Frequently Asked Questions

Need some information about SSI-related topics? Here you go.

First of all, I really appreciate all the kind words and feedback that I have gotten about this site. I especially enjoy the additions and corrections; rest assured that they will be incorporated as I get more time!

1) (This is the big one.) How can I get a copy of SSI game xxx?

Answer: I will not direct you to any download site.  The ethical nature of such sites is still open to debate; a debate I do not want to participate in.  Personally, I think there is nothing wrong with finding a copy of an old game that is no longer available.  However, there are enough searching resources on-line that you can--and should--take on that task for yourself.  

There are several possibilities. If you are lucky enough to live near a city with a good independent computer store, start browsing. Often, older programs can still be found. I know the Twin Cities, Minnesota area used to have a great small chain called Budget Software (if I recall correctly) that sold sealed software for all sorts of systems-IBM, Apple II, Atari ST, Amiga, Commodore 64, even TI-99/4a. I think they have transformed into a hardware-only store now, but look for similar places in other areas.

I have found many way cool old SSI games on Ebay. (It's the only auction site I've found that has the older SSI games regularly offered by people.) Versions for all computers regularly come up for sale, and the prices can be very reasonable. Occasionally, the games are even mint in their original shrinkwrapping-prices for these rapidly escalate. One can see the esteem in which older SSI games are held by the bidding wars that occasionally break out--I remember a copy of Geopolitique 1990 selling for more than the original retail price. I've had very good luck with what I've gotten from Ebay sellers. Read the descriptions carefully: your game should include the box, manual(s), and disks. Supplementary charts are not always as important, but they're still good to have. The best ones also include the SSI warranty card and, even better, classic SSI catalogs.

Remember, all SSI games are still copyrighted by Strategic Simulations, Inc., and, by extension, Ubi Soft. As such no matter what you believe the morals of attaining internet cracked copies of out-of-print games, it is a violation of U.S. and, usually, international copyright law, unless (and the sources on this are ambiguous!!!!) you already own a copy of that version of the game. Personally, I think all software companies should, after some period of commercial inactivity (including appearances in bundles) release game rights back to the developers who could either update the title or release limited rights to the public domain. However, this is not done! If you need to, you can find a good emulation site and a site with disk images. But please don't ask me for the address of such a site-use search engines.

2) Where can I find more information on game xxx?

Answer:  Search the Internet.  I like the Google search engine.  Someday, I may try to make a master directory of SSI sites, but such a task would be quite an undertaking.