games  anime  |  toys
Destructoid is gaming news, community, videos, and sometimes love. Take the tour or jump in with Facebook:

 


Army of Two has REGION LOCKED online play? What? WHAT!? photo

I actually cannot believe this, but in one of the most retarded bullshit moves ever pulled, EA has region locked online play with its latest game, Army of Two. What this means is that those who own a PAL copy of the disc cannot actually play the game with those who own the American version.

Upon searching through the PAL version's manual, this particular little tidbit of information was discovered, neatly tucked away and not actually promoted on the cover like it should have been -- because, y'know, CUTTING THE BALLS OFF OF YOUR ONLINE MODE IS PRETTY F'ING IMPORTANT:

"NOTE: The online game modes in Army of Two are not cross region compatible and is only supported between PAL discs."

If you happened to get hold of this game in the hopes of playing with someone across the pond, well sorry but it appears you're fresh out of luck. EA, in its infinite wisdom, has chosen to completely negate the entire point of online multiplayer by restricting a huge percentage of the players from each other. This is actually so mind-numbingly stupid I don't even know how to properly rant about it. It kind of speaks for itself.

Consumers from Europe who have tried to play with their American friends have been cockblocked thanks to this incredibly ludicrous situation that differentiates PAL versions of the game as "Army of Two (EU)" on Xbox Live. At least one PS3 player has said that both the MS and Sony platforms are subject to this region locking.

Just ... what the HELL, Electronic Arts? Despite the crappy reviews, I still wanted to play this, but now I certainly won't be bothering. European gamers demand a reason why you chose to do this to them and their American friends.


Continue: More WHAAAAAAT? stories





prev
next 50 comments

71 comments | showing # 1 to 50

AngelsDontBurn's Avatar
AngelsDontBurn at 03/11/2008 13:02
It's like they have Nazi in their blood. They were actually putting out some decent games but then this happened... THEN THIS HAPPENED! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

It's not that big of a deal, but it's pretty awkward / lame. Hopefully they don't get used to this.
Scientist tz's Avatar
Scientist tz at 03/11/2008 13:04
EA's throne sits atop a vast mountain of fail.
Person of Lordly Caliber's Avatar
Person of Lordly Caliber at 03/11/2008 13:04
It can't be....an online component that is worse than Nintendo's? What's next, pay to access foreign servers? Pay to access your own?
Butmac's Avatar
Butmac at 03/11/2008 13:04
Holy...

Jim it's ok, me and you are GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS. We will just beat Halo 3 again on legendary.

Now come here baby

/embraces
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/11/2008 13:06
Yeah, well this is for that half-assed "coalition of the willing" support. See what it's like to go it alone, Europe?

Next time there's an empire to be built, you're not invited.
Miguelcar808's Avatar
Miguelcar808 at 03/11/2008 13:08
Maybe it's only worldwide on-line play in Czechoslovakia.
Chocobo Knight's Avatar
Chocobo Knight at 03/11/2008 13:08
Wow. And I didn't think there could be any more faults with Army of Two. :7
wardrox's Avatar
wardrox at 03/11/2008 13:10
Wait... is like having to pay for brawl online, or actual? :-P

Also, poop on this game.
CelicaCrazed's Avatar
CelicaCrazed at 03/11/2008 13:13
Is this the same EA that removed online play from the Australian Wii version of MoH:H2?
pendelton21's Avatar
pendelton21 at 03/11/2008 13:14
I don't know about you guys, but I've got my torches ready.

WE MARCH ON EA TONIGHT!!!!
RAB's Avatar
RAB at 03/11/2008 13:15
this game looked so interesting but you guys have shat on it so damn hard in the past days
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 03/11/2008 13:16
Wow... thats fucking stupid. Why would anyone do that?
plkrtn's Avatar
plkrtn at 03/11/2008 13:16
Part of me thinks "thats shit" but part of me thinks that I'll be avoiding those dickhead Americans who think its funny to be racist and sexist (seemingly the majority that won't STFU on mic!) so, negatives and a big positive!!
LarkOhiya's Avatar
LarkOhiya at 03/11/2008 13:20
Nintendo has been doing this for months. as long as they have had their online.
Samit Sarkar's Avatar
Samit Sarkar at 03/11/2008 13:21
Wow, what a pile of crap. And just when EA was starting to get in people’s good graces...

Also, LOL @ MaxVest
HarassmentPanda's Avatar
HarassmentPanda at 03/11/2008 13:27
I hear the Czechoslovakian discs work cross-region; you should probably grab one of those.
ScottyG's Avatar
ScottyG at 03/11/2008 13:31
I guess the game won't be making it into FNF then. :p
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 03/11/2008 13:33
It has motion blur?
Emrah's Avatar
Emrah at 03/11/2008 13:34
I won't be buying it either. Pal games costs a whopping 150usd here in my country, Turkey. I have to import the US versions of games, but if I can't connect to European servers, online lags balls.
Tino's Avatar
Tino at 03/11/2008 13:45
@Lark: Really? Tetris DS and Mario Kart DS work great worldwide.

As for the actual story:

I can't believe EA went out of its way and likely paid more money to do this. I really want some info from EA about why. Hmm. Time to generate an e-mail about my "brother" who lives in Europe and we want to hit up co-op.
skullivan's Avatar
skullivan at 03/11/2008 13:46
"Despite the crappy reviews,"

Well, to be fair, Destructoid gave it a crappy review but it got good reviews from most sites. A 75% average on Gamerankings is hardly crappy. This is also one of those cases where players are rating the game much higher than the critics (Lost Odyssey was the same thing).

That said, this online play crippling is just stupid. My brother lives in Japan (but his 360 is registered as US) so I'm hoping this won't keep him from being able to play with myself and my other brothers.
-PL-'s Avatar
-PL- at 03/11/2008 13:49
Yeah, I have the PS3 version, and it is region locked. Weak. PS3 version has a bigger problem though, the mic is basically unusable, making online co-op play and the 2v2 versus play extremely frustrating since you can't communicate with your partner. I think the actual game is fun, but it fails on so many levels that I'm positive I'll be trading this in for something else sometime soon.
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 03/11/2008 13:50
I'm slowly joining Penny Arcade's train of thought on this one: It looks like a stupid game about stupid, stupid people. And apparently made by stupid, stupid people.
Corncobtacular's Avatar
Corncobtacular at 03/11/2008 13:50
i feel like your giving EA too much credit to say that they would go to the trouble of region locking different discs. That sounds like a lot of effort with no payoff for a company that is paranoid about their bottom line.

My bet is that it would have taken more effort to make the discs compatible so they did nothing instead and the games just don't work by default. Not that they locked them, but that it's almost as if EA put out two different games.
Kif 's Avatar
Kif at 03/11/2008 13:53
Their excuse is hilarious. It's not like they are the first game to feature online co-op, what gives them the right to talk about server load and latency and bullshit like that?
Bluefusion's Avatar
Bluefusion at 03/11/2008 13:53
@LarkOhiya

Yeah, but we're soo used to Nintendo's online play being crappy that we've become numb to getting the shaft from it.
John B's Avatar
John B at 03/11/2008 13:56
"Seriously F**ked Up" doesn't begin to describe this bone-headed move.
thebrassthief's Avatar
thebrassthief at 03/11/2008 13:56
And I still have people ask why I don't like EA. And I still have people ask why I avoid EA games like the plague. And then I point out stupid shit like this to them.

I'll pass on this now...
Y0j1mb0's Avatar
Y0j1mb0 at 03/11/2008 13:57
Also, this game is FAIL LOCKED, as well.

Jim forgot to add that tidbit.
MechaMonkey's Avatar
MechaMonkey at 03/11/2008 14:08
Sounds like EA isn't being a very good PAL to those who wish to play online. *activates Terrible Pun Alarm*

MaxVest, how much did your zinger machine cost? I really need to invest in one of those.
ATuin's Avatar
ATuin at 03/11/2008 14:12
Good, I hate you limeys anyway!
Horatio Caine's Avatar
Horatio Caine at 03/11/2008 14:18
Yanks only have to play with other yanks if they want to get this PMC ish down. Fist pound to that.
MaxVest's Avatar
MaxVest at 03/11/2008 14:24
@MechaMonkey: If you're looking into it, I suggest getting a newer model that you can silence in public.
Wodkaredbubu's Avatar
Wodkaredbubu at 03/11/2008 14:26
After playing (or actually trying) several ranked matches (I got disconnected 8 out of 10 times) with somebody else from Europe I `m glad that on top of that crappy netcode we don`t have to deal with Oversea connections, too.

Yeah, it sucks not being able to play with your cross atlantic friends. On the other hand though, some kind of region filter is something many people are begging when they just finished a lagging round of Halo or Cod 4. EAs method though is just a little extreme...
TurboHyperFighting's Avatar
TurboHyperFighting at 03/11/2008 14:40
I'm with Wod. It is a bit extreme to simply lock cross-ponders out. However, I'm FOR the option of choosing which realm you search for and play games on. For latency's sake, people, give us a CHOICE to play with people outside our region/country or local-yokels. Don't outright deny it.
njsykora's Avatar
njsykora at 03/11/2008 14:41
So no local play, playing via LAN requires Gold accounts on both sides, the online is region locked and this game is supposed to be all about co-op multiplayer?

EA, this is the point. You quite clearly missed it.
Pyramid Head's Avatar
Pyramid Head at 03/11/2008 14:42
I wondered what the (EU) was next to the game title in the 360 guide.

Can't say I'll miss you Americans.
xenon's Avatar
xenon at 03/11/2008 14:50
Samir said: "Wow, what a pile of crap. And just when EA was starting to get in people’s good graces..."

Before letting EA get in their good graces, people should evaluate what EA *does*, not what EA says. Hopefully this will work as a reminder.
UglyDuck's Avatar
UglyDuck at 03/11/2008 14:52
Can you do co-op online mode with any other game where this doesn't happen? I'm just wodering whether the difference in frame-rate caused too many bugs, like if you had a car with the left wheels smaller than the right and you'd be constantly turning in circles...

Tis retarded though. There's things you can do... it didn't have to be this way.
DGX Goggles's Avatar
DGX Goggles at 03/11/2008 14:59
Wow, sure I wouldn't have been surprised if that had been done to the PS3 version (probably wouldn't have cared either), but pulling this shit on the 360 version also? The whole point of XBL is the international compatibility, some of the best games I have played have been with international players, and the fellows I know across the pond are an absolute blast in CoD4. This is a load of bullshit.
Kaspar's Avatar
Kaspar at 03/11/2008 15:00
First Nintendo with their shit, now EA.

WHY THE FUCK DO YOU KEEP SCREWING EUROPE IN THE BUTT.
pixelsword's Avatar
pixelsword at 03/11/2008 15:02
IS THE PS3 VERSION LIKE THAT TOO? Kotaku said so far, only the 360 version is locked.
Wack's Avatar
Wack at 03/11/2008 15:09
This seems like an actionable dispute. Sue the bastards.
Yummyspoot's Avatar
Yummyspoot at 03/11/2008 15:16
I never knew we hated the UK that much...
AaronLindes Neighbor's Avatar
AaronLindes Neighbor at 03/11/2008 15:20
RE: title

...in the butt?

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fbGkxcY7YFU"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fbGkxcY7YFU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></objec
Scape's Avatar
Scape at 03/11/2008 15:43
Do they really just sit down in meetings and decide that this is a good idea?
Mr Wilson's Avatar
Mr Wilson at 03/11/2008 15:49
i lol at you fail Aaronlindes
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 03/11/2008 15:53
Godammit, EA. How does this benefit anyone?
-PL-'s Avatar
-PL- at 03/11/2008 15:56
Pixelsword: Yes, the PS3 version has region locking. I can't play with one of the guys on my friends list because we keep getting a region locked message.
bazooie's Avatar
bazooie at 03/11/2008 16:04
yes, this sounds like a network middleware / fps constraint. I wonder if the network platform was third-party, or in-house...
prev next 50 comments

Comment with Facebook





Click connect and comment instantly!

Comment with Dtoid





New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds

Comments policy

Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?

Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!

 
New on Destructoid.TV play all videos

Loading
Loading Destructoid Videos




    Win this!
    Reminder: We're giving away six copies of Magnacarta 2!



    Dtoid Twitter    Got news?   tips@destructoid.com

    Reviews & Previews
    Mahjongg Artifacts 2 review
    Dragon Age: Origins review
    Lost Winds: The Winter of the Melodias review
    Osmos review
    Space Invaders Extreme 2 review
    Half-Minute Hero review
    JU-ON: The Grudge review
    Kenka Bancho: Badass Rumble review
    Thexder Neo review
    Domino Rally review
    more reviews
    PS3's 256-player MAG
    Rooms The Main Building
    Skate 3
    Hudson's bringing back the Bonk
    James Cameron's Avatar
    Bomberman Battlefest
    Calling
    Bad Company 2's multiplayer
    Partying like it's 1959 in BioShock 2's multiplayer
    BioShock 2 through the eyes of Big Daddy
    more previews


    - The Dtoid Army is 49609 strong -

    Showing Cblogs with 3+ faps   show all

    Call for entries: do the wrong thing

    New to Dtoid? Read the survival guide




     Originals
    Jim Sterling: How to respond to a videogame review





















    More Destructoid Originals




     Popular now more
























    Destructoid's editorial lovefest is:
    Nick Chester
    Editor-in-Chief
    Jim Sterling
    Reviews Editor
    Dale North
    News Editor
    Hamza Aziz
    Community Manager
    Anthony Burch
    Features Editor
    Rey Gutierrez
    Video editor & director
    Niero
    Founder, publisher
    Letters to the editors
    tips@destructoid.com
    Associate Editors
    Ashley Davis Jonathan Holmes
    Brad Nicholson Jonathan Ross
    Brad Rice Jordan Devore
    Chad Concelmo Matthew Razak
    Colette Bennett Tom Fronczak
    Conrad Zimmerman Topher Cantler
    Dyson Samit Sarkar
    Contributors
    Adam Dork
    Ben Perlee
    Daniel Lingen
    Joseph Leray
    Joe Burling
    Mikey
    Will Maddock
    Stella Wong





     

     
      get involved

    register or login
    post a blog
    post a forum
    enter a contest
    contribute a news tip
    suggest a feature
    be a guest editor
    support

    new member's guide
    login assistance
    tech support
    report abuse
    email our editors
    read our dev blog
    nuclear crisis?
    keep in touch

    RSS feed
    Twitter
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Flickr
    Game nights
    Meetup+play online
    seriously

    about Destructoid
    advertising
    terms of use
    privacy policy
    jobs at MM
    buy our crap
    our network

    Tomopop
    Japanator
    Despingation?




    Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming community's need of accountable enthusiast press
    living the dream since March 16, 2006