Crysis Warhead Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Crysis is simply amazing, and I expect Warhead to be excellent also. I've waited for this release, but sadly, I will not be buying it. The DRM in this game is a deal-breaker for the following reasons:
1. Securom 7, the DRM scheme, installs itself on your computer and is as hard as a computer virus to uninstall. It requires making registry edits, and is far outside the realm of what most people are comfortable with Securom 7 causes possible security issues, system failures, and some legitimate software to stop working. It can prevent legitimate programs that burn cds to stop functioning correctly. It does not install when you uninstall the game. EA doesn't disclose these facts on the game's packaging, or in the game's EULA.
A very similar program was deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. The FTC's previous ruling against Sony can by found here: [..]
"Installations of secret software that create security risks are intrusive and unlawful," said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. "Consumers' computers belong to them, and companies must adequately disclose unexpected limitations on the customary use of their products so consumers can make informed decisions regarding whether to purchase and install that content."
2. The game has limited activations (5) meaning that you can only install the game a total of 5 times. I think I rebuilt my computer 4 times just in life span of the original Crysis (always chasing more frames, new graphics card, then two of them in crossfire, new processor {quad core} etc... With this new DRM I would have run out of installs in only 6 months or so! I will not pay $30.00 for a game rental, which is what 5 installs effectively makes this game. Even the version available for download through Steam comes packaged with the install limit and Securom, really calling into question the purpose of both: Steam by its very nature prevents piracy, so why would the Steam version need additional DRM OR an installation limit???
3. DRM doesn't stop piracy, it only hurts honest consumers like myself (I own, and have paid for, literally hundreds of games). Spore is a perfect example of how DRM doesn't stop piracy. It is now the most pirated game in history, despite this same invasive DRM. Pirates don't care about DRM; they crack it and then happily play their DRM free version. It is those like myself who buy the game retail that get stuck with all the crumminess of DRM.
4. DRM means you can never re-sell your copy. This potentially violates the doctrine of first sale, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court on more than one occasion. Basically, if you buy this game and don't like it or finish playing it and don't want it any more, you will never be able to sell it to someone else, because there is no way to demonstrate to them that there are installs left on your version. You can read about first sale law here:[..]
In conclusion, the game itself is not the issue here. The issue is that a really excellent game comes packaged with an invasive, draconian DRM scheme that cannot be uninstalled, has ring 0 access to your computer, limits your installations to three, and can potentially crash software you have installed, or even your computer itself.
This would not be acceptable in the case of a DVD or CD, so why would we as consumers accept it in a game? I honestly feel bad that Crytek got hooked up with EA and their malware DRM, as I love their games. I hope that by not buying this one (unless they change the DRM scheme) I and others will influence EA games, or at least Crytek, to steer clear of DRM that only hurts me and you, their honest, paying customers. If you want to learn more about DRM, here is a useful guide: [..]
***UPDATE***
YES I HAVE READ THE FAQ PUT OUT BY CYRTEK. Their FAQ fails to answer or even address many of the concerns with DRM:
1. How is this DRM expected to prevent piracy since all DRM (even Securom 7x) gets cracked almost immediately? (Take a look at Spore which was cracked in HOURS, not days)
2. Why do we, the paying customers then get stuck with DRM, while pirates, who pay nothing, get a superior copy without DRM?
3. I have problems with any DRM that installs in the background, is virus hard to uninstall, and has ring 0 access to my system. I am the administrator of my computer NOT Securom 7x, and any program that takes that control away from me is unacceptable. It is also well known to cause conflicts with legitimate software, and even cause some user's computers to crash. The FTC shot down Sony's similar DRM a couple years ago; this seems like the same thing all over again. Securom 7 utterly fails in its stated purpose, to prevent illegal copies of the game. So why is it still being used considering all of it's negatives?
4. Why is this DRM necessary on the Steam version? Steam, by its very nature, prevents illegal copies from being made.
5. Is the number to get new activations toll free? Also, EA has deplorable customer service (check out the fiasco for those of us with Vista 64-bit who purchased Crysis online and were forced to play at 32-bit, all while EA insisted it was our computers that were the problem, when it was their garbage software installer) and I frankly don't trust them. What assurances are in place that if making a call, someone will be able and willing to help us in a reasonable amount of time?
If they get back to me with answers, I will happily modify this review as necessary.


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Take on the fight as the volatile Sergeant "Psycho" Sykes in a new parallel story taking place during the events of Crysis. Psycho's secret mission will take him to the other side of the island on a ruthless pursuit of a North Korean general hell-bent on obtaining powerful technology. With the versatile powers of his Nanosuit and an arsenal of fully customizable weapons & vehicles at his disposal, Sykes will do whatever it takes to carry out his top-secret objective. Action on the other side of the island is more intense, the battles are fierce, and the mission protocol is no longer "Adapt to Survive". As Sergeant Sykes, now you must adapt to dominate the battle. Twin SMG's blazing, seizing new vehicles, or going stealth, the action and the victory is on your terms.

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Crysis Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I played the first crysis and absolutely loved it. Amazing graphics, interesting/fresh gameplay, open levels etc. I was then disappointed to learn that crysis warhead had a limit on how many times you could install on a different machine. Since I am constantly upgrading my computer this would mean that after changing out 5 components I would need to buy a new game. I then decided not to purchase the game.
When I found out crysis maximum edition was releasing I checked the forums and discovered that EA had added a workaround to the authorization allowing me unlimited installs as long as I used the tool correctly. I hurried out and purchased the game as it gave me a backup version of crysis and in addition crysis wars. I began playing through warhead and was just as happy as I was with the original crysis title. Probably the best game I have played this year. However, I discovered that some programs of mine were not working (for example, daemon tools) and other games were crashing frequently. I went on the interwebz and found that this was probably caused by the securom 7 that installs with crysis warhead. This securom installed without my knowledge, is not able to be uninstalled without advanced knowledge of your operating system or with a 3rd party uninstaller that was rather difficult to locate (the one provided by the securom company does not work well) Needless to say I did not want malware on my PC so I ran the uninstaller and rid myself of it. This rendered warhead, which I was only halfway through, unplayable but imo it was worth it. I do not need securom deciding what my computer can and can't do.
I learned my lesson, from now on I will check and see what kind of drm a game has before purchasing. If it uses anything as intrusive as securom 7 I will not even give it consideration, its not worth the hassle and I refuse to give money to a company for a game which knowingly puts malware on my computer when hackers who did not pay for the game get to play malware free. Save yourself a headache and skip this game. Tell EA with your dollar vote that excessive and intrusive drm is not the answer for piracy.

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Finally, gamers can get their hands on the entire Crysis world in Crysis Maximum Edition. The 2007 PC Game of the Year is packaged along with the critically acclaimed parallel story, Crysis Warhead, and the explosive multiplayer combat of Crysis Wars. For newcomers to the Crysis world, Crysis Maximum Edition gives players chance to don the Nanosuit in three different games for one low price. Whether they're saving mankind from an alien apocalypse or fighting alongside friends in online team instant action matches, there is something for everyone in Crysis Maximum Edition.The Games Earth, 2019. A team of US scientists makes a frightening discovery on an island in the South China Sea. All contact with the team is lost when the North Korean Government quickly seals off the area. The United States responds by dispatching an elite team of Delta Force Operators to recon the situation. As tension rises between the two nations, a massive alien ship reveals itself in the middle of the island. The ship generates an immense force sphere that freezes a vast portion of the island and drastically alters the global weather system. Now the US and North Korea must join forces to battle the alien menace. With hope rapidly fading, you must fight epic battles through tropical jungle, frozen landscapes, and finally into the heart of the alien ship itself for the ultimate Zero G showdown. Key Features
A unique three-act structure forces the player to use real-time armor and weapons customization to adapt constantly to an ever-changing world.
Encounter a frightening and totally original alien species—they use their senses intelligently and work together to present the most challenging enemy yet in an FPS.
Control of a variety of land, sea, and air vehicles including trucks, tanks, boats, and helicopters.
Explore a living, dynamic world where earthquakes, breaking ice, landslides, and tornados pose an ever-present threat.
32-player multiplayer with real-time armor and weapons customization, plus an all-new multiplayer mode that combines player modification and tactical objectives.
Emergent gameplay means that in-game actions affect future outcomes and give each player a unique experience.
Highly robust and easy-to-use mod toolset allows players to create their own expansive levels for both multiplayer and single-player modes.
The CryENGINE 2 engine delivers the most realistic environments, spectacular special effects, physics game engine, lighting system, and enemy Al.
Take on the fight as the volatile Sergeant "Psycho" Sykes in a new parallel story taking place during the events of Crysis. Psycho's secret mission will take him to the other side of the island on a ruthless pursuit of a North Korean general hell-bent on obtaining powerful technology. With the versatile powers of his Nanosuit and an arsenal of fully customizable weapons & vehicles at his disposal, Sykes will do whatever it takes to carry out his top-secret objective. Action on the other side of the island is more intense, the battles are fierce, and the mission protocol is no longer "Adapt to Survive". As Sergeant Sykes, now you must adapt to dominate the battle. Twin SMG's blazing, seizing new vehicles, or going stealth, the action and the victory is on your terms. Key Features
Fight as the volatile Sergeant Sykes on a secret mission to stop the enemy from obtaining a weapon that threatens humanity.
Discover what happened on the other side of the island in a campaign that takes place at the same time as the events of Crysis.
Never play the same way twice- experiment with going stealth or with guns blazing in over-the-top action.

System Requirements:

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