Is this microconsole MEGA?
The major value of buying the OnLive Game System lies in its portability, specifically the option of being able to bring the console with you and play on any monitor or TV. The amount of time it takes you to set things up is dependent on whether you have a wired Ethernet connection next to your TV. It's likely a lot of people won’t have a router right next to the main television in the home, including us. There are a number ways to solve the problem though, some of which require more of an investment beyond the £69.99 price tag, but all of which provide an excellent solution.We already happen to have a powerline adaptor next to our Sony Bravia TV. which allows us to access various video channels across the connection, so we simply had to plug the Ethernet cable into this adaptor. Another adaptor sits in the plug socket next to our router with an Ethernet cable connecting them. Alternatively, you could run an Ethernet cable around your house into the router, or place a wireless-ready laptop next to your TV and run the cable through that. The powerline adaptor is by far the best solution because you bring this around the house and use it with other TVs.
Box setup was super-simple and within a few minutes we’d synched our controller, followed a few on-screen instructions and were ready to play OnLive on the 42in TV. We used the Razer Onza controller as a secondary pad for co-op-enabled games – using the front USB port – and switched and plugged in our G110 Logitech Keyboard and G500 Logitech Mouse for some of the FPS games. Both solutions worked very well, though we certainly favoured the latter. It’s a real testament to OnLive that we can’t remember the last time we unboxed a tech product and got it all set-up and working so quickly, and so effectively.
Despite the obvious issue with the drop in graphical quality that streaming can cause, it doesn’t affect the gameplay experience, which is ultimately what gaming should be about. Minor latency problems may upset hardcore gamers, but probably won’t even be noticed by many. The fact that we can move it around our home, and play our games wherever we want – even when we stay in hotel rooms – is a real bonus; and though we’re not entirely convinced that OnLive has the power to change the way we all game, we are mighty impressed with what’s been achieved, and how efficiently it runs. OnLive most certainly has a target market out there, and those who do try it will almost certainly be blown away by this tiny box of tricks.
HEXUS Rating
OnLive
HEXUS Where2Buy
OnLive is available to purchase from GAME.co.uk .
HEXUS Right2Reply
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