I like to play Windows based games on my Linux based Quad Core computer. To do this I use Codeweaver’s Cross Over Games. In general, it meets all my gaming needs. So far I have been able to install and play the following games:

• Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars using the instructions located at Codeweaver’s C&C3: Tiberium Wars compatibility page. It is important to use the ‘Default Install’ as an Advance Install will fail. Also, you will want to install inside an Unsupported Bottle, I use one named CNC3.
• Rise of Nations requires additional instructions. First you need to use the Codeweaver’s installation tool to install Steam to get the necessary version of DirectX, then follow the instructions on the Codeweaver’s Rise of Nations Compatibility page.
• Rise of Nations: Throne and Patriots should just install. All updates work as well. However, to get sound working go to http://bugs.winehq.org/show_bug.cgi?id=9027 and follow most of those instructions remembering that CrossOver Games does some thing slightly differently.
• Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath installs fine but you need to follow the instructions for the Tiberium War’s compatibility page to get a running copy. Just substitute Kane’s Wrath for Tiberium Wars in most cases.
• Escape the Museum is just fun and installs fine with no issues what so ever.
• Command and Conquer 4 will not WORK with any form of Wine yet as it requires .NET 3.5 which does not run yet. Not sure CNC4 should be played at all given that you ‘always’ need a live connection.

What is interesting about installing these games makes me think of a Games Virtual Desktop using JeOS and Crossover Games. Granted, the video performance would be incredibly bad, but the idea is interesting.

Edward Haletky

Edward L. Haletky, aka Texiwill, is an author, analyst, developer, technologist, and business owner. Edward owns AstroArch Consulting, Inc., providing virtualization, security, network consulting and development and TVP Strategy where he is also an Analyst. Edward is the Moderator and Host of the Virtualization Security Podcast as well as a guru and moderator for the VMware Communities Forums, providing answers to security and configuration questions. Edward is working on new books on Virtualization.