How do you know if a game has Starforce?

[corruptrelic]

Unless you open up and install it, at which point, you can't return it.
We can't even trade in PC games to EB anymore like we could in the past, so there's little resale value in PC games compared to console games.

There's a few PC games I'd like to pick up (the just released Warpath chief among them) but how do you know if it has Starforce? I'd like to keep my aging PC Starforce-free in show of support to those developers that copyright their stuff the right way.

[stiffler]

Probably just search and ask around.  Seems like if a game uses Starforce there will be plenty of people complaining about it.  Also try the official forums for a particular game.

Here is a list, but it is a bit outdated.

[Dreamshadow]

http://www.daemon-tools.cc    It's the website for Daemon Tools, a virtual disk tool.  On that site they have a database of games that is relatively up to date.

[Knightshade Dragon]

Unless you open up and install it, at which point, you can't return it.
We can't even trade in PC games to EB anymore like we could in the past, so there's little resale value in PC games compared to console games.

There's a few PC games I'd like to pick up (the just released Warpath chief among them) but how do you know if it has Starforce? I'd like to keep my aging PC Starforce-free in show of support to those developers that copyright their stuff the right way.

Here is a fairly comprehensive list.  It is up through May of this year.  If you are ever in doubt, I can find out.

http://www.glop.org/starforce/list.php

[Itsatrap]

The lists are great, but keep in mind that European publishers and North America publishers sometimes independently decide to include (or exclude) Starforce.  The unfortunate side-effect is that some games may be listed on there, but not use Starforce for the Euro or NA release.

- Alan

[Knightshade Dragon]

The lists are great, but keep in mind that European publishers and North America publishers sometimes independently decide to include (or exclude) Starforce.  The unfortunate side-effect is that some games may be listed on there, but not use Starforce for the Euro or NA release.

- Alan

Very very true.

[Daehawk]

How do you know if a game has Starforce?

The monitor spins all the way around, it pukes, it floats above the desk, or it says "IT BURNS!!" when you spill cola on it.

[Zarkon]

Very easy way for one version of Starforce:  If you install the game and it says "installing protection" and "you must reboot" and won't let you play UNTIL you reboot?  You've got Starforce.

[Purge]

http://www.daemon-tools.cc/dtcc/gamedb.php?letter=all

[Zero]

How well does the Starforce cleaner utility work?  I've been reluctant to install games with Starforce...and would probably want to remove any errant games that I missed.  Any one ever used the cleaner utility?

[CeeKay]

I heard you'll know you have Starforce on your PC when you wake up one morning to find Satan using your monitor for a commode.....

[Dreamshadow]

Another indicator of Starforce is a reboot requirement at the end of the install of the game.  I'll mention that this isn't always a way to know because DirectX can also cause this.  But if you know your DirectX is up to date, and a small rectangular box pops up requesting a reboot before you can run the program (and the box looks nothing like the standard InstallShield dialog) then it's prolly starforce.


Starforce has a value component too, which appears on Hard Truck: Apocalypse.  It doesn't install any drivers, but runs more like a SecureROM/Safedisk protection, with a Verifying Disc screen appearing before the game boots.

[Destructor]

How well does the Starforce cleaner utility work?  I've been reluctant to install games with Starforce...and would probably want to remove any errant games that I missed.  Any one ever used the cleaner utility?

Last time I had to use it, it worked great. Yeah, it comes from the developer themselves, but it works.

http://www.glop.org/starforce/remove.php
(not the Starforce developer page, but a site that deals with all things Starforce including a semi-current list of games that have it)

That link also includes the manual way of removing Starforce, if you don't trust the program.

Dreamshadow - that so called 'Starforce' on Hard Truck is anything but, as it was cracked with a no-CD the day the game came out. I'd prefer that version, personally. No Starforce.

[Zero]

Thanks Destructor...good to know it can be removed.