! If you've got a machine with the specs to run Empire, just plug in steam, type in your info and download it there. With steam you can be playing on day one. Hell, even hour one if you get the jump on the release day!
Buying the DvDs from a retail shop will give you something you can hold onto. There's something very reassuring about being able to hold the disc in your hands, physically put it in the drive and hear it spin up. It's very.. i dunno. Aesthetically pleasing?
It's really just a matter of preference. Do you want to download the game, or install it the old fashioned way? I will likely go with retail. :yes:
Discoman
02-09-2009, 21:53
I'd prefer the DVD more so if it comes with a map.
Mailman653
02-09-2009, 22:21
I was going to get the box but I think I'll go with Steam, it's really a matter of convience for me at least. I already have almost no room in my drawers to put another box and to get it would just add to the clutter.
What does concern me a little is patching, I know several games get patches for the retail and d/l version, the d/l version usually seeing a patch much later after retail does. I hope that kind of problem does not develop where people with the retail version get a patch and those with the d/l version have to wait weeks or months to get the same patch.
Discoman
02-09-2009, 22:25
What does concern me a little is patching, I know several games get patches for the retail and d/l version, the d/l version usually seeing a patch much later after retail does. I hope that kind of problem does not develop where people with the retail version get a patch and those with the d/l version have to wait weeks or months to get the same patch.
Well the way Steam works is, you can just put the serial number of your game into steam and it is downloaded and registered to your account. Which is good because you can just download it online or use the disk. Steam updates are released via Steam and everyone (regardless of downloading or buying a hardcopy) gets the same patch. One more benefit of Steam is that you don't need the disk to play (or install for that matter) No matter what why you buy it we're all playing it through Steam.
Sir Beane
02-09-2009, 22:52
I'm going for the Special Forces DVD option. I wants me a paper campaign map so I can pin coloured string and tacks to it and pretend that my study is a war room. :2thumbsup:
Yes, my reason is a little odd. :laugh4:
Fisherking
02-09-2009, 22:53
I ordered the SF DVD.
Silly or not I just feel better with the hard copy. I also wanted the special units and any extras they felt like adding. I guess you can have all but the map through Steam. I can’t say the price was bad buying early. I would expect to pay more getting it in a shop.
I'm going for the Special Forces DVD option. I wants me a paper campaign map so I can pin coloured string and tacks to it and pretend that my study is a war room. :2thumbsup:
Yes, my reason is a little odd. :laugh4:
Gentlemen! You can't fight here, this is the war room! :laugh4:
Odd or not, it's certainly a valid one. Paper maps in games such as this are always nice, they can add a little extra spice of immersion. If only ambient immersion!
Fisherking
02-09-2009, 23:13
Gentlemen! You can't fight here, this is the war room! :laugh4:
Odd or not, it's certainly a valid one. Paper maps in games such as this are always nice, they can add a little extra spice of immersion. If only ambient immersion!
Has he told you about the 1803 Admiral’s Dress uniform and his three aid decamps and the steward yet?
I think some legal questions arose over the cannon…
:clown:
Sir Beane
02-09-2009, 23:21
Has he told you about the 1803 Admiral’s Dress uniform and his three aid decamps and the steward yet?
I think some legal questions arose over the cannon…
:clown:
Oh I wish I owned a cannon. With a mighty metal artillery peice I would be the happiest man alive. (Briefly, before being arrested for flattening several houses).
If I ever do come across a replica naval uniform I shall buy it and wear it as often as possible. :2thumbsup:
Sheogorath
02-09-2009, 23:35
Well, here's my view:
The DVD version IS the steam version, just on DVD. Sort of like with the Orange Box.
So basically, you're paying the same price for the DVD version, and getting more stuff. The downside is that you have to go to the store to get it/wait for it to come in the mail.
Hence, you get everything the steam people get (download via steam if you lose the disc or whatever), PLUS the manual, map, and any other goodies in the collectors edition/whatever.
Overall, I think it justifies my preordering it off Amazon :P
Mailman653
02-09-2009, 23:36
Oh I wish I owned a cannon. With a mighty metal artillery peice I would be the happiest man alive. (Briefly, before being arrested for flattening several houses).
If I ever do come across a replica naval uniform I shall buy it and wear it as often as possible. :2thumbsup:
Like this guy?
Admiral Boom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqZFYHM8g38)
Ibn-Khaldun
02-09-2009, 23:42
I am also one of those guys who like DVD's. That way I really have the feeling that I actually own that game!
scipiosgoblin
02-09-2009, 23:42
My son, Ian, owns two cannons ... and a pirate ship. :laugh4:
He's 4 months old. Possibly mom and dad went a little overboard. NAAAAHHHHHHH. :yes:
https://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Rythlynx/FF%20pics/DSC03227-1.jpg
It's taller than he is at the moment. Maybe I'll let him play with it when he's 4 "years" old.
https://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Rythlynx/FF%20pics/DSC03220.jpg
SG
Sir Beane
02-10-2009, 00:17
My son, Ian, owns two cannons ... and a pirate ship. :laugh4:
He's 4 months old. Possibly mom and dad went a little overboard. NAAAAHHHHHHH. :yes:
https://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Rythlynx/FF%20pics/DSC03227-1.jpg
It's taller than he is at the moment. Maybe I'll let him play with it when he's 4 "years" old.
https://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Rythlynx/FF%20pics/DSC03220.jpg
SG
You sir, are the best parent ever. :2thumbsup: That's a fantastic looking ship. :beam:
peacemaker
02-10-2009, 02:09
i prefer the DVD copy of the game. First, you still download steam and with steam you still get the installs even if you started out with a CD. Second, I have fairly slow internet and it would be faster to get it off a CD then download it from the internet. Third, I like having the boxes....I don't know why
You sir, are the best parent ever. :2thumbsup: That's a fantastic looking ship. :beam:
I second that. :2thumbsup:
On Topic: I prefer the DVD thing, because i like to install my games on a extra "game" drive i created. Steam won't let me do this - you can only install software in the steam folder - that really annoys me. Amazon will hopefully send my copy on the 5th - at least that's what they promised me. Perhaps of my advanced age i too prefer a copy in my hands, a nice and proper carton with something to bypass the installation time. But i'm also used to download games, especially older ones (legal sort!) - my last one was "Civil War General 2". :yes:
Colovion
02-10-2009, 02:49
I'll probably get the DVD. I love Steam for how handy it is; when HL2 came out it was so slick and simple I was astounded. It'll depend on a couple of things. I do have quite a few game packages/manuals/maps sitting around cluttering up my closet but even though it is clutter, I enjoy having mementos.
Polemists
02-10-2009, 05:30
For me it comes down to download speed, the amount of time it'd take me download it will be longer then the amount of time it will take to ship it. Purely because the file will be around 15 gigabytes.
If you've got a fast connection great, if not you'll be waiting a week or two while it downloads.
For me it comes down to download speed, the amount of time it'd take me download it will be longer then the amount of time it will take to ship it. Purely because the file will be around 15 gigabytes.
If you've got a fast connection great, if not you'll be waiting a week or two while it downloads.
Oh crap.
I'd forgotten about the sheer size of this monster. Yeah, DvD for sure for me. It will take ages to download 10-15g, even if I'm rocking at 800kb/s! :skull:
scipiosgoblin
02-10-2009, 07:34
(To actually post on topic this time) I'm definitely buying the DVD. I like the map and unit/tech/building layout that comes with it. Plus, the DVD's that came with MTW2 were pretty cool, so maybe there will be something similar in the SF edition.
(Off topic) I decorated his whole room with nautical signal flags, pirate ships and eventually I plan to paint a compass rose on the ceiling. He'll probably hate the ocean by the time he grows up, but for now it's fun. :laugh4:
SG
I'm going to buy the DVD, just to get the USS Constitution from Play.com.
Well, it doesn't cost anything extra.
Since the game is fully tied into Steam, it's possible that you can just enter the CD code from the box and download it anyway if you want, so it'll most likely be tied to your account anyway, there are already a few games where something like that seems to be possible, it should certainly work with Valve games you buy in a box.
Buying it from Play.com just gives me a lot of exclusive units for the same price the Steam download without any exclusive units would cost, easy choice I say.
Originally posted by SpencerH
I hoping to maintain my pledge not to buy ETW until I've seen reviews from players who'se opinions I trust, but I have to admit that I'm somewhat excited about the possibility of a new TW game.
Already tipped over eh?
:laugh4:
!it burnsus!
CountArach
02-10-2009, 09:00
If I actually get the game (It would need at least a half-decent AI as reported by gamers) it would be DVD. I love having a physical copy.
Fisherking
02-10-2009, 09:42
Sorry I forgot!....
As Husar pointed out, it is less expensive for us to order from Play or Amazon than it is to go to a shop and pick it up. :laugh4:
It is less expensive to buy the Special Forces Edition from them than to buy the Regular Edition from Steam.:idea2:
That makes the SF in a physical copy a better value, map, special units, and all than purchasing it as a download. Also, when I ordered M2TW on line I received it on release day and had it up and running before 10 AM.:2thumbsup:
I hope that helps in the decision making process.
~:cheers:
Sir Beane
02-10-2009, 12:01
Fisherking is right. From Play.com a pre-ordered edition of Special Forces goes for £35. That is the price that most games are released at over here in the UK, meaning the Special Forces edition is excellent value for money. Since it is so cheap it honestly eems worth it, even if you don't want to use the Special units. :2thumbsup:
DVD, without a doubt. I have never and never will buy a game on Steam. I like to have a disc that I can install on other computers, take with me, etc. I like a book that I can read and a sexy box that I can put in my collection. :P That way I will have something to show company. :beam:
imperialus
02-10-2009, 23:07
I've recently started downloading everything, though I use Direct2Drive rather than Steam
Couple reasons for this.
1) Electronic Boutique, Future Shop, and Best Buy have all seen their space dedicated to PC games shrink astronomically in the past couple years. Hell the EB nearest my house now has maybe 20 or so titles in stock right now. They've been completely taken over by console games that I simply couldn't care less about. If they aren't going to support my games, I won't support them and I'll give my money to a retailer who does.
2) I am notorious for loosing manuals, jewel cases, and other little bits of paper that have useful things like activation codes on them. It's a pain in the butt to re-install games when you loose those.
3) I recently went purged my collection of old games and realized that I have 4 or 5 large boxes full of games that will probably never get played again. That's a huge amount of stuff to end up in a landfill. Switching to digital copies might not make a huge difference, but it does make a difference.
Sir Beane
02-10-2009, 23:23
I've recently started downloading everything, though I use Direct2Drive rather than Steam
Couple reasons for this.
1) Electronic Boutique, Future Shop, and Best Buy have all seen their space dedicated to PC games shrink astronomically in the past couple years. Hell the EB nearest my house now has maybe 20 or so titles in stock right now. They've been completely taken over by console games that I simply couldn't care less about. If they aren't going to support my games, I won't support them and I'll give my money to a retailer who does.
2) I am notorious for loosing manuals, jewel cases, and other little bits of paper that have useful things like activation codes on them. It's a pain in the butt to re-install games when you loose those.
3) I recently went purged my collection of old games and realized that I have 4 or 5 large boxes full of games that will probably never get played again. That's a huge amount of stuff to end up in a landfill. Switching to digital copies might not make a huge difference, but it does make a difference.
I can fully support reason number 3. If it weren't for the fact that I really want the map and manual then I would have gone for the digital edition.
Congratulations on doing your bit to help lessen the landfill problem. :2thumbsup:
DVD is more reliable than a digital version. You have your copy in your hands and there are no stupid things like files maybe mucking up or downloads going wrong.
Plus ofc the manual and map, if the map comes in the bog standard edition ofc...
I like to have a disc that I can install on other computers, take with me, etc.
You can install Steam on other computers and download all your Steam games on them as long as you always login with your account, you will have to install Steam on those other computers anyway to get Empire to run. You can still get the DVD for the other reasons of course.
You can install Steam on other computers and download all your Steam games on them as long as you always login with your account, you will have to install Steam on those other computers anyway to get Empire to run. You can still get the DVD for the other reasons of course.
Yeah, but I like having the disc. That way what I own is something real and physical that I can hold in my hand. :P Maybe that sounds noobish, but I have downloaded games before, then had to rewrite my hard disc and lost them. I am not sure if it will be the same for Empire and I do not care, I like the physical copy.
Polemists
02-11-2009, 06:06
I usually have more problems with hard disks then downloads. Usually do to fact disks can be scratched, or have errors and for whatever reason when I download they usually don't. However as steam's download is so large i'd rather not resort to that.
SO....I will be buying a hard copy, hope it works, and if not I will resort to a download, I prefer downloads to be a fall back though.
I usually have more problems with hard disks then downloads. Usually do to fact disks can be scratched, or have errors and for whatever reason when I download they usually don't. However as steam's download is so large i'd rather not resort to that.
SO....I will be buying a hard copy, hope it works, and if not I will resort to a download, I prefer downloads to be a fall back though.
lol, that is another thing, my internet is as fast as a snail. :P It would probably take me days to download it. :P
Polemists
02-11-2009, 06:35
One time I tried downloading something that was 2 gigs on my internet
for wait time I got
1yr 34 weeks
So we are going to go with no..on the download side of things.
If you buy the dvd you will really get both because once you activate it you wont ever need the dvd again because you can download from steam anytime you need it.
Fisherking
02-11-2009, 08:17
One time I tried downloading something that was 2 gigs on my internet
for wait time I got
1yr 34 weeks
So we are going to go with no..on the download side of things.
Oh! Ouch! That made me laugh too hard!
I was just thinking you could sit down with a printout of the code and type it in , in less time than that download.
ROFLMAO! I never knew that data could be moved by ox cart or camel caravan!
:laugh4:
it hurts too much...
.
Polemists
02-11-2009, 08:26
Yea later on that same file got 3 days, so it just depends on how my net is moving.
If you buy the dvd you will really get both because once you activate it you wont ever need the dvd again because you can download from steam anytime you need it.
That is pretty neat, that is the first valid reason I've heard about why steam is so great :2thumbsup:
Yeah, but I like having the disc. That way what I own is something real and physical that I can hold in my hand. :P Maybe that sounds noobish, but I have downloaded games before, then had to rewrite my hard disc and lost them. I am not sure if it will be the same for Empire and I do not care, I like the physical copy.
The problem is the physical copy is useless without the online activation, so all you actually own is a piece of plastic with little holes in it and a nice picture on top. ~;)
I'm also going to buy a disc, for financial and other reasons though, just saying the disc itself is relatively worthless unless you don't have an internet flat and would have to pay a lot for downloading 11GB.
Sir Beane
02-11-2009, 13:47
The problem is the physical copy is useless without the online activation, so all you actually own is a piece of plastic with little holes in it and a nice picture on top. ~;)
I'm also going to buy a disc, for financial and other reasons though, just saying the disc itself is relatively worthless unless you don't have an internet flat and would have to pay a lot for downloading 11GB.
You probably don't even own the piece of plastic. Todays EULA agreements are worded in such a way that companies have the right to take that back off you if they wanted. Nowadays it's more a case of renting the game for as long as the company feels you should have it, rather than actually owning it. :no:
Polemists
02-11-2009, 14:07
a nice picture on top
but i love my picture box..it fits so nicely on my bookshelf :no:
Isnt the game bound to steam? so if you buy it in DVD you have to bind it to steam(for security reasons) and you can download it later from steam(on to another comp)/get patches.
I would go with the physical edition
I preordered the collectors edition myself cuz of steams absurd prices(europe).
Hosakawa Tito
02-15-2009, 01:43
I recently went purged my collection of old games and realized that I have 4 or 5 large boxes full of games that will probably never get played again. That's a huge amount of stuff to end up in a landfill. Switching to digital copies might not make a huge difference, but it does make a difference.
Hehehe, unless my final resting spot is in a landfill, my wife says I'm getting buried with mine.
Yep, I'm taking mine wit me!~:wacko:
Hehehe, unless my final resting spot is in a landfill, my wife says I'm getting buried with mine.
Yep, I'm taking mine wit me!~:wacko:
If remember correctly from the various forum sites I've read.
You only need to be connected to the internet with steam installed once for its activation if you have a boxed copy.
The rest of the time, you can run steam in "offline" mode, so you don't need an active internet connection to play the game.
I could be wrong, but I think that is correct.
MP
If remember correctly from the various forum sites I've read.
You only need to be connected to the internet with steam installed once for its activation if you have a boxed copy.
The rest of the time, you can run steam in "offline" mode, so you don't need an active internet connection to play the game.
I could be wrong, but I think that is correct.
MP
No, this is correct. It's been verified numerous times by CA reps on this forum. After activation you can switch over to offline mode and play ETW.
Polemists
02-15-2009, 11:41
Yep it's a one time activiation.
I still go with dvd, the download sounds good, but at 15 gigs, good luck getting that monster before the 4th, even with a 48 download window. Just look at the demo crowd, they are going to consume that bandwidth.
Anyway, DVD's are just sexy. :P All the curves....
scipiosgoblin
02-15-2009, 16:05
Anyway, DVD's are just sexy. :P All the curves....
Stop it! You're makin' me blush. ~:flirt:
I really prefer the DVD's too. I like to hold the object that will define my waking moments of life for months and possibly years to come. Downloading the game just won't give me the same sense of satisfaction.
SG
Sir Beane
02-15-2009, 16:10
Stop it! You're makin' me blush. ~:flirt:
I really prefer the DVD's too. I like to hold the object that will define my waking moments of life for months and possibly years to come. Downloading the game just won't give me the same sense of satisfaction.
SG
Plus you can use it as a tea coaster, frisbee, or a geeky christmas decoration if it turns out the game is rubbish. :2thumbsup::clown:
So when you install the DVD version you need to start steam up anyhow. Thus logically i can then use steam to download my registered copy later.
Also in ten years when steam goes tits up, i want my old DvD so i can play ETW on the future machines we have then, fire up a quick battle with 20,000 men a side and go, ahh look at them old graphics, no match for our future space vibrating codpiece virtual reality jobbies, but i miss the old days.
Mailman653
02-15-2009, 19:38
Well, I finally pre-ordered my copy and went with Bestbuy. I was going to get the d/l version via Steam but looking at the Empire website, it stated that pre-ordering from Bestbuy gets my the special pre-order unit while that is no where menttioned on the Steam portion or on the Steam page (other than getting Rome for free). Who's to say that Steam does give out the special pre-ordered unit, but I didn't want to risk it.
And since when does Bestbuy get the special treatment? Usually its the game outlets like Gamestop that gets all the special goods.
Marius Dynamite
02-15-2009, 23:29
I'll go out to the shop and buy it, if only to keep the guys in the shop in a job. :2thumbsup:
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