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[SolarLune]

It could be really swell if Ouya 2 ever comes around in several years

Next year. They're releasing a new Ouya every year.

Yeah, I heard that, but I think a few years break would probably be good for them. However, while it sounds like a bad idea, definitive sequels after a short time might be a good idea for them at this time as well.

It allows for a quantifiable next version with definitive improvements and fixes, as opposed to different revisions of the same system (i.e. this one has the controller and wi-fi fix, while one in a few months has another hardware swap, or whatever). I mean, if they fix it iteratively, then you might have several Ouyas with varying hardware and even in varying states of completeness (i.e. this one you pick up on the shelf has an issue that another one you pick up doesn't).

If they can fix it through firmware, they definitely should, but any hardware fixes might be best to put on the backburner until the next Ouya (if it's every year). They could do a recall for the hardware problems, I suppose, but I'm not sure if they have the funds to do that as opposed to doing other more important things, like fixing things in firmware, or even supporting developers or building social online elements.

[JScythe]

Allen is never nice.

Allen also likes to fight hyperbole with hyperbole. . . .

But my statement stands. If I make a game for the PC with the gamepad as my desired input device, I will still have to include keyboard controls because I can't assume that the player has access to a PC gamepad. Same kind of situation with cell phones and tablets.

If I want players to use a gamepad, I need to target a platform that comes with a gamepad.

[Graham-]

stepping stones boys. we play TowerFall at work. it's awesome.

[JScythe]

cheap underdeveloped rushed junk. another informative review. wonder how many revisions it will take for them to make it worthwhile.

Depends on what you want to do with it. If you want an emulation box that plays movies from your NAS with XBMC, then the Ouya is a better value than a Roku box.

If you want a holodeck in your basement then you'll probably want to look elsewhere. Like Occulus Rift + Omni treadmil + $3000 Beowulf cluster elsewhere.

Junk is in the eye of the beholder and "Best" begs the question "Best for whom?"

[Belimoth]

Gonna get one in a few weeks. $100 to run my games on a console? Yes.

[Gimym JIMBERT]

They need good gamepad period

[Son of Bryce]

The controller's not bad. It's not anywhere near as good as Playstation or Xbox controllers, but also no where near as bad as some Mad Catz ones from way back when. Biggest problem is the "cracker jack" cheap triggers. As shitty as the "analog" functionality of the triggers are, they should have just made them buttons. Fortunately most games support PS3 and Xbox controllers anyway...

I got my Ouya a few weeks ago. 30 minutes of Bombsquad with my wife made it worth the purchase to me. I love that friggin game! And $5 is a steal.

As for the Ouya, It seems like they've fixed a lot of the lagginess of the UI that people complained about before -- that or the complaints were just over exaggerated. It's definitely rough around the edges, with a lot of crappy software issues like not being able to change the controller order without shutting down the system. But there's a lot of fun stuff on it! And it's super accessible.

You can argue all day about a tablet replicating the experience but I bet you'll have to get up off the couch and tap that screen every now and then. And pray that next game is controller compatible. There's something about a console experience being idiot-proof (consumer friendly) that makes it appealing.

As a developer, it's interesting to me to be able to target a specific device. Not having to take into account lower-end Android devices with more limited RAM and other quirks is convenient. Ouya's totally far from perfect, especially in the PR department, but the execution is a step in the right direction.

I'm looking forward to waves of these Android consoles giving Ouya competition, hopefully resulting with a perfect open console. Wherever it comes from.

[ஒழுக்கின்மை]

they should just ship them with xbox controllers

[Udderdude]

I'm looking forward to waves of these Android consoles giving Ouya competition, hopefully resulting with a perfect open console. Wherever it comes from.

This is the best anyone can hope for, I doubt the Ouya is going to do well enough to produce another model.  Especially with all of it's flaws.

They needed to score a 9/10 and got a 5/10 instead.

[J-Snake]

they should just ship them with xbox controllers

Bad dpad, not so great.

[Graham-]

they should just ship them with xbox controllers

they should

[Belimoth]

they should just ship them with xbox controllers

Or just sell the system without a bundled controller.

[Gimym JIMBERT]

Shay Pierce, Get on Top (Ouya port of Bennett Foddy's game)

The controllers had some serious problems: the thumbstick accuracy issue, and the "buttons getting stuck" problem, were the really heinous ones. But to their credit, they've fixed these issues, and they're replacing controllers for free... and the other controller complaints I've heard are either very subjective "feel" issues, or issues with the Bluetooth signal range.

Aside from this I think their biggest problem is public relations and messaging. I feel that many people have misunderstood what "Android console" means (it's definitely not just ports of smartphone games); and many developers have misunderstood what "every game is free-to-try" means. "The Ouya has a crap controller" is the story I keep hearing; but if Ouya would keep proactively replacing old controllers, and getting the word out about doing so, maybe they could still change that story.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/196691/the_ouya_experience_what_game_.php?print=1

 

[Udderdude]

Polygon had to write the review with the console they got, not the console with replaced parts they mailed-in for two weeks later. D:

[Ouren]

I will buy someone's emulator cube for $20.

[Bonesy]

So, what's the verdict on it for you guys?

imo, I don't think it lived up to the hype. It's left me a bit disappointed.

[ஒழுக்கின்மை]

verdict? mine is: it was a massive failure but not as big a failure as i expected. i give it a D+ for effort

[ThemsAllTook]

Verdict from my perspective: Very cool little machine if you're interested in putting your games on a console and the bigger ones seem out of reach. From a non-developer perspective, totally worth buying for TowerFall alone. Beyond TowerFall, there isn't a whole lot to see at the moment - you might find a gem or two hiding in the store, but pickings are slim. All the more reason to develop for it and get your own game in the store - fewer games already there means less noise to get lost in. Sales numbers are small, so if you're not comfortable with that you might want to look elsewhere.

[Ouren]

If developers want this thing to succeed, they're gonna have to slow it down some and really take their time to make meaningful games.

it can still happen, but It's going to take an entire community's coordination.


If you want an out, I'll buy yours for $20.
Take it or leave it.

[ஒழுக்கின்மை]

@themsalltook - i don't see the point in buying a 100$ console for a single game that will come out on PC soon for much cheaper than that

@ouren - you can get them used on ebay for 50$ so 20 is a bit low. if someone doesn't want one they could just sell it on ebay for more than you are offering