Conker Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 Manufacturer: OnLive, Inc. Rating: Description: OnLive is a cloud gaming platform: the games are synchronized, rendered, and stored on remote servers and delivered via the Internet. The service is available using the OnLive Game System(Microconsole), PCs running Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7) and Intel-based Macs with OS X 10.5.8 or later. Since the game is computed on the OnLive server, a low-end computer may be used to play any kind of game as long as it is able to play video. For that reason, the service is being seen as a competitor for the console market. All games on the service are available in 720p format. OnLive recommends an Internet connection of 5 Mbit/s or faster, and a 2 Mbit/s connection meets the minimum system requirements. Over 50 publishers, such as Take-Two, Ubisoft, Epic Games, Atari, Codemasters, THQ, Warner Bros., 2D Boy, Eidos Interactive, Disney Interactive Studios, and others have partnered with OnLive. Over 150 games are available on the service, some of which are listed on the List of OnLive games. Review: I am going to give my personal review on each(major) aspect of OnLive, so get ready: Service: The service is amazing. Granted you have a great internet connection, you will get the best out of it you possibly can. OnLive grants you the ability to do anything you'd expect from game services such as XBox Live, or the Playstation Network: Full-featured friend system complete with messaging, competitive multiplayer, a customizable profile, plus more. OnLive's service has major benefits over competitors you will not see in XBox Live or the PSN, which are: Play games instantly. No downloads, or discs required; just press "play", and there it is. Bam. An arena mode, which allows you to watch other people as they play, in real time. While not a "benefit", per se, it is really cool, and adds a certain fun-factor to see how people play a game. Or you know, just to spy on them is fun enough. You can even "cheer" or "jeer" people, a cheer being for a good performance, and a jeer being for what you might consider horrid. Though, you can spam as many cheers or jeers as you want, which makes me thankful they do not affect your standing in the community if some dick just spams away. Insane prices. OnLive often gets a lot of amazing prices, huge discounts, ect. On Cyber Monday, they had a special deal which allowed you to purchase your first game for only $1. No catches, or anything. Any game, even if it's brand-spanking new, for just a dollar. Your games with you, anywhere. Since it's all done in the cloud, your games are always available to be played anywhere you can access OnLive. This is truly something special, and adds a nice level of convenience you hardly see with other services. As can be seen, OnLive is a major competitor for other gaming services/consoles. Microconsole: Not only is there the standard PC/Mac application which lets you access their service, there's also the Microconsole. It is their very own game system, which really makes the service all the more better, as it streams everything in much higher quality, and overall feels more responsive than the PC/Mac application. Not only that, it has a lot of nice extras, which make it all the more worth it! Standard OnLive Game System(Microconsole) Wireless Controller(can order three extra, for a pirce; each come with their own batteries and USB cables) Rechargeable Battery Pack(only comes with the original controller) HDMI Cable Ethernet Cable Component Cables(optional addon) As you can plainly see, it is everything you need to get started, even with the standard purchase. And just by how much more enjoyable OnLive is with the Microconsole, it really is worth the purchase, so do not be afraid to shell out that money for it. Though, I must admit, the console can get pretty warm after extensive play time, though it's not really a problem at all.Overall: Well, overall, I feel OnLive is an excellent service, definitely worth investing in. I know I have, even going as far as to get their game system. Though, I will admit, OnLive is not for everyone due to fact it is cloud gaming. This means, that even if you wanted to, you can never play your games offline. While some would not mind, this is a real killer for most; if you're not sure, make a free account and download the application to see if it's for you. You never know, it just may be for you! Personally, I am in love with this service, and find nothing wrong with it, so I award it a platinum rating. Happy gaming, GCN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eli Posted November 30, 2011 Share Posted November 30, 2011 I think that is an amazing review on a product I have actually not heard of till today. Excellent structure and wording I would consider using except for the fact I have fallen out of love with online gaming and there is no way you can play offline Very extensive look into the program I am impressed with you Brandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conker Posted November 30, 2011 Author Share Posted November 30, 2011 Why thank you, Eli. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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