Other Linux gaming options
PlayOnLinux isn’t the only way to (try to) run Windows software in Linux. As we’ve seen, POL is basically a user-friendly wrapper for Wine, and while it makes things easier — particularly in the way it supports multiple Wine versions for compatibility purposes — it’s not perfect. As you’ve seen from the main feature, you’ll often be forced to bypass its scripts and attempt to wrestle with its controls — in a more userfriendly interface than offered by Wine itself, though — to try to get your game running.
If the idea of Wine appeals, but spending hours trying to get your game working doesn’t, take a look at CrossOver Linux ( codeweavers.com). Like POL, it’s a wrapper for Wine, but it’s better developed because, while it’s not free, you’re paying to support Wine development, and many improvements in Wine have come about through the work of CrossOver’s devs.
A trial version is available, giving you ample time to discover whether you’ll have more success installing and running your game through CrossOver as opposed to POL — we got Thief 2 and Unreal Tournament GOTY running in CrossOver. The full version can be purchased for US$39.95 as a one-off cost, or you can pay US$59.95 for 12 months’ updates and personal support to help you try to get your games to run.
Another workaround can be tried if you have access to a Windows license: Install a virtual Windows machine using VirtualBox ( virtualbox.org), then install your game in that. Be sure to give it two cores if you can, as well as plenty of RAM — also max out the graphics RAM and select both 2D and 3D support to give it the best chance of providing reasonable performance for your game.