OUYA Review

[EvilDragon]

Especially the start of the last paragraph felt that way "So, is the OUYA a revolution in console gaming? No, it isn't -- not yet" - Did somone really expect a revolution of console gaming ?

Yes, quite a few expected that, as both the press and the kickstarter project hyped it that it sounded like it was a revolution.A German news website asked for my opinion about it back then, and I basically said that it's a neat project with a tight pricing (which probably wouldn't work if they didn't have sponsors and partners upfront), but I never expected a revolution... I expected a neat small Android device, but failed to see what's so new about it, as you could do the same with a smartphone, an HDMI cable and a BT controller.

I also said that I don't expect many original games (mostly upgraded Android games, suited to fit the controls) and that it might be an issue to play most Android games right away, as many of them only support touchscreen controls.

My opinion hasn't changed. It's a neat device for a neat price, but nothing special IMHO.

But yes, it got a HUGE hype from the press and was sold as being revolutionary, and that's what a lot of people expect now...

 

[xiongxioi]

Especially the start of the last paragraph felt that way "So, is the OUYA a revolution in console gaming? No, it isn't -- not yet" - Did somone really expect a revolution of console gaming ?

Yes, quite a few expected that, as both the press and the kickstarter project hyped it that it sounded like it was a revolution.
A German news website asked for my opinion about it back then, and I basically said that it's a neat project with a tight pricing (which probably wouldn't work if they didn't have sponsors and partners upfront), but I never expected a revolution... I expected a neat small Android device, but failed to see what's so new about it, as you could do the same with a smartphone, an HDMI cable and a BT controller.


I also said that I don't expect many original games (mostly upgraded Android games, suited to fit the controls) and that it might be an issue to play most Android games right away, as many of them only support touchscreen controls.


My opinion hasn't changed. It's a neat device for a neat price, but nothing special IMHO.


But yes, it got a HUGE hype from the press and was sold as being revolutionary, and that's what a lot of people expect now...

Are you not getting one in the near future, Mr. Evildragon?

I think that would only gather dusts on my shelf along with my wii and old style type writers. 

However, I do think this is a neat way for indie developers to show their games to a wider audience, since many do not have computers.

I kinda hope this project will succeed so that younger gamers can play games like what they were, ie made by bedroom programmers; and are about American street thugs or eggie creature that waved its hands about. 

Those were good days, though the games've been mostly trash. 

 

[monstercameron]

this will be great for kids and families that cant afford an xbox/ps3/wiiu

 

[Cameleon]

I still plan on getting one at some point, even if it is just sitting near the TV being a ROM slave. Would probably use it as a streaming device as well, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, OnLive etc.

 

[andyB911]

I've been looking for a replacement for our WDTV for playing ripped movies / music so I may invest later if media server software comes out.

maybe an Android-stick + xbmc would be an option ?
I currently waiting for an Android-stick with linux on it, so I can throw out my ShuttleXPC+openelec combo

What I currently do is rip our DVD's / CD's on my main PC onto an external USB hard drive that then plugs into the WDTV.

What I'd ideally like is to be able to rip the discs on my PC and then connect via network to the media player and move the files over.

We have a LAN throughout the house so that's not an issue, what I'm after is a box that will play a wide variety of media formats.

I know this is off topic so if there is another thread that covers this please move this to it or place a link here.

Off topic ...  A second hand Boxee would do that.

Plays every media type i can find from the net and from my NAS.

Getting a little old now but cant find anything as good plus now hacked so community updates.  

or pi with xmbc   

On topic...  its a bit meh.  i love buying new gadets but its no different really to all those android tv sticks   Have one.  its ok, no need for another.

 

[thatgui]

I've been looking for a replacement for our WDTV for playing ripped movies / music so I may invest later if media server software comes out.

maybe an Android-stick + xbmc would be an option ?
I currently waiting for an Android-stick with linux on it, so I can throw out my ShuttleXPC+openelec combo

What I currently do is rip our DVD's / CD's on my main PC onto an external USB hard drive that then plugs into the WDTV.

What I'd ideally like is to be able to rip the discs on my PC and then connect via network to the media player and move the files over.

We have a LAN throughout the house so that's not an issue, what I'm after is a box that will play a wide variety of media formats.

I know this is off topic so if there is another thread that covers this please move this to it or place a link here.

I recommend an network attached storage - I have a Synology DS411Slim, on which all movies, music, pictures and games are stored. This way they are available to multiple clients simultaniously. To play them I use a compact PC with no fan from Shuttle with openelec on it that is hooked up to the TV (in the beginning I used the UPNP functionality of the TV directly, but xbmc is far more flexible and comfortable). But enough OT from my side now

this will be great for kids and families that cant afford an xbox/ps3/wiiu

I would rather see these families buy a used laptop - nowadays you can get a decent, used one in that price range. Thus they are able to not only consume but also to create.

BTT: I guess I'm a little disappointed about the software part, as I was also a little bit hyped (not in revolutionary but in a "we will wrap up the market" kind of way) - I expected something in the range of a steam client in big picture mode.

 

[Klumpen]

Were did all this money go?

Obviously not into the development of proper hard- and software.

 

[Ian J]

Another review.

http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.html#ec=FkZnZwYTpuL7Ruz_G3xo6_bsZl3517gK&pbid=dcc84e41db014454b08662a766057e2b

 

[Ian J]

And another. http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/ouya-joystiq-takes-a-closer-look/

 

[Klumpen]

I'd rather wait for a TV-Out cable for my Pandora, if I had a TV.

 

[Ian J]

http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/ouya-kickstarter-review/

 

[CocoCreekFisherman]

I like it. I like the games they showed.

This is something I would buy especially for 99 dollars!!

 

[Asiyura]

So, if I've bought some android indie bundles and/or games on android market, I have to buy them again on the Ouya?

 

[SNESFAN]

Yes

 

[Asiyura]

Ok… I'll wait for a Tegra 3 7" tablet with HDMI out then…

 

[thatgui]

Ok… I'll wait for a Tegra 3 7" tablet with HDMI out then…

It isn't possible to reuse a "regular" Google/Android Account ?

 

[ekianjo]

Yes

If that's the case, the OUYA is the best joke of the year.

 

[Asiyura]

There, the wikipad has more or less the same hardware as the ouya, it's using google play market, can install .apk packages AND you can use it as a portable console…

The only downside is the price… and availability in europe. But since you can unplug the HDMI and power cables, fit it in the "gamepad sleeve" and keep playing on the go, it's a good alternative IMO.

 

[Klumpen]

So, if I've bought some android indie bundles and/or games on android market, I have to buy them again on the Ouya?

Yes

If that's the case, the OUYA is the best joke of the year.

Hahahaha, they get millions and release such crap.

A perfect example how to get rich through marketing and many naive investors.

I expected this, the whole story was fishy from the beginning.

Just think about what Ed would have created with so much money

and I would grant him a nice little house in Sweden or wherever more than anyone else in this business.

 

[vcoleiro1]

I imagine there would be away to do it, maybe via side loading the Android market/store.

In any event the Ouya is designed by default to play Ouya games - not all Android games.  That was clear from the start.