OnLive Bandwidth Test – MacBook Pro

I’ve been using a Mac for quite sometime and there has always been one disadvantage and that’s in the gaming department. Before there was Steam Mac support there was this other option called OnLive. The concept of streaming Video Game content sounded intriguing but there was many concerns on Bandwidth. Though it was definitely something I was going to keep my eye on. With the recent news of OnLive having a $10 a month monthly charge I figured it was time for me to give it a spin.

Full Review after the break.


Okay let’s start with my Specs. Currently I’m jamming on a MacBook Pro 2.4ghz Duo Core. I have 4gb 667Mhz DDR2 SDRAM and my graphics card is a 256mb. For this test I was running off of a Wireless N Network with an Airport Extreme.

The Service

After logging into the Onlive network and sitting through various Boot Screens I finally made my way to the main menu. Finding the Game Library was extremely simple. It was also nice to see them prompt you to the Game Marketplace when you don’t have any games to play. As for the Marketplace it seemed a bit bare. There was a bunch of games to choose from but they seemed a little dated. Though it seems Ubisoft is totally invested in the systems with some of their better titles being available to play. I’m hoping to see OnLive build out their catalog for some more recent titles.

Gameplay

For my Play Test I went ahead with Prince of Persia the Forgotten Sands. Getting into the game was a breeze load screens went by quickly but that’s all dependent on your Internet Speed. Right away I notice a real quick response with Mouse and Keyboard. Though at times I felt the mouse to be a bit sensitive and I missed my console controller.

Graphics + Sound

This was the only area that I really noticed a difference. When playing a game it appears that you’re almost watching it via YouTube HD. The picture quality is bearable but certainly not the cleanest image I’ve seen. Though the Sound Quality seems pretty descent. I was wearing a headset during my Play Test and things seemed pretty epic.

Overall

I think this service is something to keep you eye on. While not as good as playing via the console this does open up a new era of gaming. Giving those without the high end systems the same opportunities as those that do. OnLive has the opportunity of really starting a gaming revolution.