OnLive, the online gaming service, has just launched in the UK. After a few questions from listeners, we thought we’d get our hands on the OnLive console at launch, and give it a try.
What’s special about OnLive?
It’s a cloud-based service. This means that there’s no physical game to buy, install and patch. The game sits on the OnLive server, and you can play from an Internet-connected PC, Mac or with the OnLive micro games console
The OnLive console
At launch, this is available for under £70, and connects direct to your TV via HDMI, and your broadband router via Ethernet (and not wi-fi). It’s a tiny box that comes with a decent quality handheld controller, and is both easy to set-up, and easy to use.
Using OnLive
We’ve been very impressed so far. Almost no significant lag, a great choice of games, and a good experience. After two days of gameplay, we’re impressed, and as our Carl reluctantly admits, this could actually be the future of gaming.
The service comes with some rather nice touches. You can record a “good bit” of a game, and show it off as a “Brag Clip”. You can also share your game status, in-game video and achievements with your Facebook friends.
If you want to try a game before you part with any money, you can normally get 30 minutes of free gameplay, and you can sit and watch other online gamers playing that game, in what’s called “Spectator Mode”.
Buying games is easy – you can buy the game, or choose the option to rent a title for 3 or 5 days. If you’re a more serious gamer, the other option is to get a GamePass, where you pay £6.99 for full access to a selection of titles, and not have to worry about incurring fees to play your games.
Our OnLive Review
For the next show, Show 68, we’ll be discussing our findings on the OnLive system. We recorded an 18 minute review, where we discuss the system, review the hardware, and try some games. The feature was too long to be used in the show, so it will be edited for time. So games fans don’t miss out, we’ve also released the full audio review, which you’ll find attached to this blog post, as well as at www.frequencycast.co.uk/onlive.html
More on OnLive
Here are some links that should help you find out more:
- OnLive Gaming Explored
- OnLive Review Transcript (from Show 68)
- OnLive UK Site
Got OnLive…? Or got a question about this new games service? Add a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help.
We hope you enjoy our initial review of what could be the future of gaming!