Best Way to Run Windows Games on a Mac

[dmw16]

I recently bought a MBP and I'd like to transition to it being my only computer. The only thing my PC did that my mac can't do (out of the box anyhow) is play games.

I have heard of people running Windows games on their Macs and I was wondering what is the best way to do this? Is it best to run BootCamp or should I just use something like VMWare or Parallels? For which of these options could I avoid buying another copy of Windows? Which will give the best performance?

I'd mainly like to be able to play Left4Dead.

Thanks.

 

[masteryoda34]

I would say BootCamp for running games. It will give better performance. Neither option avoids buying Windows.

 

[TheStu]

If you are only going to be playing HL2 engine games, then CrossOver Games should get the job done just fine, you can get a trial to test that theory of course.

Neither Parallels or VMWare will do what you need, they have rudimentary DX9 support at best.

BootCamp or CrossOver.

 

[Jack Flash]

Originally posted by: TheStu
If you are only going to be playing HL2 engine games, then CrossOver Games should get the job done just fine, you can get a trial to test that theory of course.

Neither Parallels or VMWare will do what you need, they have rudimentary DX9 support at best.

BootCamp or CrossOver.

I'd say $50 is better spent on the Windows 7 promotion than Crossover Games (A disappointing piece of software, imo)

 

[dmw16]

Could I just redownload Windows 7 RC? I was using it on my PC, but that is now in storage.

 

[Tyranicus]

Originally posted by: Jack Flash

Originally posted by: TheStu
If you are only going to be playing HL2 engine games, then CrossOver Games should get the job done just fine, you can get a trial to test that theory of course.

Neither Parallels or VMWare will do what you need, they have rudimentary DX9 support at best.

BootCamp or CrossOver.

I'd say $50 is better spent on the Windows 7 promotion than Crossover Games (A disappointing piece of software, imo)

Yeah, I use CrossOver Games, but I scored a free copy from the Lame Duck Challenge last year. I would never suggest that someone pay money for it. As TheStu says, it works quite well for Source engine games. It also plays Guild Wars and a few other games fairly well.

 

[sjwaste]

I thought that TF2 sort of sucked in Crossover Games, to the point where I did not retain it past the demo.

Bootcamp is your best bet for Windows gaming.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Yes you can use the Windows 7 RC. Just use Boot Camp and install it.

 

[fatpat268]

Just throwing this out there, but if you've ever dabbled in Linux and Wine... you get pretty much the exact same compatibility as far as games go with crossover games since Crossover is based on Wine.

 

[secretanchitman]

just go with bootcamp. that way you get full compatibility with all windows games.

 

[AnthroAndStargate]

Some games run the cider shell which is a WINE implementation in OS X. They are sold by game companies or hacked by enthusiasts. An example would be Red Alert 3, which I bought off gametreeonline.com. It runs fairly well but most cider games don't run that well. I just loathe dual booting.

WoW runs native as do all other blizzard games. So does Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

 

[mmntech]

Boot Camp with Windows 7 or Windows XP is the way to go. The only issue I have with gaming on a Macbook though is I find the system runs really hot under Windows. I'm waiting for my guy to get some of those iXoft cooling pads in.