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Totoro · 01-03-2009, 01:36 PM

I'd like to start a thread (without the usual "Mac versus PC" arguments) where Mac OS X users can share their advice (similar to the Games on Vista thread).

It's possible to install Windows XP or Vista on Intel-based Macs -- with Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion -- so a comparison of these options might be of interest. But I don't want to install Windows on my computer, so I've been exploring other options.

The Macintosh adventures article recommends several freeware games, but the latest Macs don't include a Classic environment.

ScummVM is compatible with lots of classic adventures. I've completed Beneath a Steel Sky (freeware), Broken Sword 1 & 2, Day of the Tentacle, Flight of the Amazon Queen (freeware), Sam & Max Hit the Road, The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge and The Curse of Monkey Island.

DOSBox is available for non-ScummVM games (I've used it with Little Big Adventure 1 & 2). The DOSBox website also mentions GOG.com, which might be a good place to buy The Feeble Files and Simon the Sorcerer 1 & 2.

CrossOver Games requires an Intel-based Mac, and officially supports only certain MMORPG and FPS games, but I've used it to play Syberia 1 & 2. Not all games will work, so I recommend first trying a demo (e.g. the Psychonauts and Runaway 2 demos were playable, but A Vampyre Story wouldn't install). I already own several PC games, so I've tested them with CrossOver Games 7.1.1 and Mac OS X 10.5.6 on a MacBook Pro computer.

Blade Runner (DVD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch (and then the computer hangs).
Discworld Noir (3 x CD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch.
Escape from Monkey Island (2 x CD-ROM edition): Unable to eject Disc 1 halfway through the installation.
Gabriel Knight 3 (3 x CD-ROM edition): Appears to work correctly, if launched with the "Trouble Shooting > GK3 software" shortcut (which uses a software renderer).
Grim Fandango (2 x CD-ROM edition): There are audio problems (either it goes silent, or it gets stuck and keeps looping) and the game occasionally hangs.
The Longest Journey (4 x CD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch. The DVD-ROM edition with the latest patch might work better.
Syberia Pack (from the Adventure Shop): Installs but doesn't launch (possibly due to the copy protection).
Syberia 1 (2 x CD-ROM edition): There are some minor audio and video glitches, but I was able to complete the game.
Syberia 1 & 2 (DVD-ROM collector's edition): I didn't fully test this edition of Syberia 1, but I was able to complete Syberia 2. If Syberia 1 doesn't work in full-screen mode, try restoring the display (Command-Option-R), minimizing the window (Command-M) and restoring the window (by clicking its dock icon). If Syberia 2 hangs, try changing the Detail Level to Low or Medium (in the main options screen).

I've also tested a few Underground adventures with CrossOver Games.

A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Appears to work in 640 x 400 full-screen mode.
Christmas Quest Trilogy: I was able to complete Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in 640 x 480 full-screen mode.
Chivalry is Not Dead: Appears to work, but it's difficult to fully test this game.
Cubert Badbone, P.I.: The game hangs after the face mask is acquired.

I haven't purchased any native Mac OS X games yet. There are a few recommendations in the Best Mac Adventures thread, but it doesn't seem possible to search the Reviews database by platform.

01-03-2009, 01:36 PM	#1
Totoro Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 4	Games on Mac OS X I'd like to start a thread (without the usual "Mac versus PC" arguments) where Mac OS X users can share their advice (similar to the Games on Vista thread). It's possible to install Windows XP or Vista on Intel-based Macs -- with Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion -- so a comparison of these options might be of interest. But I don't want to install Windows on my computer, so I've been exploring other options. The Macintosh adventures article recommends several freeware games, but the latest Macs don't include a Classic environment. ScummVM is compatible with lots of classic adventures. I've completed Beneath a Steel Sky (freeware), Broken Sword 1 & 2, Day of the Tentacle, Flight of the Amazon Queen (freeware), Sam & Max Hit the Road, The Secret of Monkey Island, Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge and The Curse of Monkey Island. DOSBox is available for non-ScummVM games (I've used it with Little Big Adventure 1 & 2). The DOSBox website also mentions GOG.com, which might be a good place to buy The Feeble Files and Simon the Sorcerer 1 & 2. CrossOver Games requires an Intel-based Mac, and officially supports only certain MMORPG and FPS games, but I've used it to play Syberia 1 & 2. Not all games will work, so I recommend first trying a demo (e.g. the Psychonauts and Runaway 2 demos were playable, but A Vampyre Story wouldn't install). I already own several PC games, so I've tested them with CrossOver Games 7.1.1 and Mac OS X 10.5.6 on a MacBook Pro computer. Blade Runner (DVD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch (and then the computer hangs). Discworld Noir (3 x CD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch. Escape from Monkey Island (2 x CD-ROM edition): Unable to eject Disc 1 halfway through the installation. Gabriel Knight 3 (3 x CD-ROM edition): Appears to work correctly, if launched with the "Trouble Shooting > GK3 software" shortcut (which uses a software renderer). Grim Fandango (2 x CD-ROM edition): There are audio problems (either it goes silent, or it gets stuck and keeps looping) and the game occasionally hangs. The Longest Journey (4 x CD-ROM edition): Installs but doesn't launch. The DVD-ROM edition with the latest patch might work better. Syberia Pack (from the Adventure Shop): Installs but doesn't launch (possibly due to the copy protection). Syberia 1 (2 x CD-ROM edition): There are some minor audio and video glitches, but I was able to complete the game. Syberia 1 & 2 (DVD-ROM collector's edition): I didn't fully test this edition of Syberia 1, but I was able to complete Syberia 2. If Syberia 1 doesn't work in full-screen mode, try restoring the display (Command-Option-R), minimizing the window (Command-M) and restoring the window (by clicking its dock icon). If Syberia 2 hangs, try changing the Detail Level to Low or Medium (in the main options screen). I've also tested a few Underground adventures with CrossOver Games. A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Appears to work in 640 x 400 full-screen mode. Christmas Quest Trilogy: I was able to complete Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 in 640 x 480 full-screen mode. Chivalry is Not Dead: Appears to work, but it's difficult to fully test this game. Cubert Badbone, P.I.: The game hangs after the face mask is acquired. I haven't purchased any native Mac OS X games yet. There are a few recommendations in the Best Mac Adventures thread, but it doesn't seem possible to search the Reviews database by platform.