OnLive Cloud Gaming: Play Games Faster & Easier
OnLive: A Revolutionary Cloud Gaming Experience
OnLive represents a groundbreaking approach to gaming, offering a distinctive method for accessing the titles you enjoy most. The traditional need for frequent hardware upgrades is eliminated.
Instead, games are executed within the cloud environment and streamed directly to your devices – PCs, Macs, iPads, Android devices, or televisions.
This technology is remarkably innovative and merits exploration through a download and trial.
Benefits of the OnLive System
Even without making a purchase, users can experience games through trial periods. This provides an immediate and convenient way to demo titles before committing to a buy.
The system’s cross-platform functionality and mobile capabilities are particularly impressive and should be experienced firsthand.
- Play games on a variety of devices.
- Eliminate the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
- Demo games instantly with trial periods.
- Enjoy seamless gaming across platforms.
OnLive delivers a fluid and accessible gaming experience, redefining how players interact with their favorite games.
Cloud Gaming
Similar to how movies are streamed via services like Netflix, or music is accessed from Google storage, games can now be streamed as well, pioneered by platforms like OnLive.
These services host a comprehensive library of games on their servers, allowing users to select and play titles without the need for local downloads.
A technical analogy would be to consider it as renting computational resources from a cloud computing provider, such as Amazon Web Services, but optimized specifically for gaming performance.
Essentially, it provides access to a virtual gaming machine accessible across a wide range of devices.
[embed width="580"]http://youtu.be/Fr2DSxmrH4Y[/embed]
Getting Started: Registration and Application Download
Begin by visiting the OnLive signup form to create an account. It's important to note that credit card information is not required for registration, only if you intend to make a purchase.
After signing up, proceed to log in. The system will automatically recognize whether the application is already installed on your PC or Mac.
Application Installation and Launch
If the OnLive application isn't detected, you will be prompted to download and install it. This ensures a seamless gaming experience.
Should the application be present on your system, a play button will become visible, initiating the launch of the OnLive client.
Exploring the OnLive Interface
Let's examine what the primary interface of the OnLive platform presents to users.
The arena functions as a viewing space for live gameplay. It offers an engaging experience, allowing observation of numerous games as they are actively played. This is an excellent method for uncovering new titles that might not have been previously considered.
Upon discovering a game of interest, immediate participation is possible. Players can directly join the action. Voice communication is also available, should the gaming group desire it.
Navigating the menu is achieved through mouse movement. If a game appears appealing, a session can be initiated instantly with the "Play Now" option. This level of accessibility is truly remarkable.
The provided free trial grants 30 minutes of uninterrupted gameplay. This is a substantial allowance for evaluation. Progress can be preserved by saving, allowing resumption after a full game purchase.
Access the OnLive dashboard or hub during gameplay by pressing ALT-O. This will also display the remaining trial time.
Frame Rates and Lag
Several games across different genres have been tested. While playing Darksiders, a first-person shooter featuring a conflict between demons and angels, the frame rate appeared slightly uneven. However, this choppiness didn't hinder the gameplay experience.
Dirt 3 performed exceptionally well, exhibiting no discernible lag in either the visuals or the responsiveness of the controls. This was based on personal experience, and a limited familiarity with racing games.
Tropico also ran smoothly. A different hack-and-slash title, the name of which is currently unremembered, presented a minor input delay with mouse movements.
Generally, the performance was impressive. Even with a relatively slow upload speed, a connection of at least 10mbps download and 1mbps upload should provide a satisfactory experience.
To assess compatibility, downloading the game and participating in a trial session is recommended.
Important Note: Not all games offer trial versions, such as the multiplayer component of Homefront. This limitation is logical, as a trial could disrupt ongoing matches by prematurely disconnecting players.
Despite this, live games can still be observed within the Arena.
Exclusive Launch Offer: Play Any Game for Just £1 (UK)
In commemoration of the OnLive service’s debut in the United Kingdom, a special promotion is being extended. Customers can acquire a full playpass for their initial game selection for a nominal fee of only £1.
The process is straightforward: register for an account, obtain the necessary client software, input your payment information, and then select the game you wish to play.
This introductory price is applicable to every title currently featured within the OnLive game catalog. Therefore, any game you’ve been considering but previously found financially prohibitive is now readily accessible.
Remember to utilize the limited-time demos available for each game. This allows you to experience gameplay before making a purchase, ensuring you select a truly enjoyable title.
Furthermore, once a game is purchased, it becomes accessible across all of your compatible devices. Unlike some platforms, OnLive does not impose restrictive DRM limitations, such as platform-specific play restrictions.
OnLive's Dedicated HardwareOnLive distinguishes itself by providing a remarkably affordable physical device, functioning similarly to a traditional gaming console, priced at approximately £70. This device connects directly to your internet connection and includes a dedicated controller.
With this hardware, users can experience the newest games with impressive frame rates, eliminating the need for expensive hardware investments. It represents a complete OnLive client packaged in a physical form.
Key Features of the OnLive Console
- No PC or Mac is required for gameplay; it connects directly to your television.
- Offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional gaming consoles.
- Provides access to the full OnLive game library.
The console delivers a streamlined gaming experience, bypassing the typical requirements of a powerful computer or laptop. It’s designed to simplify access to cloud-based gaming for a broader audience.
This dedicated hardware solution allows for immediate access to the OnLive platform, offering a plug-and-play experience for gamers. The device is specifically engineered to optimize the OnLive streaming service.
Playpack Bundle: A Gaming Subscription Service
A monthly fee of £6.99 grants access to a curated selection of games through the Playpack Bundle, offering unlimited playtime. While not encompassing the entire game library, the bundle provides a substantial number of titles.
Subscribers also benefit from a 30% discount on newer releases not yet included in the unlimited access package. Furthermore, a 30% reduction is applied to the cost of the physical gaming device for those who prefer playing on a television.
The OnLive Gaming Experience
OnLive represents a significant advancement in the gaming landscape. Beyond the innovative technology enabling remote server gameplay, eliminating the need for costly local hardware, the platform offers unique features.
These include the arena browser, facilitating viewing and voice communication with other players, and the immediate availability of game trials. The pricing structure appears competitive; new games are priced similarly to traditional retail.
The unlimited play bundle is perceived as a more advantageous option compared to existing subscription services like LoveFilm DVD+Games, particularly for Xbox game access.
Personal Experience and Thoughts
Currently enjoying Tropico 4, acquired at a cost of just £1, the author expresses enthusiasm. This allows for the exploration of strategic gameplay and virtual leadership.
(Note to editor: This is a lighthearted comment and does not reflect actual intentions.)
Community Discussion
Current Playpack subscribers and those with OnLive experience are encouraged to share their feedback in the comments section. Specific questions are posed regarding potential lag issues.
The discussion also aims to gauge opinions on cloud gaming – whether it is viewed as an unacceptable concept or considered the inevitable future of the gaming industry.
