Author Topic: How to tell if your copy of FF7/FF8 is legal or pirated (warning: image heavy) (Read 6444 times)

Covarrfetch'd · « **on:** 2011-07-07 00:40:03 »

There has been some confusion lately as to what constitutes a legitimate, non-pirated copy of a PC Final Fantasy game, so I thought I'd make a guide. Legal copies of the game look like the following:

A legitimate copy of FF7:

A genuine copy of FF7 Platinum Edition:

A real copy of FF8:

A straight-up copy of FF8. Note that in spite of the copyright watermarks, FF8 is copyright Square-Enix, not Saul_C_99:

Note the fact that they are all in physical form, including discs. The last image also shows a strategy guide, however that is not necessary for a copy to be genuine. Now, for comparison's sake, here's some examples of what an ILLEGAL copy might look like:

Thank you for your time, I hope I've cleared things up. And if you tried to click the download button, you fail at life forever.

EDIT: The game has been rereleased, and can be purchased as a digital download from Square-Enix's North American and Eurpoean online stores. Remember, this version is only legal if you get it from them, not from your favorite torrent tracker.

DragonNinja · « **Reply #1 on:** 2011-07-07 01:19:21 »

Mine is the same style of square box as PS1 games but has that Cloud artwork or was before I dropped the case, now it's in one of those multi CD sleeves, next to my PS1 7, 8 and 9

sithlord48 · « **Reply #2 on:** 2011-07-07 01:52:08 »

i've got the second pictured of both 7&8 , but its been a long time since i've had the boxes for either one

but i do remember them i was kinda bumed when i found out that all the disks for 7 didn't come in any kind of cd cover for the platinum edution, just the paper holder on the right of the picture it had pockets for the 4 disks(you can see imprints if you look from were they sit) and a spot iirc for the book on the other side. also the version of 8 i have (w/ the shinny boxes) had the same lame cd holder thing going on except there were 5 instead of 4 cd's (you can also see it slightly under the instruction booklet in that picture) so paper or jewel cases are not a requirement.

Vgr · « **Reply #3 on:** 2011-07-09 21:44:56 »

I fail at life forever ><

Aali · « **Reply #4 on:** 2011-07-10 09:12:46 »

Don't forget the european non-platinum version: http://savepic.ru/141417.jpg

DragonNinja · « **Reply #5 on:** 2011-07-10 14:22:52 »

Ah yes, that's the one I have, I just never got the big box because I bought it pre-owned from a store.

ultima espio · « **Reply #6 on:** 2011-07-10 16:42:02 »

Quote from: Aali on 2011-07-10 09:12:46

Don't forget the european non-platinum version: http://savepic.ru/141417.jpg

Yep, I have this one

norikoteiko · « **Reply #7 on:** 2011-07-20 01:13:48 »

Quote from: Aali on 2011-07-10 09:12:46

Don't forget the european non-platinum version: http://savepic.ru/141417.jpg

me too the german one xD and
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2620/photoks.jpg this one as us version

dr_pony_slayer · « **Reply #8 on:** 2011-10-30 17:54:13 »

Would running the game ISO's on an emulator be considered illegal? Providing you have the game itself, ofc.

Covarrfetch'd · « **Reply #9 on:** 2011-10-30 18:48:31 »

It's legal if you made the ISOs yourself from your own CDs. There are tutorials for that all over the place, such as this one which also includes burning instructions.

If you downloaded it, it's not legal, even if you own a copy. Besides, downloaded copies of the PC version frequently have alterations that cause problems, and downloaded copies of the PSX version stand a good chance of having been ripped incorrectly depending on the source. For both legality and reliability, it's absolutely important that you make the disc image yourself.

Roody · « **Reply #10 on:** 2011-10-31 00:43:43 »

We should be glad for the CLEAN copys of FF7 for PC floating around as theres no retail stores that sell it anymore apart from on PSN and it helps keeps webites like this one alive, yes artist should be paid for their work but S.E doesn't get a penny from the guy that sells a copy of FF7PC for $50+ on ebay.

Just my 2 cent

dragicorn · « **Reply #11 on:** 2011-12-11 02:00:46 »

question: Does this affect the usability of viewing models?

Covarrfetch'd · « **Reply #12 on:** 2011-12-11 02:16:19 »

Quote from: dragicorn on 2011-12-11 02:00:46

question: Does this affect the usability of viewing models?

Most pirated copies are incompatible with most mods. All sorts of weird changes that the pirates like to make for no good reason. Not to mention, we will not provide support for pirated copies here.

The ONLY way to be sure that the game will work properly is to use a genuine copy.

dragicorn · « **Reply #13 on:** 2011-12-11 19:18:10 »

Quote from: Covarr on 2011-10-30 18:48:31

It's legal if you made the ISOs yourself from your own CDs. There are tutorials for that all over the place, such as this one which also includes burning instructions.

If you downloaded it, it's not legal, even if you own a copy. Besides, downloaded copies of the PC version frequently have alterations that cause problems, and downloaded copies of the PSX version stand a good chance of having been ripped incorrectly depending on the source. For both legality and reliability, it's absolutely important that you make the disc image yourself.

Someone said that they don't sell them in stores anymore. How is one supposed to obtain a legit copy of FF7/8/9/10/ect if the only ones left are broken or worn down ones that don't work, as well as illegal copies people have made? They also don't steam them (whatever steaming is) or have an online store download link...

How is one to acquire a game?

They should have downloads of all games of each major version (like packs and such) and collection on a compendium store site for all platforms so we can pay and play them legally without having to go on a futile long-time hunt without much hope of success. Some people really want those old games back, because they are simple and easy and to the point. Persay, Sim City Classic, which they released an altered original version... not the original, but what we really want is the original... you get what I mean? ^^;

Covarrfetch'd · « **Reply #14 on:** 2011-12-11 19:42:15 »

Yeah, it sure would be nice if we could BUY the PC version at retail stores for a reasonable price. Right now, your best bet is to get it on eBay. It might cost more than you want to spend, but most of the copies there still work. I strongly suggest making a disc image after you get a copy; we don't support downloaded versions, but we're happy to support self-made disc images from legitimate copies.

If you're just interested in playing the game and don't care about mods, the original playstation versions of FF7 and FF8 can be downloaded from the PSN store, if you have a PSP or PS3. The original versions of VIII, IX, and X are all still sold new on Amazon, and possibly other websites. It's worth looking into.

The reason for the rule against pirated copies is very important, though. It serves two purposes:

Pirated copies are often unreliable. Downloads of the PC version are likely to have various mods preinstalled that affect compatibility with useful mods and patches, such as Aali's Custom Graphics Driver. Many of them can't be gotten working on Windows Vista/7. Downloads of the PS1 version have often been ripped incorrectly (a problem you're likely to run into when dealing with playstation ISOs of any game) and will just cause headaches when you get to a FMV that keeps crashing, or a boss that inexplicably has the wrong health because some of the data was corrupted.
Websites and mods have been shut down before by Square-Enix. We're sure they know about us (a few members work for them, even), and so the most important thing we can do is to stay on their good side, and make it absolutely clear that we're not doing anything to discourage sales or interfere with their business. Our mods don't decrease the value of the game, if they require the game to begin with.

Aifamok · « **Reply #15 on:** 2012-01-19 09:22:54 »

good info.......

norikoteiko · « **Reply #16 on:** 2012-01-20 23:22:39 »

Quote from: Covarr on 2011-10-30 18:48:31

It's legal if you made the ISOs yourself from your own CDs. There are tutorials for that all over the place, such as this one which also includes burning instructions.

For other Games or DVD´s it is only legal if you dont deaktivate the Copy.

Alcohol CloneDVD AnyDvD are legal Tools who can breake a Copy Protection but it is not legal to use them to break it.

That are the German legislation dont know if it in US or Asian so

Fluttershy · « **Reply #17 on:** 2012-08-19 13:05:06 »

They actually just re-released FFVII for PC on the square enix site as a digital download not to long ago for the price which will change in a month of $9.99 unfortunately a lot of people are having a ton of problems with it because they sh*tly ported it again....

ALVP · « **Reply #18 on:** 2012-09-03 20:08:06 »

Quote from: ultima espio on 2011-07-10 16:42:02

Yep, I have this one

Same here, euro version.

apz freak · « **Reply #19 on:** 2012-09-04 04:11:12 »

I've received some pms about the subject and don't have time to answer them all... So I present you with a hammy picture of myself

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i59/apz_freak/131576_145054932214472_2318868_o.jpg

e1sunz · « **Reply #20 on:** 2012-09-04 12:34:24 »

Quote from: apz freak on 2012-09-04 04:11:12

I've received some pms about the subject and don't have time to answer them all... So I present you with a hammy picture of myself

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i59/apz_freak/131576_145054932214472_2318868_o.jpg

Johnny Depp :O

LeonhartGR · « **Reply #21 on:** 2012-09-04 15:48:45 »

http://img32.imageshack.us/slideshow/player.php?id=img32/6820/1346713844dnn.smil

Author Topic: How to tell if your copy of FF7/FF8 is legal or pirated (warning: image heavy) (Read 6444 times)

Fluttershy