Half-Life 2: Episode One (Install issues)

[FritzPaul]

Here's my rant :mad: : I just bought the above game for my PC. The game comes on one DVD-ROM Disc. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but doesn't DVD-ROM Discs have the capability of holding several gigabytes of data.

Here's the conundrum: After registering the game with Steam/Valve (whatever), they want to "assist" in the installation by downloading over 2 gigs of data to make the game work (I HAVE DIAL-UP :mad: ! I wish Katrina never happened then I'd still have my Cox Cable Modem and more importantly my house :(: ; but I digress.)

2 questions please:

1] Is this the way it has to be (or I'm doing something wrong?)?

2] Does anyone know a fix or link to a fix to get around this crazy problem?

Thanks, Paul

[Sno]

Did you actually install it, or did you just use your CD-key to unlock it in Steam?

I guess i can't really help, because i just took the CD-key from my retail purchase and downloaded the thing over Steam anyways. :D

[Kalbrecht]

If you bought the retail game, then that doesn't sound right at all. It should just be online registration/unlocking, not huge downloads.

Have you contacted their customer support?

[Rattlesnake8]

Sounds very strange since you have it on a DVD Rom and it still wants to download that much. I know with HL2 and CS: Source there are large updates for first time installers.. but 2 gig is definatly not right.

[Karlsweldt]

Everyone in the game world hates Steam for that issue.. you bought the program, sure.. but they wanted you to be primarily an on-line player. You are supposed to get the complete program when you purchase it.. but they gave you only half, and you need the other half downloaded before it is playable in any real sense! Yes, registration and "updates" should be forseen.. but not to have to acquire the remainder of the program for playability.
For inane reasons, Valve and Steam consider those who are on dial-up as "inferior" creatures! That is probably due to the thinking (?) of those who are employed at M$.. they have a 'perfect' world, where there are no power outages, and all their 'toys' are the ultimate! Many people do not have access to DSL or cable Internet.

Full disclosure on the package about need for DL of half the program or use restrictions should be in no less than 12-point type, plainly visible! An option to order the remainder of the program on disk at no additional cost should be mandated.
This is the real world out here, you clabber-brains!

[Johnny Mullet]

Yup! Steam blows! I am a 56K Gamer and bought HL2 so I can play the Fortress Forever mod when it comes out. I could not update Steam on 56K and ended up taking my PC to a friends house to get the program updated since he had cable.