The problem is that you're not actually downloading a game to your hard drive and then playing it, instead it's a live video feed of the game streamed to your computer (or TV) like a fancy Youtube video. So, to keep it playable, they have to set a minimum download and upload speed - otherwise you'd be buffering video at home while your character is getting eaten on the server!

On every other game system, including Steam, all the game files are held locally, only tiny bits of information such as where characters are and moving to and who's shooting who, etc. That's why it was possible to play multiplayer games over a dial-up connection years ago.

Just think, there's a whole generation of kids who have no idea what dial-up is!

I received two emails from tech support about a day apart. The first one basically said to try again. I did. Same result. I sent the link from my email and they were able to download the file.Tech support sent me another link different from my original link which sent me to a download page like after I finished the payment on the original. I was able to download the file. The problem still remains a mystery but all is well that ends well.
I wouldn't hesitate to participate in another offering.

I joined Onlive or I should say I attempted
to join Onlive. After installing the app, I was told
my broadband was too slow. There is a minimum 2mpbs,mine is 1.5mpbs.
20 miles from my location 7-20mpbs is available. I chatted with their
tech support and asked if the minimum would ever be lowered in the future
and was told that it had been lowered twice previously. I have no problem with Steam.
Life can be rough in the big city,rougher in the smaller cities.Well, slower.{:}

OnLive was recently launched in the UK as well. They've been running a similar deal here - I just got Deus Ex: Human Revolution for £1. I wrote up a brief review of OnLive here.

On the whole I'm still undecided.. it seems like it would make a good substitute console system, especially since games are limited to 720p. That seems quite low resolution on a high or mid-range monitor at a desk, but on a TV it's probably pretty good and not far off from an XBox360 or PS3. I'd like to try it on the console, but I feel it's too expensive on it's own and there's very little chance they'll have a game I want to pre-order to get a free console. I will probably check Ebay in the end.

I figured, for a buck(quid), it was worth trying out just to get a brand new game - Deus Ex was only released August 25th. That's cheaper than going to Blockbuster and renting it. Heck, with the price of gas(petrol) that's cheaper than driving anywhere!

It will at least hold me over till Steam has it on sale this Christmas :)

Odd, I didn't have any trouble with Extreme Trucker - just copied and pasted the registration. Got it a week ago, so maybe there's something else besides a bad key.

Same with Hunting Unlimited, just downloaded and copy/pasted the registration.

The one difference is that I downloaded these from the order page and not from the emails. I don't know if they're different links (they look the same), but that's the only other thing I can think of. I still had to enter registration keys, so it's not a pre-unlocked version on the order confirmation page.

Maybe the registration server is having problems?

OnLive is currently letting you purchase first game for $1. Apparently this is from a facebook promotion & is for a limited time; no time is stated but I wouldn't count on it lasting long. Only the games which they sell as individual games are available for $1 (about 1/4 of the games on their monthly plan). According to the facebook page, if you already own a game with them they'll email you a code for a game, you'll need to read that page for details. According to facebook it is US only, though they mention possibly adding Canada. I got Tropico 4 for $1.

http://www.onlive.com/go/one-dollar

https://www.facebook.com/OnLive

I tried the email for download from another computer and the same problem
for Hunting Unlimited 2011. I sent an email over 12 hours ago to support describing the problem and no response yet. I have only registered the card games so far. I had just bought some of the games offered in a regional store here in Oregon for $5 each.

Only just seen this guys. Sorry I've not been very active of late. Just sort of burnt out a little. Thanks for the info chazzo. I've already got the first three games and the last one and can say they are all excellent games. I bought Line Rider following wizzards posting of the freeware version over in the Games discussion forums and loved the game, so much so I re purchased it via Steam because I'd lost my log in information and couldn't play the DVD version that I have. Hunting Unlimited is an excellent simulation game with an open world feel to it. If you like stealth games you'll love it. Wheels of Steel is also an excellent Trucker simulation with loads of missions to complete, some of which are very challenging. Poker speaks for itself. I actually have a slightly different version that uses characters from several well known games such as Team Fortress 2.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get five excellent and varied games that'll keep you entertained for weeks and months to come. Plus it's for a good cause too.

Thanks for posting this txgoogoo

As well as the order confirmation email, you will be sent an e-mail for each game selected with the game download link. If for any reason you don't get any of these, email their customer support/check your spam folder. When you have completed your donation/order a page is also displayed showing all of the download page links.

We aren't able to show any download links here for copyright reasons, but you can get all 5 games for a donation of $0 (or whatever you wish to donate) at the goodplay.org site while this offer runs.

All five games downloaded correctly for me. I would suggest clearing your browser cache and download history. Internet Explorer is renowned for reloading a failed page complete with errors, unless the browser cache is deleted. :)

I also made a donation and bought the 5 programs - there were 2 that gave me problems: (1) Line Rider 2, but this was resolved when I installed the latest DirectX component.
(2) Trucker Extreme - would not recognize serial code & this is a global problem developer will soon fix.

Overall, I am very happy with their professional and courteous service.

Hi, txgoogoo,

yes I got the game without problems on 15.10.2011. It has 373 MB.
I haven't installed any of the games yet, so can't say anything about the registration procedure.

graylox

I made a donation to get the five games and would like to
share my experience. I was able to download 4 games, but Hunting Unlimited 2011
seems to be stuck in limbo as not paid. There are 4 steps. Select game. Donation. Payment. Download. After paying by paypal. I was redirected to a page with my order and the d/l links not unlike Humble Bundle. Everything workrd as normal and I thought Hunting Unlimited was downlading as normal but after I downloaded all the files I noticed this particular file was only 6k. I could have sworn it was a 300 meg file and I saw it download a few meg before I did other things. I tried to download a few different times and I got to the page to step 3 Donate and file not available. So there is a glitch or the file is still unavailable for whatever reason.
Four of the files have serial numbers that have to be entered and it is a cumbersome and confusing process. It has a manual or online box. I tried the manual because I have the serial numbers with order. No cigar. I tried online. No cigar. Finally I tried onlline.nothing happened (blank Entry) It then said enter the number vendor sent you. I entered copied and pasted number. Eureka.
One has to enter complete address plus telephone number even though it is a digital transaction. I generally don't do this but since I am a veteran I bit the bullet so to speak. I will probably wait a few days before I send an email to try and solve the problem because this particular game has no real priority for me. Two of the games are for my wife and the other 2 plus Hunting are for the grandkids.. Line Rider 2 is the game with no serial number included. Was anybody able to download Hunting Unlimited 2011? Part of my email order reply:

1 Goodplay/Operation Gratitude Donation
1 Line Rider 2: Unbound (Free)
1 18 Wheels of Steel: Extreme Trucker (Free)
1 Hunting Unlimited 2011 (Free)
1 Hoyle Crosswords & Sudoku (Free)
1 Bicycle Texas Hold ’Em Poker (Free)

Step 1
Select Game
Step 2
Donation
Step 3
Payment
Step 4
Download
File Download

Hunting Unlimited 2011.exe (Not Available)

Step 1
Select Game
Step 2
Donation
Step 3 Step 3 is highlighted. Otrher steps greyed out.
Payment
Step 4

Thanks for the heads up on this :) I had not heard of it.
I am wondering tho, the Hoyle Crosswords and sudoku is looking and sounding alot like a game call Newspaper Puzzle Challenge, especially when I noted the "Challenge puzzles and Bonus Puzzle Book" Can someone who has got the games comment? Are they the same game?

GoodPlay.org - MyWOT Rating (Excellent)

Or as much as you are willing to/can donate!

Operation Gratitude sends care packages to Wounded US Warriors and deployed members of all Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and to units from all states and territories. Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages (worth around $125 each and costing $15 per care package to send) filled with snacks, entertainment items (including PC games) and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units!

Thanks for the info. I typed "0" in the donation box and it still gives game download and key. So for as little as nothing.

You can get all five games for as little as you wish to donate, eg $1 which in the UK + VAT is well less than £1. The donation is to a good cause, so you might feel obligated to donate a little more.

It's genuine, you can donate by card or PayPal and on completion, there's a link to the download pages for each of the games (including serial numbers where needed), as well as being sent the links by email.

Line Rider 2 Unbound is 566Mb, 18 Wheels of Steel Extreme Trucker is 218Mb, Hunting Unlimited 2011 is 373Mb, Hoyle Crosswords and Sudoku is 13.5Mb and Bicycle Texas Hold 'Em Poker is 79.5Mb.

It's a brilliant deal. You can select all 5 games for the one donation! :)

Line Rider 2 Unbound

Draw courses, setup Physics-based puzzles then set your rider in motion! Or play the story mode where you complete missing parts of the courses and solve many different puzzles.

The new story mode, follows the Line Rider character through various acts, each containing puzzles. In this mode, the main course is laid out, but it's up to the player to fill in green gap areas where the track is missing. Since you're working in such small confines, you'll need to make use of all the new line tools included, such as speed lines, slowdown lines, normal track, jumps, breakaway, and trap door tools. To make things easier on the players, new drawing techniques have also been included, so you can either freehand with the IR, or click point to point with the line tool to make a perfect edge, and then manipulate it at the ends and various points of articulation in the middle. Other no-brainer inclusions have been added, such as line colors, an undo key, and the ability to use different level backdrops and items in your maps as "clip art."

The main story mode is surprisingly addicting, and it has a strong enough level of ramp-up that allows first time Line Rider players to get the core idea down first, while still becoming extremely difficult later on. As you progress through the main game you'll unlock different regions to play in, more racers, and even the ability to race two riders at once, making things far more interesting, as you'll need to account for intersecting paths and timed tracks that still make use of breakaway lines and varying physics puzzles.

Haul extreme cargo - from diamonds to oil pipes – across 3 death-defying terrains. Throw your weight around – jump behind the wheel of over 25+ unique rigs and 30+ types of Loads. Extreme Caution - Feel the power and adrenaline of driving terrains that no sane trucker would take on. Your Life is on the Line - Drive terrains that don't forgive your mistakes - do the job well or you might die trying. Extreme Loads - Transport loads that would scare even the most fearless drivers - maximum loads, oversized loads, high risk cargo and more. Extreme Deadlines - Achieve the unachievable by delivering your loads on time. These beasts don't drive themselves - From subtropical to subzero environments, manage your fuel and maintain your truck in peak condition.

No matter how mighty or dangerous your load is - it is up to you to deliver on time! Are you ready, willing and able to hit the road?

Hunting Unlimited 2011

Hunting Unlimited is most definitely a looker – its 30 beautifully rendered environments are painstakingly detailed and feature some wholly convincing lighting effects. Animal animations are also bang-on; with deer tentatively scouring the undergrowth for food and wolves slinking dangerously through the shadows.

So far so authentic, but things do take a turn for the 'ridiculous' during the game’s frequent and thrilling confrontations with predators. These action-packed sequences see the likes of wolves and grizzlies going berserk, launching themselves toward your hunter, and gnawing frantically at your shelter. A tad over the top maybe, but these tooth and claw battles against deadly beasties are among the games most exciting levels.

Throughout, Hunting Unlimited strikes a weird balance between hunting sim and arcade style shoot ‘em up, and this in turn is reflected by your arsenal. In addition to the usual selection of rifles and shotguns, a nifty compound bow also joins the lineup. Between hunts, back at base camp, you can tinker about with your weaponry and equipment, pore over a map of unlocked areas and plot your next move, and adorn the walls of your log cabin with collected trophies.

Hoyle Crosswords and Sudoku

Play over 1000 diferent crossword puzzles in single mode or 2-player competition. A random puzzle is selected for you when you start Crosswords. You can choose another random crossword puzzle, or choose from a list of puzzles. You can play Crosswords competitively with another friend or family member on the same computer.

Toss the pencil and pad and get to a computer now! HOYLE Crosswords & Sudoku is the ultimate PC puzzle challenge featuring 8 different types of puzzle play including; Sudoku, Kakuro, Killer Sudoku, Giant Sudoku, Sudoku X, Mini Sudoku, Crosswords and more!

Packed with robust features, this brain teasing collection will challenge your puzzle solving skills with over 46,000 puzzles and unlimited crosswords!

Over 46,000 games!
More than 8 different types of puzzles!
Unlimited Crosswords!
20 Challenge Games!
Bonus Book of puzzles!

Puzzles have never been so much fun!

Bicycle Texas Hold 'Em Poker

Play tournament-style Texas Hold'Em poker at its best. Players start with the same amount of virtual chips. The last player to hold onto their chips wins! Build the best possible five-card hand out of your two cards and five community cards. Place bets after the deal of the first two pocket cards, the three community cards (the "Flop"), a single community card (the "Turn") and the final community card (the "River"). Bet or fold at any time based on your cards and your nerves! Please note that no real money is used in this game.

· Play Standard or Heads Up Texas Hold'Em poker

· Choose your skill level

· Jump into a Quick Match game and we'll find players for you.

· Play with other people or against the computer.

· Digital tells help you read your opponents.

· Challenge yourself with a timer, or play a more casual game.

· Enjoy a cool look and feel with a realistic game board.

It may not match playing real card pros, but you can sure sharpen up your card poker skills!

Hi, txgoogoo, thanks for the hint.
I researched a little bit and found no evidence, that this is anything bad.
If you want to support this case then go on.
The titles and game developers are well-known - I would say that's a good bargain.

Download and screenshot: http://goodplay.org/index.php/
graylox

I got to this site via the game zone. It is suppose to be similar
to the Humble bundle. Does anyone know anything about it or have got any of the games available?

HAWX is a great game bob, well worth the price, but you probably could have had it even cheaper from other places.

I've been having a quick look on ebay this morning and 'joysticks's as oppossed to 'gamepads and controllers' seem to start at about £5,prices on Amazon from £15.
Expadder a great little program(GOTD should get in contact with the developer)for what it does,i.e. converting keyboard and mouse movements to a 'gamepad',but for flying games you cannot beat a proper'joystick'for control.Well must fly,picked up 'Tom Clancy's HAWXS' the other day on Amazon for £12.49,good price for what looks like being a good game.

lol

I have to apologise for not answering. I needed a break of some days.
Many thanks for your efforts!
When I'm able again to leave the house, I'll have a closer look at all the different systems. Expadder totally confused me - LOL. At least it worked for one game - a game I didn't like and didn't play anymore. But that was some years ago, the tool was rather new and my computer knowledge rather low. That doesn't mean, that I'm a nerd now ;)

Thanks, Bently... I had never heard of it and the site wasn't too clear on what it did. I did download the 5.3 free version out of curiosity but hadn't checked it out yet. The site you just provided is very clear, and I'm sure it's worth it for those who can't tolerate the keys. Very cool!

That's not the latest version, that's just the old freeware version. Sorry if its function wasn't clear, Midori, I guess it is a bit fuzzy! I gave it to an older relative with the Rumble Pad so she could play Turtle Odyssey without hurting her fingers. She loves it. You can get the latest version (5.5) with numerous bug-fixes and support here for around $10 US, £6.

Thanks, wizz... the site was definitely confusing for someone who wasn't familiar. Tho I'm so used to using the keys, I rarely think of my gamepad, or I just avoid those games if there's too many keys involved. But I do need to brush it off when I get around to opening DIRT, and several of the games you've forwarded to me. Gosh, I think I'm stocked for life here! And then there's the time factor. :)

midori, xpadder emulates your keyboard and mouse so that you can use your controller in a game that doesn't normally accept controller usage. Though I don't agree with Bently's posting of the xpadder download because xpadder is no longer free. However, I can see the rationale in using the previous version as it was free. The coolest thing for me is that you can actually use the controller as a mouse on your desktop.

Mine looks exactly like the second Logitech, but it doesn't rumble. Bently, is xpadder a program that works through your gamepad? I looked at the link, but it didn't make sense to me. Tx.

Hi Loxy, I was going to suggest the Logitech Rumble Pads, as they're quite comfortable but they seem to be really expensive in Germany. A good runner-up might be the Logitech Precision gamepad. Doesn't have the bells and whistles of the Rumble Pad, or the dual-analog sticks (the middle stick on the Nintendo 64 controller :) but I don't expect you'll miss them anyway! I have an XBox 360 controller but I don't like the fact that it asks for drivers for every computer I plug it into, it seems to me it should just work like the others do. Good controller, though.

For reviews:
Logitech Precision Gamepad - Amazon

For buying (same as above, just cheaper!):
Cheaper Logitech Precision Gamepad

And if you're interested in seeing the more expensive one:
Logitech Rumble Pad 2 - Amazon

I hope that's of some use to you! :)

-Duane.

P.S. Don't forget xpadder!

Lol! Er... sorry... just sitting here picturing graylox rattling the heck out of her joystick with a demonic look in her eye... :D
And my $7 deal was just that... a real good deal. I think it normally sold for 3 or 4x that much. But you can get a good one (for casual) for under $20, is what I found from looking. But there's lots of deals out there, if you surf around a bit. Gogamer has an xbox 360 for $21.90 right now, but it's wireless, which I don't think will mesh with a PC. So you're right in wanting a USB compatible one.

*catch a falling star*