Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3

[Blackmajik]

Anyone excited about this release this up and coming October 28, 2008? I for one love the Command and Conquer series (alongside Starcraft). After finishing Command and Conquer 3, I never realized that RA3 was in the works and by the time I knew it, it went gold a few weeks ago.

Now here is the only thing that is stopping me from buying it. The copyright protection that is being used is SecuROM. Unfortunately, with this newest updated version, you have to activate it after you install it prior to playing it for the first time. More below:

I’ve been hearing your concerns about the DRM situation and wanted to get back to you with some information about our plans. In the case of Red Alert 3 (and all PC titles coming out of EA), we will use SecuROM – the same copy protection that the EALA RTS group has used on our last three titles. This time around, however, the copy protection will be configured to be more lenient than we've supported in the past.

I know this can be somewhat of a polarizing topic, and I thought it would be best to open the lines of communication with some facts:

- We will authenticate your game online when you install and launch it the first time.

- We will never re-authenticate an installation online after the first launch. In other words, no reaching out to a central server post-install to see if you’re “allowed” to play.

- You will be able to install and play on up to five computers.

- This system means you don't have to play with the disc in your computer. Personally, I think this is a huge improvement over our previous copy protection requirements, which have always required a disk to play.

- Life happens. I know it’s unlikely, but for those unlucky few who install the game and have their machines nuked (virus, OS reinstall, major hardware upgrade, etc.) five times, EA Customer Service will be on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting customer support.

-You can, of course, play offline without impediment or penalty.

Red Alert 3 is shaping up to be a world-class RTS game that will give you many hours of enjoyment. I think it would be a shame if people decided to not play a great game simply because it came with DRM, but I understand that this is a very personal decision for many of you and I respect that. As you might imagine, I’m a lot less respectful of those people who take the position that they will illegally download a game simply because it has DRM.

Either way, we’ re very proud of the hard work our team has put into this game and we hope you will all enjoy it when it launches.

Now this game isn't the first one to use this protection. It has been used in Spores, Mass Effect and Far Cry 2. All 3 were successfully cracked and doesn't require activation or any of the restrictions listed above. Now I truly understand why companies would go to such lengths to protect their product from being "pirated" but seeing how the protection can be stripped off easily and the pirates have a easier time to play the game over a person who bought the game legally, it is making me think twice before buying the game. I own each and every C&C title but paying $60 for something I may be limited to is just ludicrous. DRMs sometimes causes problems and it did happen to me after installing C&C 3 - it asked me to put in the original disc in the drive after I launched the game after a install. Also, forget about trading a game that has this kind of DRM. I seriously doubt stores such as EB will accept it since they don't know how many times you've installed it since selling it used to someone else will definitely cause headaches.

[BYan]

You know what, I love RA. It's my favourite RTS series next to Total War, and RA imo far outclasses the Tiberium series in terms of pure giddiness. But any game with that crazy Securom thing going for it gets my firm thumbs down. It doesn't protect against piracy and it is never as simply and hassle-free as they make it out to be. Plus I hear the software self-installs on your computer and you can't get rid of it.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I believe a good game will speak for itself and garner the praise and sales its due. Nazi copy-protection schemes like this one just turns away potential buyers like me and makes me want to grab a parrot and sail the high seas.

Maybe I'll just DL the FMVs for the game once its out or something. Shame really. I love RA...

[Setz]

You guys see that remix of the commercial on Youtube? I can listen to that all day.

Third time's the charm.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

You guys see that remix of the commercial on Youtube? I can listen to that all day.

Third time's the charm.

I got bored of that after like the third time. But seriously though, love the beautiful women!

[Lone_Prodigy]

At least you don't need a CD to play anymore... that was a pleasant surprise for Mass Effect.

I agree about copy-protection doing squat: the only people it hurts are the legit consumers who are buying to support the developers.

[Electricute]

OMG theres a RA3? wait was there a RA2? was that with the chrono soldiers? actually just finished playing C&C generals cause i missed the game


gina carano vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPLP...eature=related

[Electricute]

so the russians went back in time? and then hiro's father is now attacking the US?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuQSN...eature=related

[riceboy6]

I am excited yet a little skeptical. It is not developed by westwood studio like the first 2, but rather by EA.

The extra protection thing doesnt help either.

[CeoOfKFC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaCjkAA3L1I

Gotta love the music and TANYA.

[blahs]

bump,
It sure seems like this game is getting overshadowed by everything else thats coming out in the next month.

Anyone hear anything about when canadian stores will be receiving it in? Ive seen two release dates now online, 27th and 28th.

[evanx]

The cutscenes are hilarious! The only bad thing I am expecting from EA is the DRM...

[mart242]

Has anyone seen it in stores? FS and BB don't even list it on their website..

I haven't seen any reviews either.

[Blackmajik]

Called EB Games and the person checked the computer saying it will be out tomorrow (October 29, 2008). According to the official EA forums, "Red Alert 3 will start trickling around European store shelves this weekend and will then hit world-wide officially on Tuesday, October 28th, with the digital download following the next day." I'm not sure if the US is getting their copies today while Canada has to wait one more day but it seems weird because US/Canada usually get the releases simultaneously. I can wait one more day or two I guess since I am pretty swamped with stuff I have to do and probably can't play it fully till the weekend anyway. Also the price he quoted over the phone were $50 and $60. I'm guessing the higher for the special edition package. I do have to agree with blahs about this game not getting attention due to some other hyped games hitting the market.

Anyway here is a short review from PC Gamer -

I may roll into Futureshop on the way to work later today and ask. I'll post my findings later tonight.

[MasterXan]

any deals on this?

[Blackmajik]

any deals on this?

If you want a deal on it, wait about a year later when they are going to be selling it for $29.99. Otherwise EB games may take trade ins towards your purchase of this game. If you're asking if you can get it cheaper than $49.99/$59.99 right off the bat, I don't think so.