I think that is due to the intro video, you should be able to delete the file and play it. Also, see [url=https://ja2svn.dyndns.org/source/ja2_v1.13_data/GameDir/Docs/Windows Compatibility Fixes]here[/url] for the various Win8 fixes. Mostly for JA2 1.13, but should also work for JA2:WF

While not one of the games I picked up from GOG refuses to load, there are two that are so problematic I would have returned them if I could:

Starflight- crashes, save corruptions, and extreme game speed fluctuations.
Disciples Gold- Crashes..crashes..and as you progress (with frequent saves) even more crashes.

edit- I bought these games long before the money back guarantee.

Thanks, I definitely tried JA2 fixes, but wasn't able to apply them to WF. I was sent a method by a GOG support member as well, which I have yet to try/revisit; I think I did try it initially, but I can't remember if it was that or something else since it's been more than six months now.

I am content now because I got an older laptop working again, so I can play my non-Win 8 compatible games on that, so it's not an issue for me at this point.