Owners of Android smartphones have been given access to ‘console-class’ games following the launch of a new app by the cloud-based gaming service OnLive.
OnLive allows users to play high quality games no matter what the hardware of the device is, relying instead on a good internet connection for an effective experience. If the network speed drops, the the graphics quality is reduced to avoid lag and preserve gameplay.
Up to now the service has only been available for Windows and OS X PCs, but now Android smartphone and tablet users can buy or rent a range of top titles via a free downloadable app which comes with ‘Lego Batman: The Videogame’ free.
A total of 25 games including L.A. Noire and Lego Harry Potter have been adapted to work with a touchscreen interface, with these titles featuring bespoke touchscreen controls created by their original developers.
The rest of the library totalling nearly 200 titles will be playable using the Bluetooth Onlive Wireless Controller, which will go on sale tomorrow for £39.
OnLive CEO Steve Perlman said: “Today marks a major milestone: OnLive is now delivering the latest, console-class, top-tier games-literally to your fingertips-on tablets and phones for instant, on-demand play anywhere, anytime.”
The Android version of the OnLive app is now available on Google’s Android Market, while an app for iOS (Apple) devices has also been created but is till awaiting approval from the Cupertino-based firm.
