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Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313413]

Fri, 21 December 2012 23:50

Decado2

Messages:42
Registered:July 2002

Hey there. JA2 is my favourite game and I'm thinking about revisiting it with mods. I seem to have lost my boxed copy during my most recent move and wonder if there is a digital version that is as mod-compatible as the digital version.

I'd like to install 1.13, the widescreen mod and eventually some of the big total conversion mods.

I've been looking at JA2 Gold on Steam and JA2 vanilla on GOG. Are either fine, or is there a better version to buy? I still have my boxed copy of Unfinished Business.

thanks!

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Corporal

Re: Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313414]

Sat, 22 December 2012 00:14

JMich

Messages:543
Registered:January 2011
Location: Greece

Both should be fine, especially since 1.13 replaces the executable, so even if steam's exe has some restrictions, it will be replaced. Be aware though that steam may validate the files, find them different, and replace them, though that may only be on demand (verify cache).
Personally, I'd suggest grabbing the GOG.com version, but steam's is usually cheaper, so it's your call.

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First Sergeant

Re: Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313415]

Sat, 22 December 2012 00:26

DepressivesBrot

Messages:3647
Registered:July 2009

Cache-verifications is easily circumvented by copying it somewhere else - which you'll do anyway if you want to install mods.
And iirc steam usually calls a rather steep price for a decade+ old game, but with current sales, you get either for ~4

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Captain

Re: Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313416]

Sat, 22 December 2012 00:39

Decado2

Messages:42
Registered:July 2002

If either is fine, I'll probably just go with Steam. I was hesitating because I recall hearing about issues with steam and mod compatibility. Oh, and mods would fine with the Gold version (the only one available on Steam)?

BTW, does JA2 work well with Win7 64bit? I'm hoping any issues have been resolved.

[Updated on: Sat, 22 December 2012 00:41] by Moderator

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Corporal

Re: Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313418]

Sat, 22 December 2012 00:59

Gambigobilla

Messages:692
Registered:July 2008

As long as you don't install it in a UAC secured folder (program files x86, etc) there are no problems.

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First Sergeant

Re: Best downloadable version of JA2 to buy?[message #313432]

Sat, 22 December 2012 15:09

Hazapuza

Messages:262
Registered:February 2009
Location: Finland

My advice would be to go with GoG, since you get to keep the installer, in case the internet blows up some day. Razz

Plus it's obviously fully DRM-free, and you'd support a good cause. Right now, Steam does indeed have the best deal, though.

Just don't buy from Strategy First, at least the copy I purchased from there in 2008 had a verification system which stopped working after two years. Don't know if that can be reactivated, I've never tried. Usable for 1.13 of course, but if SF still has that kind of policy, I wouldn't support them. Even though their normal price (for Gold Pack) is the lowest, $9.99.

[Updated on: Sat, 22 December 2012 15:12] by Moderator

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Master Sergeant