Mass Effect Issues

[Drift3r]

Originally posted by: Excelsior

Originally posted by: Drift3r
I bought the D2D version (I hate having cd's/dvd's in my drive) of the game and it works fine on my rig. The game is a freaking blast on par with KOTOR in terms of RPG goodness. I am glad EA/Bioware waited to get it done right.

Can't wait to pick it up myself. Loved KOTOR and Jade Empire.

The duologue system is pretty awesome. If you are fast enough in your selections the conversations seem almost seamless. The controls are also pretty damn nice. I love how you can duck behind cover and then lean out to shoot bad guys.

 

[Boztech]

Count me in as one of the people who can't launch the game at all in Vista.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Boztech
Count me in as one of the people who can't launch the game at all in Vista.

Which version? I'm just curious as I've heard other Vista users say they can't launch either.

I've had no problems so far with my Q6600/8800GT/Vista x64 Home Premium.

 

[Boztech]

i was actually just able to get the game to launch by enabling UAC, changing the shortcut to both compatibility mode for XP SP2 and run as administrator

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: Boztech
i was actually just able to get the game to launch by enabling UAC, changing the shortcut to both compatibility mode for XP SP2 and run as administrator

Good to know. I've got UAC disabled myself, and am not using any compatibility mode. Go figure. What version of Vista are you using?

 

[Qbah]

Makes me wonder now... should I go for the Xbox360 version or wait a bit and buy the PC one once I get a decent GPU after the new gen hits the market? No way a HD3450 will play that game Plus those problems I see... (I have Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 and a decent DVD drive... rest in sig).

Is the PC version that much better?

 

[Sylvanas]

Hmmm well I was just about to go out and but the game but I think I may wait now. It might just be a matter of "The people that run it fine don't post that on forums, only the people with issues with the game do" and thus you get an overrepresented proportionate of the game base reflecting bad experiences with the game. I have bought Bioshock and Crysis and had no problems, but still- I guess it can't hurt to wait for a patch or two. I loved Kotor so if this is like it then It probably will end up in my collection.

Oh yeh, EA SUCKS!

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk

Originally posted by: Red Storm
I'm running Vista Ultimate (64-bit), tried running as admin, windowed, without antivirus, without UAC, and I'm still having issues. I've given up trying to solve it for now.

Isn't it the truth.

I'd have a hard time believing it was my video card since the problem is more widespread. Not to mention in the documentation it doesn't say anythingabout my video card not being able.

I'm not saying its 100% your video card at fault, but it says very clearly on the box that a HD 2600 is below system requirements. Still, its a pretty good indication of what kind pitfalls one can run into on PC compared to console with user error. Someone clearly made an effort to cut through marketing designations for both NV and ATI when coming up with the system requirements so the fact your card comes up short of the recommended minimums might be a red flag for some.

For the rest of the Vista folks, I didn't have to run as admin or in compatibility mode (although I have had to for a few older games or system tools) in order to get the game to run. Running SP1 and 175.16 WHQL. Game looks and runs great on a Q6600 @ 3.2GHz and an 8800GTX @ 621MHz. FPS hovers between 45-60 (Vsync On) most of the time with everything maxed out (Dynamic Shadows off until fixed, Film Grain off).

Really enjoying the game so far (I stopped at the Citadel), feels like STALKER without all the extra clutter, a more interesting story, and more polish.

 

[AMDZen]

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92
This isn't really an issue, and you shouldn't be buying games based off what DRM they have when it always gets cracked a few days after release. You guys realize that cracks are already out for the game right. Seriously, DRM is not a problem after that. You are just missing out on a good game. I bought it from gogamer and I'm going to crack it as soon as I get it.

If you buy the game legitly and your not happy with the DRM you have every right to crack it.

I have access to every corner of the net and also crack every game I buy.

There is definetely NOT a crack out yet for this game, at least as of the time you posted this. You have no idea what you are talking about if you believe that there is. There are already quite a few fakes floating around but nothing real. If there is one out this morning, it only just came out - I'm at work so I can't check until I get home. But I sincerely doubt it.

Of course it will be cracked but it will take a few days at least, and probably closer to a couple weeks, or even a month as was the case with BioShock

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Originally posted by: chizow

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk

Originally posted by: Red Storm
I'm running Vista Ultimate (64-bit), tried running as admin, windowed, without antivirus, without UAC, and I'm still having issues. I've given up trying to solve it for now.

Isn't it the truth.

I'd have a hard time believing it was my video card since the problem is more widespread. Not to mention in the documentation it doesn't say anythingabout my video card not being able.

I'm not saying its 100% your video card at fault, but it says very clearly on the box that a HD 2600 is below system requirements. Still, its a pretty good indication of what kind pitfalls one can run into on PC compared to console with user error. Someone clearly made an effort to cut through marketing designations for both NV and ATI when coming up with the system requirements so the fact your card comes up short of the recommended minimums might be a red flag for some.

For the rest of the Vista folks, I didn't have to run as admin or in compatibility mode (although I have had to for a few older games or system tools) in order to get the game to run. Running SP1 and 175.16 WHQL. Game looks and runs great on a Q6600 @ 3.2GHz and an 8800GTX @ 621MHz. FPS hovers between 45-60 (Vsync On) most of the time with everything maxed out (Dynamic Shadows off until fixed, Film Grain off).

Really enjoying the game so far (I stopped at the Citadel), feels like STALKER without all the extra clutter, a more interesting story, and more polish.

Thing is though, I bought it from Direct2Drive. They don't say anything about my video card on their website. Only an * saying mobile versions of these cards might not be supported. But they put this down for a lot of games.

Thankfully I'm not the only one with this problem.

Although when I show the details of the crash, last night it was giving me a fault page module or something with kernel32.dll and today it's with ntdll.dll. So I'm stumped.

I guess just uninstall and forget I paid $40 for the game.

 

[naddicott]

For a little counterpoint, ME is running fine for me on a 4 year old system, with 1 update of an AGP card that supports SM3 from 2 years ago. I choose not to buy/play DRM'd from other developers, but Bioware has built enough credit with me that I can overlook the issue in their case.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: chizow
For the rest of the Vista folks, I didn't have to run as admin or in compatibility mode (although I have had to for a few older games or system tools) in order to get the game to run. Running SP1 and 175.16 WHQL. Game looks and runs great on a Q6600 @ 3.2GHz and an 8800GTX @ 621MHz. FPS hovers between 45-60 (Vsync On) most of the time with everything maxed out (Dynamic Shadows off until fixed, Film Grain off).

Really enjoying the game so far (I stopped at the Citadel), feels like STALKER without all the extra clutter, a more interesting story, and more polish.

I'm playing with a similar system (slightly inferior) with similar results and I've got to agree, I'm really enjoying it as well. I stopped around the same spot, but there's definitely a good cinematic polished feel to it. Walking around the Citadel and talking to people really gives me a KOTOR vibe though (not that it's a bad thing).

 

[EvilComputer92]

Originally posted by: wanderer27

Originally posted by: EvilComputer92

Originally posted by: wanderer27

Originally posted by: AMDZen
Geeee Zussss

OK well I'm waiting then, glad I cancelled my preorder. I have been pretty hyped to go buy this but seriously, the whole I have to uninstall Daemon Tools thing, and knowing that this probably isn't even the only reason people are having issues is not good. ANd as wanderer says, having to deactivate AV is almost scary.

Do these devs really not realize that I would of BOUGHT this game today if this wasn't the case along with tons of others - where I can guarantee that ALL of these issues are there because of their DRM. Because they are trying to stop it from getting pirated which won't happen any way. I can just see TQ all over again. Game crashes like crazy, people pirate the game partly because of it, DEVs BLAME the crashing and everything on people trying to get around the DRM and those using cracks, Mass Effect doesn't do so hot on sales, Mass Effect 2 becomes console only never to be seen on the PC.

F$)&*(! YOU EA, MS or whoever is responsible!

Yeah, I was kinda interested in getting Bioshock (and Crysis) until I saw all the DRM related issues people were having.

I was somewhat interested in ME too (if it's what I'm thinking it is), but this is another pass to me.

Same crap's probably going to happen to Spore as well.

It's a shame really . . . . thanks again EA.

This isn't really an issue, and you shouldn't be buying games based off what DRM they have when it always gets cracked a few days after release. You guys realize that cracks are already out for the game right. Seriously, DRM is not a problem after that. I bought it from gogamer and I'm going to crack it as soon as I get it.

If you buy the game legitly and your not happy with the DRM you have every right to crack it.

On one hand, I know and understand what you're talking about.

On the other, it's basically saying I approve of what x Company is doing by buying their product - I don't approve of it (DRM).

Yeah, I could just go ahead and Pirate it (and not pay for it) and enjoy the game, but I'd prefer to support the Developers (in most cases) by buying their product. I mean it's not like there's not other Co's out there releasing games without DRM and succeeding (Stardock). This whole DRM issue is just totally crap - from the Malware/Spyware/etc. they install to actual instances of damaging Hardware (CD/DVD drives etc.).

Idealistic? Yeah, but there are plenty of others feeling/doing the same these days. This crap has to end.

It's my Computer. I paid for it and I built it. They're not going to tell me I have to install some BS software that's going to cause performance degradation, or Spyware, or any other crap software I don't want on my Computer.
On top of that, I certainly don't want anything installed on it that is going to cause physical damage to my System - where do they get off thinking they have the right to do that?

They don't.

So, I'll miss out on some potentially cool games (jury's out on that). What about Joe Sixpack? He's screwed.

Sorry if it seems I'm not coming down on you, I'm not. You're trying to be helpful and I appreciate it, you've just hit on a real sore topic for me these days (feel the same about Vista and it's DRM BS). Hell, I'm not even thrilled with the DRM that's on XP - all under the guise of "Security".

Damn, I'm just getting to be a real stinking grouch in my old age

I think you missed what I was saying. Pirating does not equal buying a game with DRM and then cracking it so you don't have to deal with any problems.

I'm not advocating piracy by any means. However if you bought the game you should be allowed to do whatever you want with it short of placing it up on a torrent.

 

[maxcaleb]

You must disable User Access Control on Vista to run this game, compatibility mode and "Run as administrator" alone will not work. This is detailed in a FAQ on the Mass Effect web site. Supposedly you can turn it back on after running the game once, but I haven't tried that.

FWIW, I see the lousy shadows on my 8800GT as well.

 

[Czar]

Originally posted by: maxcaleb
You must disable User Access Control on Vista to run this game, compatibility mode and "Run as administrator" alone will not work. This is detailed in a FAQ on the Mass Effect web site. Supposedly you can turn it back on after running the game once, but I haven't tried that.

FWIW, I see the lousy shadows on my 8800GT as well.

that must mean that they devs take full responsibility of what happens when you remove the single most important security feature from vista

 

[Jdioutkast]

cool ill try the dynamic shadows thing and see if it changes anything because its really bothering me, and for all the people having problems getting it to run in vista the game would start for me until i set it as administrator

but I got 2 more questions

ME seems to crash everytime i switch resolutions anyone else getting this?

Also the game takes forever to startup ill click on play and it takes quite awhile for the starting movies to show up.

Im running vista ultimate 64-bit with UAC enabled but the game is running as administrator with xp sp2 compatability mode

 

[LightningRider]

Didn't read the whole thread, though I glanced through and didn't see anything on this.

So in response to the original post I just picked up the game and in the readme.txt it says:

The ATI X1950, and X1650 have a known issue with minor pixilation of some visual
effects in Mass Effect. An upcoming Catalyst 8.6 video driver from ATI update
will address this issue.

Maybe it's the whole X1900 series that is affected. Anyways, look for that driver update to see if it will correct the problem.

 

[RS8]

Wow, reading through the bioware tech section for MEPC... it's like you have to jump through hoops just to get the game working and when you do, it doesn't work that well.

 

[Boztech]

Originally posted by: maxcaleb
You must disable User Access Control on Vista to run this game, compatibility mode and "Run as administrator" alone will not work. This is detailed in a FAQ on the Mass Effect web site. Supposedly you can turn it back on after running the game once, but I haven't tried that.

FWIW, I see the lousy shadows on my 8800GT as well.

Uh, where? The FAQ I read only described how to enable compatibility mode. I have UAC enabled and am now running the game fine. Vista SP1 32-bit.

 

[Jdioutkast]

Originally posted by: LightningRider
Didn't read the whole thread, though I glanced through and didn't see anything on this.

So in response to the original post I just picked up the game and in the readme.txt it says:

The ATI X1950, and X1650 have a known issue with minor pixilation of some visual
effects in Mass Effect. An upcoming Catalyst 8.6 video driver from ATI update
will address this issue.

Maybe it's the whole X1900 series that is affected. Anyways, look for that driver update to see if it will correct the problem.

Thanks I'm guessing that it is the whole X1900 Series because disabling the dynamic shadows didnt change a thing for me.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: RS8
Wow, reading through the bioware tech section for MEPC... it's like you have to jump through hoops just to get the game working and when you do, it doesn't work that well.

I'm just going to say, again, that for the record I have had to do absolutely nothing aside from installing the game to play it properly. The people posting on the forums are those having problems, the numerous players that are not having problems are off playing the game.

 

[coloumb]

Originally posted by: TheVrolok

Originally posted by: RS8
Wow, reading through the bioware tech section for MEPC... it's like you have to jump through hoops just to get the game working and when you do, it doesn't work that well.

I'm just going to say, again, that for the record I have had to do absolutely nothing aside from installing the game to play it properly. The people posting on the forums are those having problems, the numerous players that are not having problems are off playing the game.

same here. Didn't have any issues starting the game. I was freaked out at how long it took the game to start loading [takes about 10-15 seconds].

 

[s44]

Apparently there's a big 8800GT problem? Ugh.

I'm not turning UAC off for ANYTHING. Not even the second coming.

 

[TheVrolok]

Originally posted by: s44
Apparently there's a big 8800GT problem? Ugh.

I'm not turning UAC off for ANYTHING. Not even the second coming.

Why not? A good bit of common sense is all you need if you have UAC disabled. And what's the big problem with the 8800GT (169.25s)? I'm playing on one at 1920x1080 with all settings maxed just fine. Vista x64 Home Premium SP1.

 

[maxcaleb]

Originally posted by: Boztech

Originally posted by: maxcaleb
You must disable User Access Control on Vista to run this game, compatibility mode and "Run as administrator" alone will not work. This is detailed in a FAQ on the Mass Effect web site. Supposedly you can turn it back on after running the game once, but I haven't tried that.

FWIW, I see the lousy shadows on my 8800GT as well.

Uh, where? The FAQ I read only described how to enable compatibility mode. I have UAC enabled and am now running the game fine. Vista SP1 32-bit.

http://support.ea.com/cgi-bin/..._adp.php?p_faqid=19749

I guess maybe take my advice with a grain of salt considering people have had success using other methods.