The manual unlock is the only way this time. I tried the network unplugged then plugged in and the serial number did not work. the server refused the connection.
I'm sorry. I wish they could figure out what the problem is.
to reinterate the whole solution-
boot the machine with network cable plugged in.
unplug network cable
start the game with the network cable unplugged from computer
The opening script cant find the internet and asks you to log in
reconnect network cable
get manual unlock code
paste manual unlock code in the space provided
game will launch
after that- game will work fine with network cable plugged in.
I wish they would fix this. I've had this problem with every episode since the 2nd episode.