by Mike Shea on 2 January 2003
Gamespy is offering Gamespy Arcade and Xbox Tunneler. This client software runs on a local PC, one connected to the same network as your xbox. You can browse through all the current players and sessions for any game that includes linked play.
I didn't have much time to try it out but I did play Halo in an 1 on 1 game for a while and it worked very well. The only drawback is the lack of any type of communication. The real Xbox Live advantage is includes voice support. Live is also a bit easier to set up once you've gone through the monstrous registration.
Still, for a free alternative to the $50 Xbox Live package, Gamespy Xbox Tunneler is an excellent way to get xbox internet gaming on a whole pack of different games.