There has been a lot of talk recently about OnLive. Especially after the announcement about their $9.99 a month Unlimited Game service. Now OnLive has more the one flavor. I’ve already had a chance to do a Video Bandwidth test on PC / Mac. Though I was really itching to try out the console version. Actually it’s not called a Console, it’s a Micro Console :)
I’ve had the opportunity to have some hands on time with the device. Decided it was time for another Video Bandwidth Test, this time all console. So how does the device compare? Is the OnLive service really ready for primetime? Check out my Video Bandwidth test and write up after the break.
Okay so for my internet provider I use Time Warner Cable. I have the Turbo edition when it comes to their internet service.
So getting the device setup wasn’t too much of a hassle. Essentially running Ethernet for the Internet, HDMI for Video and Digital Output for Sound. The device runs a little hot, though that’s not surprising considering how small it is.
Logging in was pretty simple though I really wish there was a Keyboard attachment for the controller. When you first hit the Login screen you have to put in your Username and Password. This only happens the first time as long as you remember to click the remember me check box. Once I got into the system it was time for a update. This is pretty standard with any of the newer consoles.
I did however run into a couple of errors. The first time I logged in I didn’t have any problems it went right to the menu and I was able to boot up a game. However the second time I wasn’t so lucky. I was greeted with an error screen informing me that my Internet connection wasn’t good and it wouldn’t log me in. This is my major concern with the service in general. If you lack internet connection you are essentially screwed, no gaming for you.
Once actually Online with OnLive I was able to quickly boot up a game. I went with Price of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. I noticed a tad bit of lag on intro screen with Ubisoft’s company logo. Once the game started however the Lag seemed to go away. The controller for the console is Wireless and resembles the Body of a Xbox 360 controller with the Analogs of a PS3 controller. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started using the controller, the fact that it was wireless and on a streaming service I was concerned there would be lag. I was relieved to find little to no lag when it came to using the controller.
Overall
OnLive is a bit of a mixed bag. When it works it works pretty well, though this is really dependent on your Internet Provider. While it’s not the same quality as a console it certainly playable. The OnLive service does remind me a lot of the Netflix Instant service when it first started. Sure it may not be the greatest thing yet but it certainly has potential.