Apple - How can I tell if a game will run on my machine?
About the graphics of the MBP
The Macbook Pro 13'' uses integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics. But Intel HD 3000 graphics are used in different processors. The performance varies depending on whether it's a mobile or desktop CPU. You need to read benchmarks with caution:
- ULV processors core ix-2xx7 (base freq. 350MHz, turbo 900-1000MHz) (Macbook Air)
- LV processors core ix-2xx5 (base freq. 500MHz, turbo 1000MHz)
- standard dual and quad-core ix-2xx0 (base freq. 650MHz, turbo 1100-1200MHz) (Macbook Pros)
- desktop K processors (base freq. 850, turbo 1100-1350MHz)
Gaming Performance
On notebookcheck.net I've looked up some statistics. They keep benchmarks on how different games perform. I find these real world tests quite useful.
If you follow the link, you can click on the single fps results to see each system configuration.
Conclusion
You should have a minimum of 24-30 fps to enjoy playing. Considering this, I'll say that playing those games on a MBP 13'' of 2011 will possibly work, but not result in the maximum fun :).
App store games should provide such details as part of their description, allowing you to choice from there.
An alternative is (where available) to use Steam to check minimum and recommended requirements for games that are available on Mac - there is no need to buy from Steam, and you can use the web front end rather than needing to install an App.
Or you could so straight to the publishers website and check on there.
I don't think gaming on Mac is currently a big enough market to have attracted someone to create a similar website to the one you mentioned, although given time and the updates to OpenGL and Game Center in the forthcoming Mountain Lion release there may be increased interest which makes it worthwhile for people to start to include Mac gaming in these services.
If in doubt, where possible try to download a demo first to see if it will run.
I deal with this one first:
one suggestion for app store: app store should show only those apps or games that are compatibile with my system.
Generally speaking, if it's in the MAS, your Mac can run it. Most applications do provide a terse summary of hardware requirements in their description, especially if special hardware is required to use the app. So check the descriptions.
Knowing this, you now have an answer to:
Specifically, I'd like to play
- Call of Duty 4
- Civilization V
Can I play these games in my 13" MacBook Pro?
Check the descriptions for these games in the MAS against your Mac's hardware spec. If they meet the requirements in the descriptions: you're good to go.
To get detailed information about your Mac's hardware click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the menu bar and select About The Mac. In the small window that shows up on your screen click the More Info... button and you'll be given a detailed run down of all the hardware in your Mac.
As for:
Is there any other website where I can check game compatibility for my MacBook Pro?
You've already hit on one source: the App Store.
Another route is to use Steam. You can filter games to purchase based on OS and within in each there is a general description of what you need to play the game in terms of hardware.
Game manufacturers also list compatibility and hardware requirements on their websites for any given game. Though, looking at the Civilization V website, I suppose they don't keep this information up to date as games are ported.
And as the final, canonical source, you can always ask the manufacturer of the software.