Unacceptable Experience

Too Many Problems

from Sins Forums

I have to say, I was pretty stoked about this game when I first read the reviews from the usual zines.  It got very high ratings, multiplayer looks good, and you can save those long epic battles.

I bought the game a few days ago in a store.  After an insane amount of time wasted just trying to get the install to run on Windows XP (MSXML errors that wouldn't improve despite Windows Updates and changing the IDE transfer type/speed to no avail) I finally copied the DVD to the hard drive and installed it.

Now to update the thing.  No dice.  Serial number not accepted.  As this was a weekend I got around this by downloading the update from a website/file server.

OK..things were looking up until I entered the world of "minidumps."  These have persisted despite graphics and video driver updates and multiple changes in system configuration.  As noted on the forums, they generally screw up a game with at least a few hours already invested it, which ruins an otherwise damn good game.

After a three day lag in reply from tech. support via email I was told that my serial number from a brand new, retail, unopened box was in use by someone else.  And to fix it they asked for a PICTURE of the box/serial code sticker.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDINIG ME.  This forum should be filled with a plethora of apologies from the "Sins" team - developer, distributer, whatever.  Having a game that continues to be sold despite a "known install issue" and "known issues with NVIDIA graphics drivers" (arguably the most popular brand) is RIDICULOUS.  This should have been patch-fixed YESTERDAY.  If it can't be fixed then Ironclad and StarDock should be going above and beyond to make this right for their consumers and make amends.  I would strongly advise others to lobby for improvements and insist that they be fixed.  And a word of advice, when someone shells out the money for a game, don't make it a requirement to photograph your serial number and upload it.  I didn't see a digital camera listed under the "Minimum Requirements" for the game.

If this type of treatment was rendered to consumers in other industries they wouldn't stand for it...why should we?

HELP!

55,758 views 38 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top
That's right..tantrums solve all issues.

*looks around for a soother........  :LOL: 


Here's hoping you wake up on the right side of the bed tomorrow...


HINT: SD/IC are doing what can reasonably be expected of anyone in their position....are you? I suppose we would find a similar post of yours on the NVIDIA forums proclaiming disgust at their POS hardware/drivers in your system?

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top
Am I to understand that you think that the issues with this game (read the forums for details) are a GOOD thing? Normal? Acceptable? Any ideas on how to fix this besides an oh-so-witty reply?

Are you next going to tell me that a 33% XBox 360 failure rate is "innovative" or something, and that complaining about that is bad form?

Sheesh. I don't know why I bother sometimes.
WindowBlinds - Free yourself of the default settings, customize your desktop.
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
I'm interested as to how problems with NVidia's drivers are supposed to be fixed by Ironclad.

But mostly, I'm just sorta amused at the whining like Monk appears to be. Any calm, rational post with a complaint or concern would be addressed on this forum and usually promptly. Failing that, there's always the support e-mail route.

Good luck resolving your technical issues MMojo and hope to hear you're enjoying the game soon.

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top
@ MMojo

Just asking? You seem to be all for getting the guy who's fault things are to FIX it! Well, we all know that NVIDIA drivers of late have been total SHIT! So I guess if I look hard enough I'll find a post on the NVIDIA forums demanding an actual 100% working driver and not the 65% working POS we've got now.

Might make games like World in Conflict, SINS, and plenty of others crash (mini-dump) a whole hell of a lot less......


 :D 
Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top
If I recall the NVIDIA problem may be localized to certain cards. I am running XP with an 8800 GTS with no problems. Have had the game since release day. Have never encountered a minidump.

I'm not trying to say that there aren't issues. Obviously there are, but when it comes to PCs, due to the vast differences in hardware that are out in the wild, there always will be. But saying things like "You have got to be kidding me" and demanding apologies from the developers is, in my opinion, counter-productive. If you really think this will work for you, and Ironclad will sit up with a "Yes sir!" and get right to work on your problem, then go right ahead and continue. But I suspect that taking a more tactful approach will be more beneficial in the long run.

Good luck, and add me to the list of people who hope you get to enjoy the game soon.

-HM
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Asking for proof of purchase is entirely reasonable in my opinion. The reality is if your key is already in use then its likely because somebody downloaded the game and used a key generator. Stardock are just as much a victim as you in this circumstance and they would be incredibly silly to act without verifying exactly who the key belongs to.

And as has already been said, you might get better results with a calmer approach.
Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top
MMojo, if you're getting MSXML errors and a whole lot of trouble when you go to install the game that signals one of the following conditions exists:

1) Your computer has been infected with malware deep in the core of the OS. Irreparable damage may have been done. You should immediately run a spyware and virus scan on your system. MSXML errors are normally due to something changing the default behavior of Windows or terrible programming. The MSXML errors are not reproducible on other machines so it looks like your computer picked up some nasty uninvited guests. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may have to reformat your drive and reinstall Windows. Welcome to the world of Microsoft.

2) You have either tweaked files in ways should never be done, disabled critical services that are required to support an installation (I'm not talking about the ones that show up in task manager), or are running some other sort of system/OS altering software interfering with the normal operation of Windows.

3) Something may be wrong with the disk or your optical drive has a laser problem. If the disc shows signs of scratches and smudges lightly clean them with a damp paper towel and dry with a non-abrasive hand/dish/wash towel. You can clean your drive's laser using just a q-tip.

I do not think your drivers are at fault, but you should upgrade to 17x.xx Nvidia drivers for speed and stability improvements. These drivers are available on laptopvideo2go.com (laptops and desktops) and the omega drivers site.
Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top
I always doubt the key generation theory, unfortunately. If Stardock is generating keys with any sense of how such things should be done, the chance of a key generator actually coming up with the same key as a valid one is impossibly small.

It's far more likely that the program which makes the serial labels that are stuck in the boxes is faulty, or that some stores are re-shrinkwrapping returned copies. Or some users complaining on the forums are actually pirates trying to get support. Don't laugh - I saw this myself on the Sin Episodes forum back when that was released. People who pirated it couldn't get it to work, and they'd come to the forums pretending that they bought it, but it was obvious from the problem they had that they didn't have a legit copy.

What the situation is here...I don't know.

-HM
Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top
Reminds me of Supreme Commander. THQ points to NVIDIA and Windows for problems and the other two take turns blaming the other. If it's a video issue 82% of the time it's not the DEv's fault but the makers of the card to blame. I've had cards in the past with issues on games forcing in one case a upgrade from NVIDIA to Raedeon for my other box. My current one uses dual 8800's gtx cards and they don't give me any trouble with SoaSE.
Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top
At least Stardock didn't tell you to Fob Off. They wanted a pic of the box and such. Most companies wouldn't have given the benefit of the doubt. Check your CD/DVD drive for read errors.

Try backing up all important stuff, write HD to 0's, re-install everything from the OS upward, get AVG or other anti-virus/malware proggie, get the most recent drivers and try again.

If none of that works, make lego ships based on SINS pictures and play it in the backyard with your kids.  ;) or if they PWN you... throw lemons at them yelling "Lightning Bolt" repeatedly until they succumb and clean their rooms or do their homework.

Reply #11 from Sins Forums Top
Is your game working yet? I have experienced similar problems (with other games) and may be able to help you. It would be a shame if you couldn't play the game because of technical issues.
Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top
First of all...LOVED the Lemon-Lightning Bolt clip. So damn good.

I get what you're saying, and I realize how many people pirate games, but I think people don't expect enough from the gaming companies. I'm not going to feel relieved that they didn't tell me to "Fob Off." I ponied up cash for the game...it's on THEM to make sure I get a solid registration code and the updates I deserve. I just don't need the hassle of photographing the box and serial code, etc.

And thanks for the help about the game installation isssues. Like I said, no idea what the install problem was, I just worked around it.
Reply #13 from Sins Forums Top
I ponied up cash for the game...it's on THEM to make sure I get a solid registration code and the updates I deserve. I just don't need the hassle of photographing the box and serial code, etc.
End of quote


Unfortunately, truth to tell, Ironclad don't know you did that. For all they know, you could be pirating the game and complaining to them why the key is not working. I know, highly unlikely but people are stupid that way. Which is why they asked for a proof of purchase. Personally, I find that request highly reasonable. Anyone wouldn't have problems with that request unless you didn't buy it legally in the first place. Not that I am saying you did. So just do what they ask and they will help you with your problems.
Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top
I'm not going to feel relieved that they didn't tell me to "Fob Off." I ponied up cash for the game...it's on THEM to make sure I get a solid registration code and the updates I deserve. I just don't need the hassle of photographing the box and serial code, etc.
End of quote


yes you did pony up the cash, all there doing is acuall checking that you did instead of assuming. I am glad they arnt asssuming the world is round.
Reply #15 from Sins Forums Top
I ponied up cash for the game...it's on THEM to make sure I get a solid registration code and the updates I deserve. I just don't need the hassle of photographing the box and serial code, etc.Unfortunately, truth to tell, Ironclad don't know you did that. For all they know, you could be pirating the game and complaining to them why the key is not working.
End of quote



i agree with koross
Reply #16 from Sins Forums Top
I run Sins in XP with a severely outdated computer and I'm having a blast. You shouldn't bash a game based on technical issues that are exclusive to a select few.
Reply #17 from Sins Forums Top
What ZJBDragon said. I assume you looked in the support forum and didn't find anyone with the same problem, so it's almost certainly your machine which is to blame.
Reply #18 from Sins Forums Top
another small tip 4 the minidumb

play with friends as often as posible... should a minidumb occur rehost from the latest autosave

Reply #19 from Sins Forums Top
Unfortunately, truth to tell, Ironclad don't know you did that. For all they know, you could be pirating the game and complaining to them why the key is not working. I know, highly unlikely but people are stupid that way. Which is why they asked for a proof of purchase.
End of quote




Not as highly unlikely as you might think, I know someone that spent 6 hours on the phone with microsoft tech support back when xp first came out with a pirated copy and he couldn't get his ftp to work for some reason.
Reply #20 from Sins Forums Top
I believe Yarlen mentioned once that they were getting a lot of support requests from people with pirated copies - so even though it's pretty stupid, people do it :P
Reply #21 from Sins Forums Top
I love these posts - where the users crappy computer is somehow the developers fault.

Installed and playing without any issues on my computer, my best friends computer, and another friends computer last night that I suggested he buy this game.

It's well written, engaging, and a very well coded game.
Reply #23 from Sins Forums Top
"I'm interested as to how problems with NVidia's drivers are supposed to be fixed by Ironclad."

mmm.... that's the wrong question. Since the drivers were around BEFORE the game I have to question if Ironclad came up against this problem and, if so, why Stardock have KNOWINGLY release a buggy game that affects so many people?

Cheers,
Reply #24 from Sins Forums Top
It's times like these I love my Crossfired Radeon xt1950Pros. Installed smoothly, never seen a minidump, or a crash.

The only problem I've had so far, is the 1.03 changes lol.
Reply #25 from Sins Forums Top
heya,

you really make it sound as its all the developers fault. But...
Developing games for the PC plattform is HARD i mean really HARD. Diverse hardware, different operating systems etc. There are sad cases where it doesnt work right. Its allways like this. Someone got the sour grape.

I am sorry for your troubles.


another think, configuring and installing a PC isnt as straightforward anymore. Ever done a Burn In test on your system, ever ensured that everthing runs perfectly stable. Well i dont accuse you but there might be a slight chance that your system is just a bit bumped up.

EDIT: and about MSXML. This is microsoft software and when it fail to work then its microsofts fault. I mean you can be sure that the devolpers write a installer and then run it against different system configuration to see if it works well. Its NOT like they code something and then say "WTF lets just ship it cause testing sucks....". Surely NOT.