Windows

Portal

I really want to play Portal but I've been waiting for the standalone version because I hate the idea of being forced to install Steam.

But I'm pretty ignorant of Valve-related stuff. So I have a couple of questions:

1) Is there any logical reason for me to dislike Steam? Is it really as intrusive and annoying as I think it is? Do I have to connect to it every time I want to load a game? If I download stuff via Steam do I get to 'keep' it (i.e. burn it to a disc) or does it exist in some weird limbo?

2) If I buy the standalone version of Portal, will I still need to use Steam? Or can I install it like any other game?

Thankyou. Admittedly, this was more than a couple of questions.

-Sam, uneducated Steam skeptic

I refuse to use Steam because it doesn't allow me to store the games I bought locally in an accessible manner. Technically, when Valve goes bankrupt or discontinues Steam (that's going to happen one day), all your games are lost. That means in order to play Portal I had to find other means. You need to start Steam every time you want to play a game, even when it's offline and the program is quite a resource hog. Using Steam means you rent the game, but do not own it. When you format your computer, you have access to all of your games again through the Steam account, but they need to be re-downloaded.

As for the stand-alone version, I heard (but cannot confirm) that it does not require Steam to play.

Thank you, sir ;) That was exactly what I suspected. I used Steam once (to play HL2: Lost Coast) and it was a filthy experience :P The game kicked me back to the desktop after 5 minutes so it could display banner ads for other Valve products, then when I tried to close the ads and go back to the game, it locked up so badly I had to hard reset. Oh wow........

It seems that I might have to use 'other methods' to play this game too...

For what it's worth, you can back up all your game files. Put them to DVD, ship them to an external hard drive, whatever. You DO have to have Steam running to play any downloaded game (and if you try to run the exe, it will boot Steam first), but I don't believe an actual internet connection is required to play something you've already downloaded.

So it is a little future-proof. As long as you have the backups and a version of the client, you should be able to play what you bought even if the Steam network has shut down.

Not a huge resource hog. Steady 35K on my system. Firefox to type this is 53K for comparison.

I would say it's a decent content delivery system. Never had any trouble with downloads, speeds, authentication, etc. But I still prefer physical media. But where Steam excels is in its absolutely ridiculous package deals. iD's entire catalog, including expansion packs, from Keen to Doom3 for $70? Plus, I actually got it for $50 on original promotion, which shows how cheap they're willing to go. I'm trying, but I can't find anything wrong with that. It's one of the only systems I've seen where costs saved from digital distribution are given back to the consumer.

Thanks for that :) I still hate most of the things about Steam, and I'll avoid using it as long as I can. Maybe one day I'll have to, though.

However, I do like the idea of online distribution services. Particularly as it means a publisher can localise and distribute a game themselves, instead of trying (and failing) to get overseas deals.

Uh... no you don't. You just make backup copies of the GCF files, reinstall Steam, copy the GCF files into the application folder, log into Steam, and the game will validate the files and let you play right away.

I was describing the lazy option of not having/wanting to back-up locally, pointing out it's a good thing Steam remembers what games you bought =)

I hate Steam with a vengeance, and I'm surprised how come there were no petitions, demonstrations, and terrorist activities to make Valve stop it. I absolutely agree with Sciere that Steam prevents you from actually having the game; for me, this is simply inexcusable.

So here is what I did with Half-Life 2, and I suggest it to everyone else. I bought the original copy. Then I went to a torrent site and downloaded the entire game. I burned it on a DVD and I put the DVD into the original box. Now I feel that I own the game, because no matter what happens, I'll always be able to run it without any requirements from outside.

Yep, good plan. And to tell you the truth, that is *exactly* what I did with BioShock. I saw no reason why I should be punished by horrible DRM even though I was a legitimate customer :P

I'll be doing the same with Portal.

I saw Portal in a stand-alone box last week. But the fact that you need an internet connection to even install the game is ludicrous ! And you have to sign up for Steam to even PLAY THE GAME ?!!!!! ARRRGGG ! It's bad enough I have to put up with cd keys, now this !? I was planning on registering some of my games this year, and joining Battle.net. Please tell me it isn't as bad Steam.

Verified, Steam and an internet connection is needed even for the Portal retail copy.

Thanks for checking it out. I feel sick :P

If you want a real hard copy of the game and can't stand the thought of Steam, just buy the PS3 / X360 version.

Thanks for the thought, but the price of buying the game plus an X360/PS3 to play it on is prohibitively expensive ;)