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| 13 JUN 2007 at 7:48pm |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Hello Everyone,
My friend and I run a Nancy Drew fansite called ND Mania - on June 11th, I bought the new Nancy Drew game at Best Buy and had some MAJOR technical problems with it. It won't run at all on my computer, and on countless others as well. Complaints are piling up on Her Interactive's message board - one person even posted that they felt they wasted $20 on this game - and I'm sure they're not the first or the last. I posted this as an update on my site, and I'd like to post it here:
6/11/07
I just got ICE today from Best Buy, and would like to make an announcement. It's very important, PLEASE READ - to all who have not yet bought ICE, please make sure you have a video card that is compatible with the game. It is my understanding that more than half of XP computers do not have this video card - the complaints on the Technical Support board are piling up, and mine is one of them. As more and more people start to buy the game (as it's just releasing into stores), more people like myself will discover that their computer WILL NOT WORK with ICE. I am now unable to play ICE because I do not have the right video card, which apparently a lot of other people don't have either. HI has announced that there is no known fix for this. However, they failed to print that on the box so that people would know before they buy it that it will not work on their computer. I bought it, tried installing it twice, drove back to Best Buy to exchange it, and still found it won't work. Finally I found this thread on the HER boards. Now they're telling us people with a VIA/S3GUnichrome IGP card will experience problems with ICE. For me, it's unplayable because of the slow movements, blurry screen - there are two screens of the same thing - and the blinking. I don't know when I'll be able to play ICE - I hope it's soon. I just thought everyone who has yet to buy it should know that they either need to purchase a new video card for $35 (too expensive for me), or that they shouldn't get it at all because it will not work. I've never had this problem before. Personally, I'm asking for a refund from HER. I think it's wrong that they released a game onto store shelves, only to tell half of their customers that they need a new video card in order to play it. More and more people will not be able to play it because of their mistake. So please, if you don't have the video card mentioned on the thread, refrain from buying ICE for the time being, until perhaps HI finds a patch for this. I know this is hard - I really want to play it too, but unfortunately, I can't. For now. I will update you all on this as HI updates the Tech Support board. Thanks for reading. I appreciate your attention.
------
Almost everyone who has read this post on other forums is disappointed in Her Interactive now, and so am I. Yesterday, they responded to an email I had sent trying to get them to pay attention to all the people who needed help with other glitches in the game. Since May 24th, they had not done anything to help aid the problems going on. Now they are saying they'll offer live support on their boards - which are, by the way, down right now. I'd like to advise that anyone planning on buying this game be very careful. I was not aware that the game would not work at all on my computer - and many other people have stumbled upon this same problem.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 2:32am |
SusanGuild Master
Posts : 5485
Joined: 13 OCT 2002
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Wow ~ thanks for posting! I'll reference this at my Yahoo Group.
It's one thing to have a video card that's not compatible; it's another not to know about it before you buy the game, expecting it to work!
I miss my Bubba: 1986 - 2006.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 5:14am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Now they're telling us people with a VIA/S3GUnichrome IGP card will experience problems with ICE
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Minimum System requirements do state (although somewhat indirectly) that your IGP doesn't support the game.
HER Interactive - Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements:
1 GHz or greater Pentium or equivalent class CPU,
128 MB of RAM,
1 GB or more of hard drive space,
32 MB DirectX 9.0 compatible video card,
16 bit DirectX compatible sound card,
24X CD-ROM drive, mouse, and speakers
Your IGP doesn't provide DirectX 9.0 support.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 5:56pm |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Glad I could help, Susan!! 8-) Thank you for volunteering to spread the word.
InlandAZ - Yes, you are correct about it saying that on the box - but it's such a major change from the last 15 games which never required this new video card. Plus, saying it needs DirectX 9.0 is not the same thing as saying it's incompatible with certain systems. It's not a clear enough warning. End of story.
I'm not trying to have conflicting opinions here - this was a thread to inform people that it will not work with certain numerous systems - but thank you for pointing that out even so. This was meant to help out and warn other people before they bought. I think I have a lot of people behind me when I say that this is a major error on their part, something they admitted to when I spoke with them on the phone. It's also not too great that they're not doing their best to help people out on the Live Support message boards, although they did offer me a refund if I send the game back (they said this over the phone). Many people on the Her Ineractive boards are complaining that they feel they wasted their money.
Thanks for your attention, both of you.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 6:35pm |
SusanGuild Master
Posts : 5485
Joined: 13 OCT 2002
Location: 0
Status : Offline | It's a tradeoff, but appearance-wise, the game has a nicer, more polished look and certain animations and cutscenes are more fluid.
It goes either way.
I miss my Bubba: 1986 - 2006.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 7:22pm |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Oh I'm sure the game has a lot better graphics. I'm just disappointed that I wasn't informed ahead of time that it wouldn't work on my computer.
So you've played the game? Great! I think I'll be playing it soon too. But don't tell me how you liked it! LOL I'm trying to have an opinion-free look at it when I first start playing it.
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 7:57pm |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (14 JUN 2007 5:56pm)
Glad I could help, Susan!! 8-) Thank you for volunteering to spread the word.
InlandAZ - Yes, you are correct about it saying that on the box - but it's such a major change from the last 15 games which never required this new video card. Plus, saying it needs DirectX 9.0 is not the same thing as saying it's incompatible with certain systems. It's not a clear enough warning. End of story.
I'm not trying to have conflicting opinions here - this was a thread to inform people that it will not work with certain numerous systems - but thank you for pointing that out even so. This was meant to help out and warn other people before they bought. I think I have a lot of people behind me when I say that this is a major error on their part, something they admitted to when I spoke with them on the phone. It's also not too great that they're not doing their best to help people out on the Live Support message boards, although they did offer me a refund if I send the game back (they said this over the phone). Many people on the Her Ineractive boards are complaining that they feel they wasted their money.
Thanks for your attention, both of you.
It is indirect - no argument there. There are software work arounds such as 3D Analyze - but you've got to have a fairly beefy processor to support it.
3D Analyze
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| 14 JUN 2007 at 8:25pm |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Yes, it definitely wasn't made clear. I think they should try to put out new boxes that have it in bigger letters, and explain it a bit more.
Do you know the cheapest video card I can buy to support DirectX 9.0 and play the new game? I'm willing to now buy a new video card because I realize (though I don't agree with it) that more and more games are going to start requiring this. I'll read the article you gave a link to, thank you.
In simpler words - what video card (preferrably under $50) can I buy that I can install easily and then play ICE with? Any help would be appreciated.
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| 15 JUN 2007 at 12:11am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (14 JUN 2007 8:25pm)
Yes, it definitely wasn't made clear. I think they should try to put out new boxes that have it in bigger letters, and explain it a bit more.
Do you know the cheapest video card I can buy to support DirectX 9.0 and play the new game? I'm willing to now buy a new video card because I realize (though I don't agree with it) that more and more games are going to start requiring this. I'll read the article you gave a link to, thank you.
In simpler words - what video card (preferrably under $50) can I buy that I can install easily and then play ICE with? Any help would be appreciated.
You'll need to post your specs - Brand. Model - etc... There are several folks here that can recommend a card for you (assuming your only option isn't an IGP). This isn't a laptop is it?
If you're unsure how to obtain the specs - run DXDiag as a starting point (post the content of the System Tab)
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| 15 JUN 2007 at 3:09am |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Okay, sorry I didn't give you any info before -
I have Windows XP and a Hewlett Packard computer. It's not a laptop. About 2 years old. Not sure what else to post - how do I find out the specs? Thanks for your help.
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| 15 JUN 2007 at 3:26am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (15 JUN 2007 3:09am)
Okay, sorry I didn't give you any info before -
I have Windows XP and a Hewlett Packard computer. It's not a laptop. About 2 years old. Not sure what else to post - how do I find out the specs? Thanks for your help.
HP's are fairly easy to look up - just post the model number. Like HP Pavilion a6050y.
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| 15 JUN 2007 at 4:31pm |
SusanGuild Master
Posts : 5485
Joined: 13 OCT 2002
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (14 JUN 2007 7:21pm)
So you've played the game? Great! I think I'll be playing it soon too. But don't tell me how you liked it! LOL I'm trying to have an opinion-free look at it when I first start playing it.
Actually, I haven't. :-[ I will buy it soon when it appears on store shelves.
Based on what I've seen with the past few games (starting around TRN and CLK), they've had a visual improvement.
Like when Spoiler Alertyou got the machine working in the train car in TRN or got Spoiler AlertJosiah's device doing it's thing in CLK. You didn't have scenes like that in previous games.
I miss my Bubba: 1986 - 2006.
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| 15 JUN 2007 at 11:50pm |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Yes, I definitely see a difference. In other words, they have smoother cut scenes and more complex graphics. I've noticed the last few games look way more realistic. Remember Secrets Can Kill? They've come a long way since then.
InlandAZ - It says on my computer "hp a710n"
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| 16 JUN 2007 at 1:23am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (15 JUN 2007 11:50pm)
Yes, I definitely see a difference. In other words, they have smoother cut scenes and more complex graphics. I've noticed the last few games look way more realistic. Remember Secrets Can Kill? They've come a long way since then.
InlandAZ - It says on my computer "hp a710n"
It's definitely not a big hummer card - but it will fit your PC, and play the game - without upgrading your Power Supply
BFG Tech BFGR6200OC GeForce 6200 128MB DDR AGP 4X/8X Video Card - Retail
Make sure this is the PC however -
HP Pavilion a710n Desktop PC
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| 16 JUN 2007 at 2:44am |
CaseSolverSpace Cadet
Posts : 113
Joined: 10 APR 2006
Status : Online | Thank you! Yep, that's my computer.
Do you know a shorter name for that? I'm not sure how to ask for that at Best Buy. :-[
But judging by the general prices on BestBuy.com and eBay - his guess of "under $35" is not even close.
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| 16 JUN 2007 at 3:21am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By CaseSolver (16 JUN 2007 2:44am)
Thank you! Yep, that's my computer.
Do you know a shorter name for that? I'm not sure how to ask for that at Best Buy. :-[
But judging by the general prices on BestBuy.com and eBay - his guess of "under $35" is not even close.
You'd be lucky to find one at best buy for the same price. Click the link (to New Egg) - it's priced at $49.99. A brick and mortar store is going to be twice the price.
The BFG model is one of the few rated with a 250 watt minimum PSU requirement (which is what your PC is equipped with).
But judging by the general prices on BestBuy.com and eBay - his guess of "under $35" is not even close.
You might find a GeForce FX card in that price range, they're DirectX 9 compliant (although they don't support Shader Model 3 - which is DX 9.0c - but, the game didn't specify SM3, so that may be what he was referring to).
Over and above that - there's really not much that will run stable on a 250 watt power supply.
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| 16 JUN 2007 at 5:22am |
rachelpIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 5
Joined: 16 JUN 2007
Status : Online | :-? I was wondering if you can help me also.
My game is fuzzy and have the green lines on the clues.
As far as i can tell im fine .... but... who knows.my system is sis mirage graphics 741
I hope this helps. ty rachel
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| 16 JUN 2007 at 5:56pm |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By rachelp (16 JUN 2007 5:22am)
:-? I was wondering if you can help me also.
My game is fuzzy and have the green lines on the clues.
As far as i can tell im fine .... but... who knows.my system is sis mirage graphics 741
I hope this helps. ty rachel
Fuzzy sounds more like a driver issue - did you check to see if an upgrade was available?
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 4:06am |
rachelpIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 5
Joined: 16 JUN 2007
Status : Online | fuzzy graphics not sound
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 4:56am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By rachelp (17 JUN 2007 4:06am)
fuzzy graphics not sound
That’s right, I understood what you meant - I'm referring to your video driver. (The problem sounds like a video driver issue)
Follow the link below to the Her Interactive Technical Support Forum - it explains how you can identify them. Post it back, someone here will look it up for you, and advise if an upgrade is available.
Her Interactive Inc. Technical Support
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 5:19am |
rachelpIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 5
Joined: 16 JUN 2007
Status : Online | do u want the whole dxdiag?
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 5:41am |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By rachelp (17 JUN 2007 5:19am)
do u want the whole dxdiag?
From the link above:
Open the document and look for the following lines:
----------------------
Display Devices
----------------------
Card name: XXXXX
Manufacturer: XXXXX
Edit -
From the output post the following lines:
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce Go 7600 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&EV_0399&SUBSYS_81FD104D&REV_A1
Display Memory: 504 MB
Dedicated Memory: 248 MB
Shared Memory: 255 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Digital Flat Panel (1920x1200 60Hz)
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0011.5828 (English)
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/14/2007 06:33:00, 4755456 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-40D9-11CF-3965-F6A101C2CA35} |
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 3:08pm |
rachelpIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 5
Joined: 16 JUN 2007
Status : Online | ok
Card name: SiS Mirage Graphics
Manufacturer: SiS
Chip type: SiS 741
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1039&EV_6330&SUBSYS_63301039&REV_00
Display Memory: 32.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
river Name: SiSGRV.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.3690 (English)
DI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 9/3/2005 04:02:32, 1717760 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: sisgrp.sys
Mini VDD Date: 9/3/2005 03:49:28, 261632 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71ED9-2070-11CF-E37D-3A43A1C2CB35}
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| 17 JUN 2007 at 5:38pm |
InlandAZGuild Master
Posts : 5586
Joined: 4 MAY 2007
Status : Offline | Your driver appears to be newer that that listed on the SiS Web site (at least by the date timestamp) - however, peruse to the URL below and give their latest version a shot (I'm assuming that your platform is XP).
SiS Downloads
Select Windows XP, IGP Graphics Driver, SIS650 & SIS740 Series and click Go - it will direct you to the appropriate page. Download, unzip and install: SiS UniVGA2 Graphic Driver for Win2000/XP.
If you're unsure about them - on the same page, there is a link to: Identify the model number of your SiS products under the Product Identification heading. It will detect your chipset and select the downloads for you.
I wouldn't expect too much however, the 741 is only DirectX 7 compliant. It would also be wise to make sure you have a copy of the original drivers provided by the OEM so you can restore them if you run into problems.
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| 20 JUN 2007 at 8:01pm |
SusanGuild Master
Posts : 5485
Joined: 13 OCT 2002
Location: 0
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By rachelp (16 JUN 2007 5:22am)
My game is fuzzy and have the green lines on the clues.
Hey, look! Susan is experiencing this same issue. Susan has an Intel 82845G which is 64MB and she also has DirectX 9.0c on her system. It would seem like Susan "meets" the requirements. Technically kinda sort of. While she can play the game, she keeps thinking her glasses need to be checked. The most recent drivers for this card are from a couple years ago, so it's not a driver issue this time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We have a thread about this going on over at Sierra Planet.
http://sierraplanet.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=531
One of our members got a response from Tech Support. I'll quote the quote that's quoted from the e-mail:
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience but your graphics card (Intel(R) 82852/82855) is not compatible with Direct X 9.0c, which is a new requirement for White Wolf and for our games from here on out. We are, again, very sorry for forcing our users into this kind of transition, but our older game format was becoming incompatible with newer computers and we needed to make the switch in order to stay on top of the increasing wave of technology. If you purchase a direct X 9 compatible video card the problem will solve itself, however if you would like to talk to us about switching out the game or a possible refund, please contact orders@herinteractive.com, and again, we are very sorry for the inconvenience.
So basically, graphics requirements are higher than they were before.
I miss my Bubba: 1986 - 2006.
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