Pre-Buy Questions

From a Spore Refugee

from GalCiv2 Forums

With the disappointment that is Spore I began looking for something similar but better (I apologize if this is considered an insult to say I find this to be similar to Spore's Space Stage). In the Spore forum someone mentioned this game so I looked it up. From what I've seen so far in pictures and videos, I can't believe it has existed for 2 years without my knowledge. I'm thinking about asking for this game and the expansions for my birthday later this month and I had a few questions.

To save money I'm thinking about just getting all three in the Direct Download option for $50 (I think), but I'm worried about not having CD's to back it up. My question is, if I download the game and expansions are they easily transferrable to CD's? (I've never bought a game through direct download before). Also, is there a download limit and an install limit? I'm worried about the download messing up or something and having to start again, or losing the files. I remember reading somewhere that there is no limit to downloads, but I just wanted to make sure this is still the case. As for installs, the wikipedia page for this game says:

"The game can only be installed and activated a limited number of times before needing to contact support."

However, I read in these forums someone saying that there isn't an install limit. Which is it?

I think my only other question had to do with the amount of people playing this game. The wikipedia page says:

"According to Stardock's CEO Brad Wardell, as of March 2008, Galactic Civilizations II has sold around 300,000 copies in total"

Really? This game seems like it would have a lot more sells than that.

Thank you for any information. (Sorry if you get questions like these all the time.)

4,883 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

My question is, if I download the game and expansions are they easily transferrable to CD's? (I've never bought a game through direct download before). Also, is there a download limit and an install limit?
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Impulse has an archive function that can be used to keep a backup to save redownloading, or if you want to keep an older version (you can only download the latest release and (if any) beta version). However you can redownload as often as you need.

 

However, I read in these forums someone saying that there isn't an install limit. Which is it?
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There is no real limit, however, if you install many times in a short span it may need to be cleared by support.

Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Thank you.

Edit: Is there some sort of lag with the forum index? It appears to have taken a while for my post to appear.

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Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Ha, I was actually about to start a topic just like this.  I have a few extra questions though:

 

1. Will there ever be a boxed release of the Expansion Bundle or even the complete collection in the US(at least in less than a year)?

2. Is there a way to create a setup disc from the digitial purchase that mimics a retail disc (install/reinstall/uninstall) in such a way that you'd have practically the same thing as a retail disc minus neat-o box, manual & extras?


3. If I've backed up a digital purchase with the archive option on Impulse, what are the limitations versus the original download? By limitations I don't mean gameplay time limits and such but user limitations like running speed, HD space, missing features (other than Metaverse due to lack of internet), support for mods, etc.

4. Is there any way to apply patches to the archived game on the other computer without an internet connection, like through a CD or executable?

5. Is the archived version literally just a folder that's been copied from than into a backup directory (in Impuse's folder, right?)?  Does it have an expiration date?

 

The reason for all my questions is that digital-only purchases will always be on very shaky ground.  If, by some chance, Stardock is not around five or ten years from now my purchase will be gone forever.

Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

1. Will there ever be a boxed release of the Expansion Bundle or even the complete collection in the US(at least in less than a year)?
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No plans that I'm aware of.

 

An archive is not the same as a retail disc, though we are working on ways to make it more like that (self-installing, offline install, etc). Presently, the archive is basically the same thing as the package that Impulse downloads from the server; it's just a compressed copy of the product along with the info Impulse needs to install it properly when needed.

Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

So I guess the only remaing question that stops me from purchasing is does an archived backup expire?  If I've got the CD-burnt archive & an old Impulse installer can I still install the game from the archive years after Stardock shuts down their servers?

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

yup you can, there's no time limit, no expiration date

though unless stardock go bankrupt, the game should still be available for download in several years from now

 

and yeah maybe the game sold "only" 300000 copies but it's to be expected from such a genre, Turn based strategy games aren't as popular as graphic intensive games ... and from what I recall the number of sales was way higher than first expected and still sells today.