more 'proof' that this game wasn't finished...

[Grover]

Due to the endless tech problems, at this point not even the cheerleaders are trying to pretend that this game was ready for release...

Whenever you have countless different systems and configs, ALL OF WHICH have the EXACT SAME PROBLEMS with a piece of software just maybe that software is to blame...

But while playing for your 5-minute intervals before your system crumbled, did any of you notice how crappy the civipedia was???

None of the links are cross-linked! At least in Civ III, you could find most of what you wanted, and click from link to link, and access the civipedia from any screen when you needed the info right then and there before making a decision... But not in Civ4!!!

Oh, what a let down.

Do something right, or don't do it at all.

[Strutty]

Maybe I'm being a bit thick here, but I was under the impression that post-Windows 3.x, Windows has supported the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) architecture.

Definition: Hardware abstraction layer, programming in an operating system that functions as an interface between a system’s hardware and software, providing a consistent hardware platform on which to run applications. When a HAL is employed, applications do not access hardware directly but access the abstract layer provided by the HAL. Like APIs, HALs allow applications to be device-independent because they abstract information from such systems as caches, I/O buses and interrupts and use this data to give the software a way to interact with the specific requirements of the hardware on which it is running.

This makes me wonder to what degree Civ4 is a compliant application?

I have installed lots of games on PC's, and the last time I can remember having to spend 3 days trying to get it to work, was a DOS naval game which needed a custom config.sys and memory manager to provide simultaneous expanded and extended memory!

It's seems a bit ridiculous that having lobbed out £40 or whatever, you then have to spend hours/days/weeks researching and taking advantage of unpaid (no disrespect!) amateur enthusiast's efforts to get it to work!

Maybe if we ALL demanded our money back, Firaxis would test future products properly?

[Grover]

Yeah, I actually already tried to return mine, figured I buy it used for half off in 6 months, but NO, walmart won't refund computer software anymore! (I never buy from Walmart; got this as a Christmas present)

The sad thing is, I love this series so much I'd STILL happily play it if they'd fix all the problems with it! (by problems, I mean not only software problems, but in-game problems, like the crappy unfinished civipedia I mentioned)

It seems like there are ALOT of people having problems. (I've heard reports upwards of 20-25%)

[iSkratch]

I'm with you on this one, I'd strongly encourage you to write to Firaxis and to the retailer you purchased this game (aka virus in a nice box) from and express your frustration with the fact that they clearly rushed this to release to get christma$ $ales. Send them a letter or call, emails are far too easy to ignore.

Firaxis Games
11350 McCormick Road
Executive Plaza III; Suite 1100
Hunt Valley, MD 21031

Phone:
410-891-3001


PS: While I'd say that the extremely widespread blue screens, crashes to desktop, and total system lockups are the strongest evidence that we were all sold a beta, the fact that both the game itself and the manual contain constant and glaring spelling and gramtical errors doesn't help Firaxis' case.

[iSkratch]

The latest evidence... the newly leaked original box art for civ 4

[tiny toad]

LOL Ha ha nice one...!!!!! how true

[iSkratch]

An interview with Sid Meier regarding the technical issues with Civ IV.

[Stuie]

Are you guys using the 1.52 patch? I suspect not.

[iSkratch]

I suspect you are brain dead.

[Cookie Monster]

Ever since I dl'ed 1.52 my game is trash. I don't get the interface screens anymore nor the detailed screen in the city view.

I'm sick of fiddling around with drivers, patches, etc. I've had it!

My two alternatives are:

1. sell this junk used to someone or some game store.

2. buy a new computer with the latest high tech graphics card and bookoo RAM. (this is not an option for me now although I've set aside a savings fund for this goal).

I'm at a point in my life where I'm not buying PC games anymore. I have all the strategy games I need now on PC. I'm going all console. Hooray for PS3!!!

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by iSkratch
I suspect you are brain dead.

Please refrain from attacking other board members. It's in the FAQ as far as I can tell.

[Grover]

Actually, I'm a lucky one --I downloaded/installed the patch, and everything seems fixed!!! No more crashes, and the civipedia works alot better now.

I absolutely have sympathy for those (apparently many?) who the patch doesn't help, though. Hopefully those issues will soon be fixed.

Grover