Retail copy questions...

[theOtherGuy]

I'm planning on purchasing a retail copy (which is usually my first choice), but then I'm reading about GFWL + Steamworks, but I'm getting mixed information.

1. Does the retail copy use Steamworks?
2. Since Steamworks is used at least for Steam's version...does it end up like Fallout 3 and such where Steam launches the game that then starts up GFWL (and then I presume it'll then hate you when your internet stutters for a second)?

[Fish-E]

I'm planning on purchasing a retail copy (which is usually my first choice), but then I'm reading about GFWL + Steamworks, but I'm getting mixed information.

1. Does the retail copy use Steamworks?
2. Since Steamworks is used at least for Steam's version...does it end up like Fallout 3 and such where Steam launches the game that then starts up GFWL (and then I presume it'll then hate you when your internet stutters for a second)?

The retail version does NOT use steamworks.

I can't answer question 2.

[theOtherGuy]

Oh, then let me add another question.

3. Achievements. When you get one, it unlocks on both at the same time?

[AeonGrey]

1. No steamworks on retail.
2. It will probably be just like AA on Steam. GFWL comes with all copies of the game, retail or not, Steamworks runs along with it.
3. Achievements, no idea. I don't even know if the achievements on Steam are the same as the GFWL ones.

[xrayspex73]

Oh, then let me add another question.

3. Achievements. When you get one, it unlocks on both at the same time?

Yes. When you unlock an achievement it will trigger both GFWL and Steamworks achievements.

[targetbsp]

I've just discovered an advantage to Steam.
My retail version just arrived in the post and my disc 1 is broken. :'(

[Doctor_Hades]

I've just discovered an advantage to Steam.
My retail version just arrived in the post and my disc 1 is broken. :'(

Ouch! Sorry to hear that. It must have really taken a knock or three to arrive in that state as I've had discs come loose in the post before but never a broken or cracked disc. Not one.

I presume the activation key cannot be used on Steam then since it'll be for GfWL-only?

[targetbsp]

The disc is actually spotless so I assume a manufacturing defect. :( My gaming computer won't read it at all. My friends computer will eventually read the disc contents after a long while and a lot of strange noises but it really doesn't like it and estimated 17 hours worth of these strange noises to copy the files off it.
Disc 2 works fine.

Gotta send it back and wait for a replacement. This would have annoying, but looking at the DX11 issues, this appears to be like every other game I've bought this year and I'd be waiting a week for either a patch or vga driver update before playing anyway!

[Alienware Gamer]

One of the most important advantages of the retail version is that you can also get the Robin DLC as a pre-order bonus which saves you approx £4.79. Only if you order from game/gameplay websites in the UK though not sure what other regions are doing this deal. And no need to have Steam running either so only 2 DRM schemes on the PC-DVD version.