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.
XLink Kai 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. The only downside to XLink Kai 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 with XLink Kai one simply starts by downloading and installing the user browser and sign on screen from the XLink Kai website, http://www.teamxlink.co.uk. 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 on XLink Kai.
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!”
