It’s no secret that most collegiettes opt for a Macbook when purchasing tech. Apple products are reliable, progressive, and POPULAR. Millennials are obsessed with them and lecture halls are flooded by them. Don’t even deny that you saw someone with one and lusted for your very own.
The upside to owning a Mac is also the downside – the unique operating system will not run PC programs. This makes it hard for students who may want to use their Macs for activities other than school work or browsing Facebook. While you can opt to run Bootcamp on your Mac, which allows you to split your hard drive and install Windows on your Mac to run whatever PC programs your heart desires, you may not have to. Gaming is coming to Macs – and they are becoming increasingly better equipped to handle those games.
You can find a plethora of games on Steam or the App Store, and they aren’t that expensive either. Unfortunately, unless you opt for a 15” Macbook Pro with the updated graphics card you probably won’t be able to run the latest titles at high settings, but even entry-level Macs can run less intensive games – and quite flawlessly too. Here’s three games you’ll fall in love with regardless of whether you’re an obsessive gamer or a complete noob.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Where to buy: App store or Steam for $9.99
Whether you’re a super fan or just nostalgic since the release of the Force Awakens, KOTOR (Knights of the Old Republic) is arguably one of the most popular Star Wars titles on computers. You have three different class options, and you’ll journey with your character as they master the force. Will you be a hero or a villain? KOTOR immerses you into the world of Star Wars. Droids, star ships, light sabers, Sith – need I say more? Since KOTOR is over ten years old, it will look great on just about any MAC. After you become obsessed (and trust me, you will), you’ll probably finish the game fairly quickly. That’s okay though – the sequel is also available on Mac. May the force be with you.
The Sims 2: Super Collection (updated 2015)
Where to buy: App store for $29.99
Before Kardashian games took over the universe, people played the Sims. In the Sims II you’ll control your Sim as he or she experiences life – school, work, parties, etc. The super collection comes with six different versions of the game as well as three packs of extras that you can use in your games. Make your sim fall in love or kill them in an epic way. There are endless options. The Sims 2 is a perfect game for when you need a thirty minute break from studying, or when you’re bored at home on a Wednesday night. And trust me, it’s way better than playing on a Kardashian app.
Assassin’s Creed II (2009)
Where to buy: App store for $24.99
Assassin’s Creed is arguably one of the most popular console franchises among gamers. Somewhere along the way developers decided to make Assassin’s Creed II available on Mac. While this game may require better hardware than you’d have in an entry-level model, it looks stunning on the retina screen. You’ll play as Desmond Miles, who relives the past memories of his ancestors. As an assassin you’ll live through the Renaissance taking revenge on those who have betrayed you. Add a never ending feud between the assassins and the Templars and Assassin’s Creed II is the perfect way to waste a weekend in your bedroom. Probably pick up snacks before you download the game though. You’ll be sitting awhile.
If these titles don’t interest you, check out a growing number of titles on either Steam or the App Store. Happy gaming.