Sorry for my lack of updates this weekend, I had some serious plumbing issues to deal with... However, though the problem is not yet fixed, I should be in a position to begin updating the blog again. Thank you for the understanding.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
OnLive Unveils Universal Wireless Controller
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Cody
Via another press release, OnLive unveils a universal wireless controller that works with almost any OnLive-compatible device. Here is the full press release:
We'll give more updates on this new controller as they become available.
Looks like we'll finally be able to use the controller with our computers... This is great news for fans of the service, and should make it even more accessible. This should also help get OnLive into even more households, which is excellent news.Los Angeles, Calif. (E3 Expo, 2011) — June 2, 2011 — OnLive’s revolutionary cloud gaming technology delivers the hottest high-performance games to just about any video Internet-connected device, including TVs, PCs, Macs and tablets. Even more OnLive-compatible devices are coming, ranging from Blu-ray and media players to IPTV and cable set-top boxes. Rather than locking gamers to a particular gaming device, the OnLive Game Service delivers universal high-performance gameplay wherever and whenever they want. The OnLive Game Service’s pioneering user interface was the first to work optimally with any input method, be it game controller, keyboard/mouse or touch screen. But, some games either require a game controller, or provide the best gaming experience when one is used.OnLive is excited to announce a Wireless Controller that is as universal as the OnLive Game Service itself. The Controller not only works with OnLive’s own MicroConsole™ TV adapter, but works with almost any OnLive-compatible device, either establishing a wireless link directly with the device, or via a small USB dongle plugged into the device. So, whether gamers are playing an OnLive game on TVs across the living room, on computers at their desks, or on tablets on their laps, with OnLive’s Universal Wireless Controller gamers can experience high-performance games to their fullest, with a comfortable and responsive game controller in their hands.
OnLive is announcing today that it will showcase the new OnLive Universal Wireless Controller at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles June 7-9. The demonstrations will include OnLive gameplay on the HTC Flyer tablet and VIZIO HDTVs with VIA Plus™.
“We set out to make OnLive available everywhere,” said OnLive Founder and CEO Steve Perlman. “Now that this is a reality, consumers need a way to enjoy the full OnLive experience on any device. The new OnLive Universal Wireless Controller places high-quality gameplay in your hands whether on a TV, computer, tablet/smartphone device or on future OnLive-compatible devices yet to be introduced.”
Maintaining the gamer-optimized shape and control layout of OnLive’s current Wireless Controller and featuring OnLive’s exclusive media buttons, OnLive’s Universal Wireless Controller brings top-tier gaming control to general-purpose consumer electronic devices for the first time. Optimized to minimize latency, up to four controllers can be used simultaneously, along with optional keyboard/mouse and Bluetooth headset for voice chat. Some legacy devices may support a limited number of simultaneous controllers and/or other input devices, but using the supplied USB dongle, a full complement of four controllers are supported simultaneously.
The OnLive Universal Wireless Controller will be available this fall, both in the United States and in other countries where OnLive is available.
OnLive will be showing the controller in action with a number of supported consumer electronic devices at its E3 booth (South Hall, #801). More information about OnLive is available at www.onlive.com.
We'll give more updates on this new controller as they become available.
More on OnLive's Facebook Integration
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Cody
Here is the official OnLive Press Release to coincide with the Facebook news I posted earlier:
Los Angeles, Calif. (E3 Expo 2011) — May 11, 2011 — Social gaming isn’t just a hot category in gaming, it’s white hot. Each month hundreds of millions of people play social games, seamlessly shifting into and out of Facebook and social games, and just as seamlessly shifting their social gaming experience from mobile device to PC/Mac® to TV, all the time remaining real-time connected with their friends while the games continue to play live.
To achieve such seamless continuity across every manner of device, social games have been limited to relatively simple gaming experiences that every device can handle.
Until the E3 show opens on June 7th, that is.
OnLive is pleased to announce that it has integrated the OnLive® Game Service with Facebook, not just providing static text and image notifications, but providing direct launch from Facebook pages into high-performance OnLive games, demos, and spectating, as well as providing automatic Brag Clip™ video posting of your most awesome moments on your Facebook wall.
You’ll see a Wall post instantly when your Facebook friends are starting up an OnLive game. Just click the “Watch Me” link on the post and spectate their gameplay instantly at HD resolution. Tell them what you think through OnLive voice chat. Click “Play” and instantly start up the game yourself, either as a free demo or to join them in multiplayer. Your friends will see a Wall post when you start an OnLive game, and with one click can spectate you or play with you instantly as well. Seamlessly social, but with the hottest AAA game titles.
But the Facebook integration doesn’t just offer a place to meet up. It also offers a place to share about your greatest moments. So, we’ve integrated OnLive’s exclusive Brag Clip videos directly into Facebook. Now, when you pull off some awesome moves in an OnLive game and snap a Brag Clip video, it will be instantly posted on your Wall, viewable within Facebook at HD resolution. Or, feel free to post someone else’s cool Brag Clip video with comments. When your friends view your Brag Clip posting, with a single click they can launch into the OnLive Service where they can rate your Brag Clip video or, if they think the game is cool, instantly play a free demo of the game.
“The OnLive Facebook integration is a watershed event for the videogame industry,” said OnLive Founder and CEO, Steve Perlman. “No one questions the massive appeal of social gaming, but before OnLive there was no frictionless way to integrate AAA core games into the global social network fabric. OnLive’s Facebook integration not only achieves this, but OnLive’s spectating, voice chat and Brag Clip videos add a media-rich social dimension unlike anything that has existed before.”
Just like the massively successful social games of today, the OnLive Facebook integration is utterly seamless: users shift instantly into and out of Facebook and the OnLive gaming experience, as well as seamlessly shift from one OnLive-compatible device to another, be it almost any PC/Mac, tablet or TV today, and soon smartphones, Blu-ray/media players and IPTV/cable set-top boxes. Even if you travel, both your social network and your OnLive game experience will travel with you. OnLive just announced expansion to the UK and Europe later this year, and trials are underway in Asia. Before long, you’ll have instant access to OnLive everywhere.
“We took it as a given that to be completely social meant being completely inclusive, and that meant working on just about any connected device anywhere,” said Joe Bentley, OnLive VP of Engineering. “OnLive is already available, or soon will be available, on TV devices, PC/Mac and iOS and Android platforms and OnLive is either available or in trial on three continents, and all of OnLive’s data centers are seamlessly interconnected. OnLive will be everywhere on every major device.”
The OnLive social gaming features announced today are just a taste of what’s to come. Not only will more aspects of the OnLive Game Service be integrated with Facebook, but OnLive’s Software Development Kit (SDK) for game developers will enable new games to directly utilize OnLive and Facebook’s social features, such as posting in-game achievements, shouting out to friends when you need help during a game, or gifting/receiving in-game assets. With OnLive’s high-performance game servers, massive spectating/voice chat, and complete cross-device compatibility, game developers now have the ability to explore previously impossible social gaming concepts.
“The social gaming features we are showing today are the tip of a very big iceberg,” said John Spinale, OnLive’s VP of Games & Media. “Developers of high-end core games have been frustrated that they are unable to bring a seamless social gaming experience into the rich experiences of their games. OnLive’s new SDK features open the door for an unprecedented level of social gaming creativity within the sophisticated worlds of state-of-the-art games.”
Of course, not everyone wants to be social all the time. OnLive’s Facebook integration is opt-in, and you can decide what, if anything, to share.
For more information, visit www.onlive.com
OnLive to Offer Disney Interactive Studios Games
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Cody
Here is the press release:
Los Angeles, Calif. (E3 Expo 2011) — June 2, 2011 — OnLive, Inc., today announced an agreement with Disney Interactive Studios to add its family-friendly games to the OnLive platform.
Disney Interactive Studios is a multi-platform publisher that creates interactive entertainment based on the vast portfolio of Disney character franchises, in addition to properties based on original intellectual properties. Now, with the unique features of OnLive's instant-play cloud gaming, players can experience them in a new, highly social way on almost any PC, Mac or HDTV.
“ We are thrilled to be working with Disney Interactive Studios to provide further video game content through OnLive,” said OnLive Founder and CEO Steve Perlman. “ With OnLive, the fun, imaginative, immersive worlds of Disney can be experienced and shared instantly. At the same time, OnLive continues to broaden its reach with amazing games that appeal to all age groups and all types of gamers.”
The first two Disney Interactive Studios games to join OnLive, Split/Second and Pure, won consecutive Game Critics Awards: Best of E3 in the racing game category. During an OnLive promotion in June 2011, when you buy either game, you'll receive an email coupon for 50% off your next OnLive purchase. More great Disney Interactive Studios titles will be released in the coming weeks and months.
For more information on the OnLive Split Second and Pure promotion, visit www.onlive.com/game-system.
This is great news for fans of the OnLive service, as is anytime we hear about agreements with additional publishers.
Expect to hear more great news as we approach E3.
OnLive Connects with Facebook!
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Cody
OnLive just made a major announcement via Twitter. The announcement? You can now link your OnLive account with Facebook! After you do this, any Brag Clip™ video that you take will be uploaded to your Facebook wall. In addition, your wall will also be updated via posts when you are playing an OnLive game.
Friends viewing these posts will be able to jump directly into OnLive from your wall!
This is a great new feature, and one that I think a lot of users will take advantage of. To enable this, granted you have a Facebook account, log into your OnLive account via www.onlive.com and link your accounts.
Now log into OnLive and make some killer Brag Clips™ to share with the world!
Friends viewing these posts will be able to jump directly into OnLive from your wall!
This is a great new feature, and one that I think a lot of users will take advantage of. To enable this, granted you have a Facebook account, log into your OnLive account via www.onlive.com and link your accounts.
Now log into OnLive and make some killer Brag Clips™ to share with the world!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
NBA 2K10 and 2K11 OnLive Sale!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Cody
For the remainder of the NBA finals, you can nab NBA 2K10 and 11 for reduced prices via the OnLive game service. You can get 2K10 for $5, and 2K11 for $9.99. This is a great way to help close out the season, and is great news for basketball fans who don't already own the games.If you currently have an OnLive account, you can launch the trial for 2K10 with the following link:
And 2K11 with this link:
Red Faction: Armageddon Launch Party!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Cody
I will be hosting an all night Red Faction: Armageddon launch party when it is released on June 7th, at 12:01 EDT. I will be setting up an Imvox server an hour or so before midnight, and everyone is welcome to join. I will be naming the server “RFA_Launch_Party”, and there will be no password. If you do not currently have Imvox, please go to http://imvox.com/ to download it. It is 100% free to download the program and set up an account.
This will be a “casual” event, focusing more on having fun than competitive gaming. We will be able to coordinate to set up multiplayer games, as well as share our impressions of the single player campaign. Didn’t pre-order RFA, or planning to buy it? Don’t worry; you’re still more than welcome to join us. You can watch our sp/mp games via the Arena and/or join us by using the game’s 30 minute trial; if applicable.
On a final note, I must warn everyone that this is not aiming at to be a family friendly event. Gamers of all ages are more than welcome to join, but be forewarned that that there is sure to be plenty of adult language. If you’re cool with that, then pick up some pizza and a couple six packs and get ready for a night of gaming fun!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Must Play: Mythos Europe
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cody
If you're into Diablo style hack and slash games you might want to check out Mythos Europe. The game is free to play, and you can set up your account and grab a copy at www.mythos-europe.com.
Mythos plays very much like Diablo 2, and for good reason. The game was originally in development by Flagship Studios Seattle, a subdivision of Flagship Studios which was a company filled by many ex-Blizzard North employees that lead production of the Diablo series. Due to financial issues, the company was dissolved. and the intellectual property rights were left in the hands of Korean game company HanbitSoft. On April 28, 2011, Mythos was officially released as the worlds first hack and slash MMO.
The game features four races - Human, Gremlin, Satyr, and Cyclops - and three character classes; Pyromancer, Bloodletter, and Gadgeteer. Each class has three unique skill trees and can be sculpted to a user's unique play style. The game also boasts randomly generated content in the form of dungeons and loot, which should make Diablo fans feel right at home.
My time with Mythos Europe so far has been good. There are still some bugs to sort out, as well as some extra polish needed in a few areas; but the fact that this is free more than makes up for any issues the game might currently have. New patches are coming regularly, so the developers are obviously working hard to get things sorted out.
I highly recommend that you all head over to www.mythos-europe.com and try this game out. Its free, so there is absolutely nothing to lose. And chances are, if you like Diablo, you'll enjoy Mythos.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Starcraft 2 Heart of the Storm Video Leaked!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Cody
This is exciting news for Starcraft fans and, at the very least, should confirm that Blizzard is at least going to show us the game at this years E3 (June 7-9).
We'll keep you updated as further details emerge. Until then, enjoy drooling over the video!
Gears of War 3 Campaign Debut Trailer
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Cody
Epic games has release a, well, Epic trailer for Gears of War 3. From the looks of it, we could be in for one Hell of an awesome campaign this time around. The second game's single player offering surpassed that of the first in every way, and it looks like the third game is poised to make yet another leap forward. Lets just hope they fix the multiplayer in this one...
The trailer is full of win in more ways than one - it happens to feature a great song from my favorite band! The song in question is no other than Black Sabbath's War Pigs, and I must say that it suits the video perfectly. Just goes to show you that the songs of the original Sabbath will never die!
For your convenience, I've attached the trailer. View it for yourself, and let me know what you think.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Classic OnLive "Batman: Arkham Asylum" Review
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cody
First Impressions of OnLive version of "Amnesia: The Dark Descent"
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cody
Thanks to OnLive’s awesome launch day promo, many of you probably own a full play pass for Frictional Games’ Amnesia: The Dark Descent. If you happened to miss out on this rather generous (100% off) special, you might be wondering if the game is worthy of your hard earned cash. Or perhaps you were able to take advantage of the promo but, due to the reputation of this game being terrifying, you have not yet worked up the nerve to play it. Well, I’ve survived the first couple of hours and am here to give you my (spoiler free) thoughts thus far.
One note, before I begin: I will not be writing about the story. A key aspect of this game is unraveling the mystery of what’s going on, and I do not want to ruin this for any one by giving away details about the plot. All I will say is this: so far, the story is good.
I cannot write another word without touching on the sound in this game, it is absolutely fantastic. I am a long time fan of horror games, and I can honestly tell you that this game has some of the best — if not the best — sound design I have ever experienced. It really is the true corner stone of this title. There was not a second during my first couple hours where I was not on the edge of my seat, and this is entirely thanks to the sound. Turning it off — or probably even just turning it real low — would have generated a completely different experience. In all honesty, on mute this would be nothing more than a generic puzzle/adventure game. So, my first words of advice: crank up the volume when playing this game; it will enhance your experience, especially if you have access to a surround sound system.Graphically, the game is sort of hit or miss; though it does ultimately get the job done. To my honest surprise, the title actually fairs pretty well streamed over OnLive; it never is too hard to see everything, even in the darker scenes. Textures are decent, the game’s lighting is well done, and there is also a fairly decent particle system at play which lends itself to some nice mist and water effects. Some of the models you’ll interact with are a bit blocky, but nothing that will ruin the experience. On a final note, the game boasts some good physics; items move around as they’d be expected to, and you can interact with many of them by clicking on them with the mouse. This is important, because interacting with physics has been one of the primary vehicles for puzzle solving.
At its core, Amnesia is an old school puzzle/adventure game. You scour the environment, searching for ways to complete the next puzzle and advance to the next area. So far, the puzzles have been pretty straight forward, and progression hasn’t been too difficult. I also must compliment the game for avoiding a puzzle/adventure game cliché by not making me — thus far — do a whole lot of back tracking. This has been an issue that mars most games of the genre, and it has been nice not having to deal with it. The developers have remedied this common issue by simply blocking off your access to areas once you no longer need to travel to them. This restriction helps to keep the story moving at a nice pace, which is a really nice touch.
So far, I have only seen one enemy, but did not have any type of interaction with it; so I cannot comment on how that aspect of the game plays out. That said, the darkness itself sort of acts like an invisible foe. Your character’s sanity is constantly negated whenever you are out of the light, as well as whenever you see an “unsettling” event. To remedy this, and regain your sanity, you need to keep yourself in the light as much as possible. You can achieve this by using tinderboxes to light torches and candles, and by using a lantern. Tinderboxes — and the oil required to fuel your lamp — are hidden around the game world, and you are required to use them sparingly. Being in the dark for even a brief period will quickly hurt your character’s sanity, and appears to eventually cause you damage. So far, I have not been killed by the darkness, but I have also not tried my luck at surviving it either… By distorting your vision and intensifying the sound effects, the game quickly becomes increasingly terrifying as your sanity decreases. No other game I have played has made me work so hard to keep out of the dark. I’m not going to lie, I can be a very “jumpy” person, and my play time has thus far lead to me “jumping” plenty of times. If you happen to spectate me playing this — via OnLive’s Arena — and you see my perspective suddenly bounce around, you’ll know that I just had the sh!t scared out of me…
So yes, to answer the question that is probably burning on all of your minds, this game is scary as Hell; and I love it. I love a good scare, and this game does a better job at producing true horror than most others I’ve played. It achieves this not by throwing constant blood and gore at you, but by creating an insanely creepy atmosphere and constantly screwing with your head. You never know if what you’re seeing and hearing is actually there, or if it is just the game messing with you. It is a monumental achievement, and one that I hope continues to deliver.
Well, this is it for my first impression of Amnesia: The Dark Descent. I am definitely digging this game so far, and I hope that the rest of the game continues to be as good as my first couple of hours. You can expect updated impressions and videos as I complete the game, and eventually a final review of the product. I encourage you all to give the game a try, especially if you’re a horror fan. You will not be disappointed.
OnLive Memorial Day Sale!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cody
OnLive is having a massive Memorial Day sale, with prices up to 75% off! This is great news for fans of the service, as well as an incentive for new comers to make game purchases.
The games on sale, and their respective prices, are as follows:
Game Sale Prices:
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! - $2.50
Alpha protocol - $7.50
The Ball - $5.00
Batman: Arkham Asylum - $7.50
Borderlands - $9.99
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition - $14.99
Braid - $2.50
Dark Void - $7.50
Darksiders - $9.99
Defense Grid Gold - $3.50
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin - $9.99
Fishdom 2 - $5.00
Gene Labs - $4.99
Ghost Busters: The Video Game - $9.99
Homefront - $33.49
Just Cause 2 - $7.50
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days - $5.00
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 - $19.99
Madballs in Babo: Invasion - $2.50
Mafia 2 - $14.99
Metro 2033 - $9.99
Patrician IV: Conquest by trade - $14.99
Remington Super Slam Hunting: Africa - $5.00
Royal Envoy - $9.99
Shatter - $2.25
Trine - $5.00
Unreal Tournament III: Titan Pack - $5.00
Virtua Tennis 2009 - $5.00
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II Chaos Rising - $9.99
World of Goo - $2.50
Make sure to take advantage of these hot deals while they last!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
OnLive Red Faction Armageddon Demo
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Cody
I was a bit bummed out by OnLive's announcement earlier, but I've changed my mind after reading the official statement on their of blog (http://blog.onlive.com/). This is actually a pretty exciting achievement for OnLive.
At first, I though this was merely a simple demo. However, this so happens to be the only way for PC/Mac gamers to demo the game. That's right, this truly is an exclusive OnLive demo. What's even more impressive is that the demo can be launched instantly by clicking this link: https://play.onlive.com/launch/trial/red-faction-armageddon! That is, of course, if you already have a [free] OnLive account. If not, you can quickly set one up, and still be playing the demo within a few moments.
This is exciting news for OnLive, and they claim that this is only the beginning. By doing this, they can "force" PC/Mac users to try out their service in order to play new game demos. Gamers have nothing to lose with this approach, and OnLive has everything to gain. Consumers skeptical of the service will have a new reason to give it a try, and hopefully see the benefits in the process.
This is also a direct blow at, as of yet, OnLive's biggest competitor in the cloud gaming realm; Gaikai (http://gaikai.com/) For those of you that don't know, Gaikai is a cloud gaming service that has the primary function of providing instant demos to customers. With this Red Faction deal, OnLive has just proven that they are more than capable of providing the same sort of service to game publishers; and this is on top of everything else that they already do.
This should be exciting to fans of OnLive. There is potentially a lot of money in this sort of a service, and they have just positioned themselves to take a slice of the pie. It will be interesting to see how this pans out for OnLive in the future, and if this can potentially lead to them signing contracts with new publishers...
Dissapointed...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Cody
Well, OnLive tweeted the "major announcement", and I can't say that it was very exciting... The announcement was that OnLive users get an exclusive Red Faction: Armaggedon demo, allowing them to play through the first 30 minutes of the game. This is cool, and all, but not the kind of epic news OnLive gamers were hoping for.
I've pre-ordered the game, so I am interested in trying it out. I'll post updates, as well as my initial impression, of the game after I get some play time with the demo.
I've pre-ordered the game, so I am interested in trying it out. I'll post updates, as well as my initial impression, of the game after I get some play time with the demo.
