OnLive: I'm in... and it's pretty sweet

I hate conspiracy theorists.SquatsAreAwesom

That's an admission of defeat.

[QUOTE="chaplainDMK"]

[QUOTE="amaneuvering"]

Seriously guys.

This is a look at the future of gaming, a big part of it anyway, and you're afraid of it.

penguindude5

-No mods
-Dependant on some company staying alive for your games
-Always online
-Crappy quality
-Expensive

If thats the future if gaming I'll pass...

All of those downsides (except for mods, of course) can be applied to streaming movies, which many people here will agree is the future of movies.

So what you're saying is that the future of entertainment is being forced to always have an internet connection (wishful thinking)?
Sorry, I rather just go down to the store and buy a blu-ray or a DVD, or better yet, borrow and have full 1080p quality for under 10€ with no internet needed.

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"]I hate conspiracy theorists.SteveTabernacle

That's an admission of defeat.

[QUOTE="penguindude5"]

[QUOTE="chaplainDMK"]

-No mods
-Dependant on some company staying alive for your games
-Always online
-Crappy quality
-Expensive

If thats the future if gaming I'll pass...

chaplainDMK

All of those downsides (except for mods, of course) can be applied to streaming movies, which many people here will agree is the future of movies.

So what you're saying is that the future of entertainment is being forced to always have an internet connection (wishful thinking)?
Sorry, I rather just go down to the store and buy a blu-ray or a DVD, or better yet, borrow and have full 1080p quality for under 10€ with no internet needed.

Don't get me wrong, I would too... I'm just pointing out people here love the idea of streaming movies yet hate OnLive. Personally, I think OnLive is a neat idea and I'm more than willing to try it (signed up for the waiting list of the free year thing). I still want physical games, much like I still buy Blu Rays even though I watch movies on Netflix online.

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"]I hate conspiracy theorists.SteveTabernacle

That's an admission of defeat.

[QUOTE="cobrax25"]

[QUOTE="Oonga"]

I seriously cannot see why anyone would use this service. Such a big waste.

Why would you want 'virtually zero controller lag' when you can have no controller lag?

WhenCicadasCry

uh...because you pay absolutly nothing for hardware?...ever?

is it really that hard to see why?

I hate conspiracy theorists.SquatsAreAwesom

That's an admission of defeat.

[QUOTE="SteveTabernacle"]

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"]I hate conspiracy theorists.SquatsAreAwesom

That's an admission of defeat.

The problem is latency. However people are so half-baked with their understanding of computers, they believe it is one in the same. It's quite funny actually.SquatsAreAwesom

[QUOTE="jedikevin2"][QUOTE="SteveTabernacle"] You didn't address any of his valid points and concerns. :)

That's an admission of defeat.

SquatsAreAwesom

Btw that is the SW terminology for OnLive gamers?

Btw that is the SW terminology for OnLive gamers?

MK-Professor

[QUOTE="WhenCicadasCry"][QUOTE="cobrax25"]

uh...because you pay absolutly nothing for hardware?...ever?

is it really that hard to see why?

toxicmog

XBL and WoW or any MMORPGs out there don't need fast Internet connection but you'll not only need fast Download Speed but also Upload speed too to use Onlive.

[QUOTE="SteveTabernacle"]

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"]I hate conspiracy theorists.SquatsAreAwesom

That's an admission of defeat.

1. OnLIVE games have lower quality than console equivalents.

FACT - OnLIVE games have 720p resolution and some amount of video compression / artifacts as a by-product of streaming. Console games offer 720p or greater with none of the video degradation present in the OnLIVE stream. PCs offer even greater performance, again, with none of the problems.

2. OnLIVE games are not owned, only rented.

FACT - see both the OnLIVE website, EULA and TOU agreement. OnLIVE games are accessed via a system which works similar to a time card at a LAN Center. Despite dismissive language on your part, and in their FAQ, the TOU states clearly "ALL SALES ARE FINAL. ALL FEES ARE PAYABLE IN ADVANCE AND ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, TRANSFERABLE, OR REDEEMABLE IN WHOLE OR IN PART."and clarifies that you do not, in fact, own the games.

3. OnLIVE is unavailable offline.

FACT - OnLIVE is a cloud-based computing system, it only works via the internet. It cannot be played offline in any capacity.

4. OnLIVE is more expensive than the competition.

FACT - A console is $200 (versus the $180 a year cost of OnLIVE). In just a two year period, the console owner saves $160 on service costs alone. In fact, they could pay for Xbox LIVE *and still save $60*. In addition, the cost of content on OnLIVE is full retail, despite most retailers, including Amazon, offering significant discounts on new content. For example, Amazon, Target and Best Buy all offer $10 cash back programs (in the form of giftcards) for early purchase of new games. For later purchasers, stores like GameStop typically have new or used copies at a significant discount. In addition, console owners can sell unwanted games, further lowering the total cost of ownership.

5. OnLIVE can take away your content at any time.

FACT - Content is only available so long as you subscribe to the OnLIVE service. If you cease to pay the service fee, the games you have paid for are no longer accessible. In addition, OnLIVE reserves the right (in the EULA and TOU) to remove content at any time from the service without compensation. The may choose to refund a portion of your play pass at their discretion (stated in their FAQ, not stated in EULA or TOU).

6. OnLIVE's goal is to get bought by an ISP or other company.

FACT - Steve's previous large project, WebTV, was sold to Microsoft shortly after its inception. AT&T already has logos on the OnLIVE site, and ISP sponsorship of content (ESPN, etc...) is not unusual. Previous streaming game efforts as early as the SEGA Genesis were run by cable companies, and even earlier efforts were run by providers in Japan. OnLIVE's high operating costs and bandwidth requirements necessitate sponsorship by, partnership with, or outright sale to, ISPs.

yeah onlive is so so. you need a real fast internet connection to really benifit from it anyways....better to just get a console if you dont have one. as most of the games featured are also on consoles...plus like others said NO MODS! so whats the point? I doubt this service will be all that sucessful...

Onlive bridges the gap of those who cannot afford to or want to buy a gaming pc or console and games. It's more convenient aswell.

I find it funny that there's so much hate for it like it's really hurting anything. I wouldn't be surprised if some big company aquired it because of the potential in the future.

Onlive bridges the gap of those who cannot afford to or want to buy a gaming pc or console and games.Mystic-G

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"][QUOTE="jedikevin2"] Steve. I've given up on squats statements. He has compared onlive to steam and hulu and have been debunked on those comparisons multiple times in this thread. He has also not made any objective responses to valid points members have said. What does crysis have to do with many people not having the bandwidth needed to really use the service?ianuilliam

I like how everyone was all "I'm gonna get OnLive and play Crysis on high on my netbook!" and then it comes out, and not only is Crysis not even offered (from what I can tell, there's only like 10 games...), but you can't max out games on it anyway.

[QUOTE="ianuilliam"]

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"] I've given up on system war's lack of computer literacy when they fail to even comprehend that the majority of the bandwidth issues revolving around OnLive is identical to that of Hulu. Just because Hulu cached data is irrelevant. The problem is latency. However people are so half-baked with their understanding of computers, they believe it is one in the same. It's quite funny actually. There is absolutely no reason to try to be objective on system wars. Get real. People are never objective here, so why waste my energy? I already tried... and the amount of facepalming was enough for me to bring it down to the level of others.VideoGameGuy

Some more impressions. Last night I decided to redeem my free game voucher, and after finding out they didn't have ME2 or Crysis I decided to get Batman AA. No go. Batman is rental only.

So I just tried the demo and it worked really good with the service. Games like ME2, Batman AA, and AC2 are a better fit for OnLive than shooters. I have a 5mb connection(hits 800KB/sec max dl), and UT3 and Red Faction Guerilla were not playable. Sorry.

bumma...

Decent quality(click for 1680x1050)...

---

After being let down again, I decided to use the free voucher on Just Cause 2. Since it has generous auto-aim, it provided a playable experience. During high action scenes, the IQ degraded and macroblocking became very evident. You'd think that since it's cloud computed you could have any quality, but similar to divx, high-motion/high-action scenes seem to require more bandwidth, so if you have borderline acceptable net speed like me, expect slowdowns and artifacting.

JC2(click for full-size)...

---

Since the service is free and you can try demos for free, you have nothing to lose by giving it a try. If you don't have a PS3/360, or rental account, and you don't have a decent gpu, OnLive might be worth using to rent games.

However, I should make it clear that I do not recommend this service for buying games. It's highly likely that you'll lose your investment at some point. Not to mention, you can get deals from Steam/D2D like Mass Effect and World in Conflict for $5 each. Same price as a rental from OnLive. AC2 is $25 new from amazon.com, $40 from OnLive. You can do the math from here.

Interesting...

[QUOTE="ianuilliam"]

[QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"] I've given up on system war's lack of computer literacy when they fail to even comprehend that the majority of the bandwidth issues revolving around OnLive is identical to that of Hulu. Just because Hulu cached data is irrelevant. The problem is latency. However people are so half-baked with their understanding of computers, they believe it is one in the same. It's quite funny actually. There is absolutely no reason to try to be objective on system wars. Get real. People are never objective here, so why waste my energy? I already tried... and the amount of facepalming was enough for me to bring it down to the level of others.VideoGameGuy

Seems kinda fail as a rental service. For less than the subscription fee of Onlive (after the Founding Members promotion ends next month), you can rent as many games as you want from Gamefly, without having to pay 5 bucks per game. And they have more than 10 games to choose from.

My problem with OnLive has always been the lack of ownership, and the fact that you pay a monthly fee just to able to pay for games. Makes no sense to me, it's like paying to park at the mall, **** that.

My problem with OnLive has always been the lack of ownership, and the fact that you pay a monthly fee just to able to pay for games. Makes no sense to me, it's like paying to park at the mall, **** that.

Pug-Nasty

[QUOTE="Pug-Nasty"]

My problem with OnLive has always been the lack of ownership, and the fact that you pay a monthly fee just to able to pay for games. Makes no sense to me, it's like paying to park at the mall, **** that.

HuusAsking

I have been to Malls with parking garages, the one in San Diego comes to mind. Thing is, any store you go into you can get your parking validated, so you don't have to pay for it.

Does your monthly fee get waived when you make a purchase?

[QUOTE="toxicmog"] People complain because it stopped consumers with slow internet or people who are not on unlimited bandwidth contracts. If you are paying for this service, World of Warcraft or XBL, chances are you have a good internet connection. Fail post is fail :PWhenCicadasCry

I pay for XBL and have a crap internet speed

Those that would benefit most from a service like it simply do not have access to the ISP infrastructure necessary to get it to work.DJ_Lae

Exactly.

If you own a 360/PS3, or a PC with a PCI Express x16 or AGP 8X slot, there's no reason to go with OnLive.

6.Less games available ( much less games available ). You have an amazing library that goes as back as the 80's and even older console games on Pc thanks to services like Steam, Impulse, Gamersgate, Gog ( good old games ), abandonware ( a site dedicated to abandonware ), D2D, Metaboli and other services

adamosmaki

~(ps. Abandonware sites are kinda sketchy. Copyrights are still active for old games...)

[QUOTE="VideoGameGuy"][QUOTE="ianuilliam"]Um, no? If I'm streaming a movie vut have low bandwidth, I can pause the movie and go make a sammich while it buffers. You can't just pre-buffer a stream of a game you are playing.

[QUOTE="DJ_Lae"]Those that would benefit most from a service like it simply do not have access to the ISP infrastructure necessary to get it to work.gamecubepad

Exactly.

If you own a 360/PS3, or a PC with a PCI Express x16 or AGP 8X slot, there's no reason to go with OnLive.

Other than that, I could see some limited usefulness as a rental service if someone didn't own any consoles, because PC games can't be rented.

Those are about the only two audiences I can think of.

[QUOTE="adamosmaki"]

6.Less games available ( much less games available ). You have an amazing library that goes as back as the 80's and even older console games on Pc thanks to services like Steam, Impulse, Gamersgate, Gog ( good old games ), abandonware ( a site dedicated to abandonware ), D2D, Metaboli and other services

SakusEnvoy

~(ps. Abandonware sites are kinda sketchy. Copyrights are still active for old games...)

http://www.onlive.com/games/featuredgames

From what I've seen, they only have like 10 games, and Crysis isn't amongst them. Can one of the people that has it confirm whether or notthese are the only games?

http://www.onlive.com/games/featuredgames

ianuilliam

Crysis and Mass Effect 2 are not part of the launch lineup. Which is ironic since those, along with Dragon Age Origins, were the games I was looking forward to playing.

[QUOTE="ianuilliam"]From what I've seen, they only have like 10 games, and Crysis isn't amongst them. Can one of the people that has it confirm whether or notthese are the only games?

http://www.onlive.com/games/featuredgames

gamecubepad

Crysis and Mass Effect 2 are not part of the launch lineup. Which is ironic since those, along with Dragon Age Origins, were the games I was looking forward to playing.

[QUOTE="gamecubepad"]

Crysis and Mass Effect 2 are not part of the launch lineup. Which is ironic since those, along with Dragon Age Origins, were the games I was looking forward to playing.

ianuilliam

Well to be fair they still might get a chance.:P

I never had any misgivings about OnLive. The fact that you don't own the games, and need a 5mb+ connection meant it was dead in the water. Cloud computing is a cool idea, and I can see it catching on in the future. It's just hard to say who OnLive would appeal to at $5-15/month:

-A console gamer that wants to play Crysis.

-A PS3 gamer who wants to play Mass Effect 2

-A Wii owner who wants to play some multiplats.

[QUOTE="subrosian"][QUOTE="SquatsAreAwesom"] The average computer cannot run crysis. PC gaming in infeasible. wut?SquatsAreAwesom

Well, looking at the screenies posted on this topic, OnLive graphic fidelity looks far worse than what a console can provide

I really hope OnLive fails. It's just another way to rip you off and take power away from the consumer.

Just got my invite about an hour ago, so far its interesting and kinda neat. The screenshot looks pretty bad, its much better in person though. I think everyone should take advantage of the free year just for the experience.

How close are the servers?

How close are the servers?

lucky_star

No idea, is there a tab or something in the menu that tells me details like that?