The very idea of the Android driven, open source console alternative known as the Ouya managed to spark the imaginations of many gamers when it was introduced last year. To them, it was just another nail in the coffin of the video game status quo, or simply the start of something new, something fresh.
The Ouya's success on Kickstarter has been well documented, as well repeated. To a certain extent, these other consoles alternatives were just as successful, enough to create its own eco system. But the time has come to finally see how the one little machine that could actually performs in the wild.
Does it live up to the dream? Unfortunately, according to the first wave of reviews, the answer is no.
The initial crop of hardware was sent to founding backers, and both The Verge and Engadget are either in that camp or know someone who is. Both agree on several things, that it's a decently priced piece of hardware that packs plenty of power. But that's where the compliments end.
Both take to task how half-basked the interface is, specifically the Ouya store, as well as the rather meager selection. While the games that are available are not bad, they're hardly impressive either.
There are some differing opinions. The Verge was very much not impressed by the design of the hardware, though they seem to think the controller is somewhat decent. Whereas Engadget was extremely not impressed by the controller, but they found the system to be easily hackable. While The Verge found mucking around with the innards to be super confusing.
Obviously, this is not encouraging news from the get-go. And naturally, the makers of the console have not been happy with such news either. According to statements provided to GamesIndustry International, a review of the console is not exactly appropriate at this point and time.
The company states that units are only intended to early backers as a than you gift, and not for members of the press:
"We will be making Ouya review units available in early to mid-May so that you are able to review the more complete consumer experience and prepare your coverage in time for the June 4th retail launch… To clarify for you–Ouya has sent no review units out to press. Any reviews you have seen online are a result from individuals who received early backer units from supporting our Kickstarter."
It was also explained that the purpose of having the system out in the wild, in such an early state, is to test drive and fine tune the Ouya ecosystem. Furthermore, existing users can expect much to be improved upon when the Ouya goes on sale officially later this summer. And for the record, I personally liked the controller.
