Sad but true, I PURCHASED the game three days ago, valid CD-Key, original CD's...etc.
After following along with the tutorials, reading the manuals, and configuring the game for opt. performance on my system, I settled in for a nice LONG gaming session...but... Five min. into the game. "YOU HAVE BEEN DEFEATED"
I promptly contacted EA games support, and was given a copy of what I'm assuming is a standard "reply letter" to anyone who complains, pretty much a WORD-FOR-WORD copy of whats in the "trouble-Shooting" section of the manual.
About 20 e-mails later, I'm STILL not able to play, and recieving NO help from EA, of course Best Buy wont take the game back (opened) and I'm finding little or NO help on the net.
Re-installing, or running the "setup" prog. makes no difference. Just so everyone knows, this problem is NOT restricted to users that may, or may NOT have obtained thier copy of the game "officialy", As I have been in touch with 3 other RETAIL VERSION owners, who are encountering the same snag.
It's sad when you spend a nice CHUNK of cash (which could have been spent on BEER!

) on a game, then have to resort to "back-door tactics" just to play it.