No wine game will work - where do I start? (Linux Mint)

[Tricky]

Hi. Complete linux newbie here, with a Wine installation fresh from the software manager that just doesn't seem to work.

My current Ubuntu laptop is kaput, so I borrowed a Linux Mint (Nadia) machine that I can't really.. modify in any fundamental way (as in a format & putting a different OS on it), but I think something like installing a new driver is okay so long as I don't mess it up. I know this machine has run Ubuntu in the past, with Wine fully working. Except now, with Mint, no game work. I've tried System Shock 2, Ragnarok Online, Deus Ex and Unreal, all old, classic games that should have no problem running on it (except for a few texture glitches due to lacking S3TC support in Mesa for legacy ATI cards). They all error out or don't launch at all.

I installed the linux native Tuxracer through the Mint software manager and that does appear to fully work. So hardware acceleration IS available, it just somehow doesn't work out for Wine.

I really need some help with this. I've used Ubuntu for some time, but I never really experienced any serious problems so a I know nothing really.. important about it. I have zero experience with Mint, so I need to take this from the top. Where do I start?

[Tricky]

Wine version is 1.4.1. That should be adequate for these old games.

[Tricky]

It's alright, found a youtube guide on how to upgrade wine through the console. I'm running 1.6 now, half of the games are working now, which beats none at all.

The S3 textures look all trippy like a Daft Punk music video. It looks like disco, everywhere. ;D

[ahso]

use wine 1.6 and winetricks for directx etc. install. also have a look at the app database