A-list titles
OnLive is also selling its own wireless controller for 40 quid. It provides a more suitable control system for action games.
The Android OnLive app runs on phones as well as tablets
OnLive told me that it hopes to give away copies of Lego Batman for free as a special introductory offer - subject to confirmation - and I have to say that the simple run-and-jump mechanics of Lego Batman worked better on an iPad than the more complex and precise combat sequences of Arkham City.
However, there’s always the game controller for that type of game and OnLive’s library of almost 200 titles includes plenty of strategy games, puzzlers and other casual games that don’t require the superhuman reflexes of a Batman, Catwoman or Assasin’s Creed.
Don't like the touchpad? Use a wireless controller
The full list of OnLive games is available at the OnLive website.
From a technical point of view, the OnLive app is a real achievement. However, Android and iOS games tend to be a lot cheaper than most PC games so it may not be easy to convince mobile gamers to sign up to OnLive’s monthly subscription plans or three-day rentals when they can just buy Angry Birds Olympic Edition for 69p.
Lego Batman on... Android
On the other hand, it’s a great way of trying out some A-list PC titles that wouldn’t normally be available on mobile devices, and the free trial mode means that you’ve got nothing to lose by downloading the app and checking out a few games first. ®
iGamer covers the latest in mobile gaming on Android and iOS, every other Wednesday. If you think there's a great game we really should cover, please let us know.
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OnLive
COMMENTS
Not for me
Don't like the terms and conditions. Even though they charge full price for the games they retain the right to remove that game from the system at any time if they feel it isn't getting enough players and don't have to credit you any money back. I like to go back and play games that I own at any time, only this week I found my old copy of FFVII and joyfully stuck it into my PS3 to play it through again. If you don't get the media for you to play with whenever you want then all you are doing is renting. If I am renting then there is no way I am paying the prices they ask for.
agree with this guy
Indeed. While this service is a lot more playable than I expected, attempting to charge full price for an inferior product is not very smart in my view. No serious gamers are going to forsake their rigs for this connection-dependent lagfest, and casual gamers aren't going to part with the money these guys are asking. Shame really, because as the article says - this is a very impressive technical achievement.
Or me
I tried it, bought SpaceMarine for a quid. It worked well enough (great game), but for me, it was the control lag that killed it, I did get largely used to it, but I had no chance in anything that required quick, precise movements. Also, the games in the playpack are (with a few exemptions) dire. It's inevitable that they have to remove games, they should offer a percentage credit or something when they do that.Hmm, balancing a tablet on my lap while holding the controller? I'd rather just use my home console in that scenario.
Great news for PC gamers
While this will not be so appealing to PC gamers who have a gaming rig, what it does is increase the user base for PC versions of games. That is unless there start being games made specifically for the on-live system. PC games with mobile device user base numbers, that's a good thing right?
