I've had the GOG code for the game a while already. I think (but am not 100%) if I had the steam code I could have inserted it already and the game would be in my catalog as "preordered" or something. They even put in a special notice for gog users "Note that GOG keys won't activate until Thursday, Aug 20 10amPST and you will get a "code expired" message until then."

Also, as far as I know, with Steam preordes, you could download the installer already, maybe even install, but the system just doesn't let you play before the actual launch time. The difference is not huge, assuming a 1 GB download doesn't take a huge long time.

Haven't tested this ever, don't tend to have the game on day 1, and when I do, don't tend to install in the first week anyway. I'm more of a patch 1.01 kinda guy.

On the one hand, this makes perfect sense - that way, there are potentially less people downloading it the instant it "officially" comes out since they've effectively already downloaded it. Which reduces the likelihood of the download servers crapping out on everyone (though with proper back-end architecture, e.g. server virtualisation this shouldn't be a problem).

On the other hand, it's another reason I'll never use Steam (if the above is true). If I download something, I want to be able to use it when I want, and not have to wait for some magical deadline to have it "activated". That's just a friggin tease!

Gotcha. So, bottom line is we don't know of anyone receiving access before we can through GOG. Disaster averted! And fortunate for you to have no horse in this race.

FYI for something to do while waiting, reviews are starting to pop up.

This one is quite in-depth: http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/08/20/review-shadowrun-hong-kong/163437/

This one is a bit superficial and criticizes bizarre points: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2015/08/20/shadowrun-hong-kong-review/

Best news I've heard so far: ...the developers instead added to the formula in subtle ways, such as the ability to enter turn-based combat mode as soon as an enemy is in view ...

I'm reading that as "we can enter combat mode pretty much whenever we want". And about time too!

I'd say the first is a poorly written hack job, the second a very carefully written hatchet job, full of weasel words.

I wish there were video game reviewers I trusted these days. I don't have the impression the last guy actually played the game through to the end. Both curiously fail to review the story and setting with any detail whatsoever. I mean, I don't need anything spoilery, but I didn't walk away with the sense either of them had a background in narrative criticism and very little experience describing and comparing game systems.

Don't get me wrong; I'm glad for the improvements you mention above, but I'm really in this to sink my teeth into what these artists have to say and how they handle the material. Just my opinions and POV. I might be in a MUCH better mood in a few hours . . .

I ENTIRELY agree with you on that. It has a very snide undertone to it. RPS has been going that way for a while now though, Alice O'Connor wrote a fluff piece for FF0 HD yesterday completely ommitting the many problems the port has and the whole thing came off as a flagwaving advert, lol someone even said so in the comment.

RPS used to be good, but it's obvious that they now wholeheartedly take a corporate stance, their articles are full of omissions on problems, and they only criticise game, where either the problems are too widespread or widely known that they wouldn't get away with ignoring them or the company producing the game isn't filling their pockets with ad revenue.

The sheer amount of unfounded hype they shout for AAA that gamers know full well don't deserve it.. and they end up being underhanded to games that actually show quality.

The game became available just now.

That's only links, the page isn't up yet.. 10 mins..

LMFAO.. The second timer ran out.

"The files are not yet available for download, Please stay tuned."

*SIGH*

jop backer code is now working

oo:oo +2 :P ;)

Still can't claim bonus stuff yet? (No continue button on claim page, just a cancel)

so Galaxy is downloading some 11gb, while the size of the installer on website seems to be 3 gb. that's... strange

Thats normal, because the Files in the Galaxy client are uncompressed.

ah, well, thanks for the explanation

Come on, why can't I redeem my bonus code? No "continue" there, only "cancel"... that's really getting annoying.