OnLive Console Free by Pre-Ordering Homefront

OnLive customers who pre-order Homefront will get a free game system and a "copy" of Metro 2033.

OnLive is currently running a special pre-order promotion for Homefront, THQ's upcoming first-person shooter developed by Kaos Studios. Customers who pre-order the game will receive a free Full PlayPass for Metro 2033 and the company's stand-alone OnLive Game System, also free.

"Purchase a Full PlayPass for 'Homefront' between February 25, 2011 (2:00 PM PST) and March 14, 2011 (11:59PM PDT) and receive a promo code for a Full PlayPass to 'Metro 2033' shortly after purchase," reads the fine print. "A limited number of OnLive subscribers will also receive an email after March 14, 2011 (11:59PM PDT) containing a promo code for a FREE OnLive Game System."

Although the $99 "console" will be free, consumers will still be responsible for shipping, handling and tax. The free offer will only be valid through the Homefront pre-order promotion and while supplies last. Promo codes for Metro 2033 and the free OnLive Game System must be redeemed by March 31, 2011 (11:59PM PDT), the company said.

For the uninitiated, OnLive is a streaming service for PC games, allowing customers to play high-end titles on most PC configurations. The minimum and recommended PC and Mac specifications are as follows:

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• Internet Connection: 3 Mbps wired or Wi-Fi connection

• Operating System: Windows 7 or Vista (32 or 64-bit) or XP SP3 (32-bit), Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later

• Computer: Most PCs and netbooks, all Intel-based Macs

• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 576

RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

• Internet Connection: 5 Mbps wired or Wi-Fi connection

• Operating System: Windows 7 or Vista (32 or 64-bit) or XP SP3 (32-bit)

• Mac OS X 10.6 or later

• Computer: Dual-core PCs, all Intel-based Macs

• Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720

Naturally customers won't need to meet these requirements if using the stand-alone OnLive console. An HDTV with an HDMI connection is suggested, but users can also connect using analog video and analog stereo audio using an optional OnLive Component Video Adapter.

To pre-order Homefront, new consumers will need to create an account and install the OnLive client. Existing users can simply load up the OnLive client and enter the Marketplace. The game will be available on March 15, 2011 and cost $49.99 (aka Full Pass, meaning it's yours and you won't need to pay monthly access fees). The Full PlayPass cost of Metro 2033 is $39.99, making this Homefront promotion a good deal.