Geek Syndicate Feb. 2012 | Page 9

Geek Syndicate
it means I can play on my Mac at home and then continue my game in my lunch break at work without having to mess about with USB sticks and files. The internet connection at my workplace is generally between 2.5 and 5 Mbps (less than OnLive’s suggested connection speed), however this seems to provide no problem to the system which generally runs quite well, the only issue is the occasionally lag and rare disconnection when my speeds drop below 2 Mbps. The quality of the graphics depends greatly on the game itself; you can’t expect an older game like Deus Ex to have the same level of quality as Arkham City. However, the graphics are as good as you would get on a modestly high spec computer so you don’t have to spend out on expensive graphics cards or processors. Another factor that affects the graphics quality is your internet connection. As your connection slows you will notice the graphics become less crisp. As I briefly mentioned, there is a console available which is currently priced at £70, which is cheap for a console no matter how you look at it. It comes with one wireless controller and all the cables you need to get set up. However, the supplied controller can only be used with the console, not on other systems. The company does sell a “universal controller” (around £40) which needs to be plugged into the console with the supplied USB dongle. This controller can be used on other devices via the same dongle. Another downside to the console itself is that it comes without a wireless receiver which means your choices are limited to either direct Ethernet connection to your network or access through a wireless bridge set up using a laptop or desktop computer. The console is great if your router is near your TV, however, if not you’d be better off saving your money and investing in a cable that will connect your laptop or desktop to the TV. Playing games through your computer, you can use a selection of controllers (listed on their website), however I tend to opt for the mouse and keyboard. I think a good idea would be for OnLive to release a patch that would allow the console control to work via USB with the computer program that runs the games. Another cool feature of the system is the arena which allows you to watch other people play games in real time. I like to use this to view the gameplay of games that I want to try and sometimes to see how other people are doing on a game that I find tricky. There is a small social networking side to the arena as you can cheer or jeer people depending on how they are doing or voice chat to them to help them if they are stuck.

Final Thoughts
I do worry about what would happen if the company goes bust. If Sony or Microsoft went bust (unlikely, I know!) you would still have your console and all your games to play, even if you couldn’t play online. With OnLive everything is online so if they go out of business (and they are much smaller than the big 3) you lose everything: your games, your saves and in a sense your money. It’s a risk that you choose to take. Another concern I have is for those with download limits on their broadband. Streaming games will take a toll on your allowance if you do have download limits. I would strongly suggest looking in to the technical details further as I would hate for anyone to be stung with a massive bill. Overall I like the OnLive system. It’s easy to set up and is great if you want to use more than one device to play games on. However OnLive have been promising an iPad and iPhone app since its release and I feel that until they deliver the system isn’t going to gain in popularity. www.onlive.co.uk

Amy-Jayne Liff

OnLive Console © 2012, OnLive Ltd.

The console is tiny - about the size of a compact camera and has 5 ports; power, Ethernet, HDMI and 2 USB ports.

9