Comparing GameTap's and Verizon's Games on Demand Services

GameTap and Verizon Games on Demand are the latest entries to continue the trend of content providers capitalizing on quicker Internet connection speeds to pulse out retro and slightly dated videogames via subscription services. In this feature, TwitchGuru dissects both services, providing important facts and insight to save you time, effort, and money.

GameTap

According to GameTap's welcome email, their service offers access to an ever-expanding library of hundreds of the greatest games ever played in the arcades, on console game systems and computers. Taken at face value, these claims aren't much more than PR, but while GameTap may not offer access to "hundreds of the greatest games ever played", there is truth to the fact they serve up a rather decent number of game classics and famous retro titles. The question is whether or not Ted Turner's new service will become the ever-expanding game vault it's being advertised as.

GameTap is a PC application that allows gamers to play hundreds of mostly old school games on their PCs. In concept, GameTap reminds me of the Mame 32 arcade emulator. The major differences are that GameTap is legal and costs $14.95 a month. According to a recent Reuters release, GameTap plans to expand its catalogue to more than 1,000 games.

The different game systems you can take advantage of with Gametap include: the Atari 2600, Windows, DOS, Sega Master System, Sega 32X, Arcade, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Game Gear, Sega Genesis, and Intellivision.

Gametap's interface is made up of three sections. First, My Game Tap allows users to set preferences and change account information. Next there's Game Vault; that's where all action goes down - I imagine that most gamers will run through the gates directly to the Game Vault and get to gaming. Finally, GameTap hosts a broadband entertainment network called MediaPlex, which features video clips, videogame shows, game tips, and more.

The exciting control settings of GameTap!