Post by: TheYoungerPlumber on November 01, 2003, 09:25:28 AM
Update: A router is not needed, but the console and PC must be on the same network, and the PC must have access to certain internet ports. Also, Linux and Macintosh builds of XLink Messenger are planned shortly after Kai's Windows debut!
The XLink team is hard at work on an overhauled version of its popular Xbox tunneling software, XLink Messenger. Planet GameCube has confirmed that, despite the “X” in its title, the third major release (codenamed Kai) will fully support the GameCube!
The XLink team says initial testing with the GameCube and their tunneling software ran “nice and smooth.” It seems the packet caching engine originally designed for Xbox games is just as effective with the LAN-capable GameCube games currently available.
XLink Messenger GameCube support is identical to its Xbox support. The XLink Messenger, which runs on Windows-based PCs, has three modes: messenger, WGN and Rooms. Messenger Mode features a personal message interface where you can chat and play 1-on-1. WGN (World Gaming Network) Mode hooks your GameCube to a worldwide virtual LAN resembling Xbox Live! Rooms Mode lies somewhere in-between, letting users form and play within public and password-protected rooms organized by game. The XLink Messenger even boasts real-time voice streaming through a PC microphone!
So, what will you need to play GameCube games online with the XLink Messenger? Besides a BBA and a GC game with LAN support, you’ll need a PC running Windows 95 or later, a broadband connection, and a network to connect the GC to your PC.
RC3 Kai is still in the coding stages, but it is progressing nicely. The XLink crew aims to release the software before the end of the year. You can visit XLink's website for more details on the XLink scene, but PGC will be sure to keep you updated as the release nears completion!
Special thanks goes out to gb_20m for the tip!
Post by: BoboThePenguin on November 01, 2003, 09:56:47 AM
Post by: KirbySStar on November 01, 2003, 11:24:53 AM
Post by: RABicle on November 02, 2003, 01:46:24 AM
I choose Warp Pipe just because of it's Macintosh support.
Having competeing prgrams could be good in a program development sense, they'll be trying to out-do each other. But considering that neither will be compatible with the other and assuming that they are both relatively succesfull then it effectivly halves the number of players ready to play online.
If it's possible to run both programs simultaneously then this would make the above problem neglieble.
Post by: Robageejammin on November 02, 2003, 07:54:40 AM
Post by: PIAC on November 02, 2003, 09:27:18 PM
Post by: ghostVi on November 03, 2003, 06:00:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PIAC
well, as said by frozen solid in #planetchat, x-link is moving from VB contruction to c++, which means it can be ported to mac and linux
Being c++ is still far away from being portable. One has to start from the beginning with the idea of portability, or prepare for an almost complete rewrite... I haven't had a look at XLinks'c code, but being started as VB (assuming it from the quote above), it is not going to see the light on anything but win32 platforms anytime soon.
I'm planing to get a Mac, so I guess I'll be sticking with WP.
Post by: Koopa Troopa on November 03, 2003, 06:05:16 AM
Quote
Being c++ is still far away from being portable. One has to start from the beginning with the idea of portability, or prepare for an almost complete rewrite... I haven't had a look at XLinks'c code, but being started as VB (assuming it from the quote above), it is not going to see the light on anything but win32 platforms anytime soon.
Yeah, but even still, converting to C++ will make it easier for others to port it to various platforms. That is, of course, assuming the source is open, even if just to select groups.
