Spore getting lousy reviews
So the long-awaited game Spore was released in the U.S. today, and it’s getting lousy reviews — an average of fewer than two stars on Amazon.
Why? Two reasons. First, the game’s DRM (digital restrictions management) is, in the words of several reviewers, “draconian.” You must lower your computer’s security settings to install it, and are allowed to put it on a maximum of three computers. So if you replace your PC, or get a new hard drive, or simply want to install it on a different computer in your house, you use up one of those three installs.
Further, as has been pointed out, there’s no guarantee that the servers at Electronic Arts that are required for installation will still be working in, say, three or five years. So you’re renting the game — for a good long time, for sure, but it’s still a rental.
And if you need a fourth install? You have to call EA and hope to convince them to give you another code. How nice.
But that’s not all. Not only is the DRM a major problem, but apparently the gameplay has also been dumbed down.
As reviewer Erich Maria Remarque wrote:
Evolution doesn’t even matter anymore. You can add as many legs to a creature as you want, but it won’t be any faster than a one legged creature with higher leg stats. “Creating” your creatures is pointless (cosmetic only, because everything is based on stats), and brings you about the same excitement as dressing up a plastic doll.
My advice? If you want Spore, buy a copy, but also download one of the cracked versions that are already available — versions that don’t have EA’s nasty activation system. That way EA gets its money, but you own a game that doesn’t rely on the company’s good graces to play.
Admiral says:
Advocating illegal activity.. hmmm. I love your comedy.