We didn't really test PC gaming (beyond Medieval II and a bit of Supreme Commander 2) because this set-up has no couch-friendly controller to make that a sensible option.

ENGADGET: How-to: Build a multi-talented HTPC for (roughly) $1,000

Performance isn't that hot, and certain configurations might not show the medieval architecture in all its glory.

ENGADGET: Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 now working on Linux through Google Chrome, more or less

But you don't have to battle with bands of marauding tourists if you want to get a sense of medieval Tuscany.

BBC: The perfect trip: Tuscany