Direct2Drive: Splinter Cell w/o Starforce!?

[Pigdog Ratsnake]

Can someone verify that this *DOWNLOADABLE* version doesn't use Starforce:

http://www.direct2drive.com/product.aspx?pid=170

If so, maybe I will just buy this and kill two birds with one stone: NOCD not needed and no Starforce!

[Sidney]

Unless there is someway you can download a physical cd via the net there is no way it can be protected by Starforce.
However you only get so many activations before you will need to purchase again.

[Luciel]

D2D games are only protected by activation codes, thats it.

[ghosted]

D2D version of Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is protected with StarForce Proactive, and you only get 5 activations. So if you install it 5 times you have to buy it again for 5 more activations.

Only difference is that with store bought you get unlimited activations and it has a dvd check to play the game. Encryption is the same deal on both.

[GTRdude]

but the point is itll be much easier to crack than the normal one! (disable/intercept call to home anyone?)

[nemesis.x]

it won't be any easier to crack

my theory of Starforce Proactive is that when you activate it, it checks the key online and then generates a code based on your system and sends that back to you. that code is probably used to begin the decryption process. that code is probably stored in the registry and if deleted you would have to reactivate it.

method of protection which makes StarForce so bullet proof is the encryption. so the best and easiest thing to do would be to crack the StarForce drivers themselves and not the game.