XLink Kai - Free Global Gaming Networks (2nd in a series)

[Jared Moya]

XLink Kai is another of the free global gaming networks out there. Now I’ve come to understand that these types of network programs are referred to as “tunneling” applications, as one is essentially “tunneling” through the internet to create an artificial LAN network by circumventing the traditional manner of physically linking consoles via an ethernet cable and network configuration. Anyways, it functions much like XBConnect in that it is a free alternative to the subscription services available for your game console.

It currently supports PS2, PSP, (that’s right, PS2 and PSP), Gamecube, and, of course XBOX. Once again, game titles vary between platforms, and not all games are supported, but it does offer a wide selection of titles, with frequent updates to the list. A listof all platform titles availablecan be found here, http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/index.php. The only downside is that apparently NTSC and PAL configured games are sometimes incompatible with one another, so some games may be limited to users by region. That is unless, one has a modded console with backed up games in multiple format, or HDD configured XBOX, for instance, where the problem can easily be overcome. As for PS2, PSP, and Gamecube users, region will be a consideration.

To get started one simply starts by downloading and installing the user browser and sign on screen from the XLink Kai website, http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/index.php. Click on downloads and select the type of PC it will be installed on. Once done, select a user name and login password, connect your platform, and sign on. Easy as pie.

For those unhappy with the lack of PSP users on XBConnect (ahem, Jorge), as of “press time, ” there was 35 PSP users. Wipeout, and Ridge Racer seem to be the two most popular games being played.

In short, XLink Kai is pretty decent. It really depends on the game console you’re using. XBConnect seemed to be better for XBOX, as it had 1300 plus users online, and almost none for PSP. XLink Kai, on the other hand, only had 800 users for XBOX, but had 35 for PSP, and also supported PS2(35 users) and Gamecube(10 users…..does anyone over the age of 14 have one of these) capability. Also, for those of you seriously addicted to HALO 2, XBConnect just can’t be beat.

NEXT REVIEW: Free Global Gaming Networks Revisited – “Gamespy Tunnel – using GameSpy Arcade to enable you to play Xbox SystemLink games over the Internet FOR FREE!” http://www.gamespyarcade.com/support/tunnel_xbox.shtml



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[Jared Moya]

Here's a screenshot of todays online user list count

[evilmegaman]

ermmm... Gamespy tunnel is extremely old. And I don't think they do anything with it anymore.. does anyone know anything about it if they do?

Oh, I need help with this too. I have been trying to get my xbox to be detected by the xlink program and even xbconnect. But my xbox is never detected. I am POSITIVE I set it up perfectly..

Help wanted with that. thanks

[Jared Moya]

Yah I know its old, but I'm trying to cover all the bases, some have never heard of any of these, for example acqua for mac users to connect to XBConnect, never heard of it myself. But it too is slightly old. Anyway , the answer to your question can best be summarized right off the XBConnect website, and I mysel had the problem initially long ago.....

Step three:
Turn on your Xbox, and choose a system link game of your choice. Proceed to the "Looking for games screen" which is usually found in multi player or online play menu. Stay at this screen, XBConnect needs this screen in order to detect your Xbox.

If this doesn't help, I'd have to help u go through it step by step, but if you're having the problem with both programs I'd wager this is the problem. If not let me know. I'll help u troubleshoot further.

Word. :icon_bigs

[Jared Moya]

By the way, have u heard of any other "Tunneling apps" like xbconnect, etc., I have a pretty decent list, but I'd always like to hear about more...........right on dude.....

[evilmegaman]

Yes I actually happen to know another one.

It's called warppipe. You need a gamecube of course. here's the link though ;) http://cubeonline.warppipe.com/

[Jared Moya]

Gracias mi amigo, did U get XBConnect or XLink Kai to work?

[evilmegaman]

Actually, No soulxtc. Nothing I do can fix it...

[black_magiic]

is there any tunneling programs for use with pc games so one could play with friends as though it was over a LAN

[Jared Moya]

Have u checked your router config? Here's more, not knowing how u set things up............
My Xbox will not detect. What can I do?

First, be sure that you are in the "Looking for games screen". Check that your network is setup correctly, all cables connected and network devices powered on. It may be necessary to "Power cycle" your network. If you are running a software firewall, see steps on how to configure them for use with XBConnect by heading to XBConnect Help Page
Note: A power cycle consist of unplugging your cable modem, router, switch, or hub from the wall power outlet for about two minutes. When devices are powered back up, reboot your computer and Xbox.

Help any dude?

[evilmegaman]

is there any tunneling programs for use with pc games so one could play with friends as though it was over a LAN

Erm... Why would you do that?

And soulXTC. gone through that to no avail. Maybe my xbox is a piece of poo :( xbox live works just fine! :icon_scra

[Jared Moya]

allright dude let's make it easy....

1. On your XBOX: Put in a game disc, one of supported titles of course.
2. On your XBOX: Select multiplayer, system link, look for games connected to console.
3. On your PC: Open XBConnect, create user name and password if haven't already, then press login.
4. On your PC : Double click what room or arena u want to enter, it will prompt u to find your XBOX if it hasn't found it already. Just follow the prompts, and it will guide you through making sure you have your XBOX connected properly.
5. If everything works ok, the screen will appear on your XBOX showing the arena you selected per specific game title.


I included a picture of my cousin Earl below to offer you moral support, he's quite supportive and will help keep an eye on your progress..................

[evilmegaman]

I am positive my xbox is defective. I have done this before. I did it at my friends house though. So I am positve that it's just a stupid xbox. So yeah I will try getting my psp working. and I would like someone to try it with. And if that works, It is DEFINATELY my xbox...

[crackerjacker]

allright dude let's make it easy....

1. On your XBOX: Put in a game disc, one of supported titles of course.
2. On your XBOX: Select multiplayer, system link, look for games connected to console.
3. On your PC: Open XBConnect, create user name and password if haven't already, then press login.
4. On your PC : Double click what room or arena u want to enter, it will prompt u to find your XBOX if it hasn't found it already. Just follow the prompts, and it will guide you through making sure you have your XBOX connected properly.
5. If everything works ok, the screen will appear on your XBOX showing the arena you selected per specific game title.


I included a picture of my cousin Earl below to offer you moral support, he's quite supportive and will help keep an eye on your progress..................

um your cousin is quite how do i say hmm
nice funny avatars

[Signa]

Gamecube(10 users…..does anyone over the age of 14 have one of these)

yah, i know several people. the problem is that the game cube doesnt have much network support at all. no games use it and no one sells the network adapter. i know of only one game that uses the network and its mario kart.