Windows XP-era games that are better on Windows 7 \ VOGONS

Windows XP-era games that are better on Windows 7

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First post, by Barley

Posted on 2026-06-02, 17:02

Barley Offline

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What games have you played on both XP and Win7 systems, that offer a much better experience on Win7?

Any game suggestion is appreciated, but I'm wondering if I should install the following games on the Win7 side of my XP/Win7 dual boot rig (they currently run very well on the XP side):

- GRID
-Doom 3
- Oblivion
- Crysis: for DX10 vs DX9
- GTAIII/VC/SA: for widescreen, xinput, and other user mods
- NFSU through NFS:Prostreet: for widescreen, Xinput and other user mods.

Reply 1 of 4, by Joseph_Joestar

Posted on 2026-06-02, 18:01

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From your list, I would say the games where you want to use mods are probably better off under Win7 and up, as modern mod versions likely won't work on XP.

Otherwise, games made in 2007 and onward which feature an (optional) DX10 renderer should be played on Win7 and up. For example, BioShock has better looking water effects under DX10.

My retro builds

Reply 2 of 4, by Barley

Posted on 2026-06-02, 18:08

Barley Offline

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Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2026-06-02, 18:01:

From your list, I would say the games where you want to use mods are probably better off under Win7 and up, as modern mod versions likely won't work on XP.

Otherwise, games made in 2007 and onward which feature an (optional) DX10 renderer should be played on Win7 and up. For example, BioShock has better looking water effects under DX10.

Thank you Joseph_Joestar! Always appreciate and look forward to your input!

Yes, the mods will only work on Win7 and up. I was trying to see if anyone has used them and if they are worth it.
Agreed on DX10 renderers. Do you know if SGSSAA still works if using DX10 or is that limited to DX9?

Reply 3 of 4, by Joseph_Joestar

Posted on 2026-06-02, 20:42

Joseph_Joestar Offline

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Barley wrote on 2026-06-02, 18:08:

Do you know if SGSSAA still works if using DX10 or is that limited to DX9?

As far as I'm aware, SGSSAA is largely aimed at DX9 games.

That said, the Nvidia Profile Inspector does have a separate field for DX10 AA flags, but haven't actually used that in any of the games that I play. Maybe someone else has tried it.

My retro builds

Reply 4 of 4, by Barley

Posted on 2026-06-02, 23:42

Barley Offline

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Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2026-06-02, 20:42:

Barley wrote on 2026-06-02, 18:08:

Do you know if SGSSAA still works if using DX10 or is that limited to DX9?

As far as I'm aware, SGSSAA is largely aimed at DX9 games.

That said, the Nvidia Profile Inspector does have a separate field for DX10 AA flags, but haven't actually used that in any of the games that I play. Maybe someone else has tried it.

That was my impression too. So the question becomes: DX9 + SGSSAA or DX10 + some other (worse?) form of AA.

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