access multiplayer w/o system link or xbox live?

[jacksak]

Sorry if this is a noob question, but I remember seeing someone comment on these forums that you could play the multiplayer missions of ofp:elite using AI players (bots) for everyone else but yourself. I assumed that this meant I could access the multiplayer missions without logging into xbox live or system linking. I just picked up the game this week (I live in Canada) and have been enjoying it immensely (The PC version hasn't left my hard drive in 4 years, but there was no question I'd pick this version up--I believe in supporting talented developers in any way I can, and the conversion is damn fine)...But, I can't play any multiplayer maps without logging in to xboxlive (which I haven't subscribed to) or being stopped by a prompt that says I have to hook up a system link. Is there any way around this? As unsatisfying as multiplayer without other players might be, I remember being able to do this in the PC version....
Any help would be appreciated....

P.S. Thanks to BIS for their vision and passion....

[Chipper]

There is no way with out system link or live. Sorry.

[hoz]

You can play MP missions through system link even though your not playing anyone else in system link.

hoz

[jacksak]

Thanks for the replies Chipper and Hoz.....

Hoz...doyou know if can I enable system link without having two xboxes present? (or are you saying that by linking two machines with the cable I'll have the opportunity to play the MP missions solo?)

Thanks...
-jacksak

[hoz]

You just need to have a link light. I just tried, it doesn't work with out a link. But you can definately play if you just plug it into a hub or another network card.

[Chipper]

Yes you need to plug it in to something. I have mine plugged to my computer.

[jacksak]

Thanks for the replies...I'll give that a try!
-jacksak