Buying GalCiv2

Is the download a good idea?

So I love the demo despite it's shortness, and decided I must have this game. I also -really really- like the distribution method they're using...download and play, while you wait for your game box. It's about time someone did this

Anyway. My dilemma is that I read the 'Downloading and installing' thread, and a good handful of people had trouble with the download. Is it a good idea to buy it this way, or should I head over to Amazon?
4,925 views 7 replies
Reply #1 Top
It's a good deal to buy off totalgaming.net, although you pay more the game works out to cost less, as you can get two games of that price for $20 more.
Download works fine. The minority are always more vocal, on release day it went smoothly. It's mostly people who aren't as good with their computers (3 year old drivers etc) who get problems AFAIK
Reply #2 Top
You are seeing the result of help forums - you don't hear about those who had no issues - they don't post. You only see those who have problems looking for help.

I downloaded with no issues at all, as I suspect 95% of those who used the download did. I was very happy - and had my box in two or three days.

Besides, SD is extremely supportive of their customers - not like some other game companies. If the small chance occurs and you you do have issues they can be reached many ways, like email, here and through IRC - you are not left alone holding the empty bag, despite what some occasionally trolling posters may say.
Reply #3 Top
Ok, that's what I suspected. Just thought I'd check. Proceeding with download

And yeah, just reading the forums has given me a really good impression of this company. I love it when a development team actually talks to their customers and treats 'em like people.
Reply #4 Top
Oh...one more question. How does the boxed copy ship? UPS/Fedex, or standard mail? PO Box and all that.
Reply #5 Top
I got mine standard mail, but that might be because I asked for extra padding on my order, 'cause my UPS guy is in that habit of just throwing packages over my fence. Considering how awesome Stardock has been on every other customer support issue I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised if they'd sent mine special just because of my comment on the UPS guy.
Reply #6 Top
Mine came through USPS as well. Giant bubble envelope with the box inside.

Which, by the way, I was surprised about.. I would've been perfectly happy paying $45 for the download and just having to redownload it if I rebuilt my system. I was more than happy to spring for the $5 for the CD to get mailed to me.

I was expecting my $5 to get me a paper sleeve with a CD inside and a little poster with the tech treel. Wasn't expecting a full sized Collector's Edition retail box.

Dunno.. Guess I've been screwed so much in the past with companies sending me the bare minimum that I stopped expecting to get something like that.
Reply #7 Top
My first came UPS - the second Fed-EX. I did not ask for extra padding - and the UPS person kinda smashed the box a little bit, even though it was wrapped in bubble wrap - looks like they set a refrigerator on it. Not SD 's fault at all. Otherwise no problem.