The best PC DOS Games that bring back memories

Best DOS Games (for IBM PC Compatible) – A Deep Dive!

Okay, buckle up! This is a long list, because the DOS era was a golden age for gaming. I’ll categorize it for easier browsing, and give a little info on each. I’ll also indicate roughly how demanding they are (Low, Medium, High) in terms of hardware. Keep in mind “High” for DOS is still pretty tame by modern standards, but might require a faster 486 or early Pentium.

Important Notes Before We Start

• Compatibility: DOSBox is your friend! It’s an emulator that lets you run DOS games on modern systems. Almost everything on this list will require it. https://www.dosbox.com/
• Subjectivity: “Best” is subjective. This list tries to balance critical acclaim, lasting impact, and personal favorites.
• Hardware: I’m assuming “IBM PC compatible” means anything from a 286 to a Pentium. I’ll try to indicate what kind of machine each game shines on.
• Availability: Many of these are available as abandonware (legally questionable, but widely available), on GOG.com, or Steam.

I. Epic RPGs & Adventure Games

• Ultima Series (Ultima IV, V, VI, VII, VIII): (Medium-High) Considered by many to be the pinnacle of RPGs. Deep morality systems, open worlds, and compelling stories. Ultima VII: The Black Gate is particularly beloved.
• Wizardry Series (Wizardry 1-8): (Medium) Dungeon crawling at its finest. Brutal difficulty, party-based combat, and intricate dungeon designs. Wizardry 8 is a massive, complex RPG.
• Eye of the Beholder Series: (Medium) Another classic dungeon crawler, with a focus on real-time combat and puzzle-solving. Good entry point to the genre.
• Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos: (Medium) A more accessible RPG than some of the others, with a strong story and engaging characters.
• Betrayal at Krondor: (Medium-High) Based on Raymond E. Feist’s Riftwar Saga. Excellent story and character development.
• King’s Quest Series (King’s Quest IV, V, VI, VII): (Low-Medium) Sierra’s flagship adventure series. Point-and-click adventure with charming stories and puzzles. King’s Quest V is often cited as the best.
• Space Quest Series: (Low-Medium) Humorous sci-fi adventure series. Roger Wilco’s misadventures are legendary.
• Police Quest Series: (Low-Medium) Realistic police procedural adventure series. More serious tone than Sierra’s other games.
• Leisure Suit Larry Series: (Low) Adult-themed (but often surprisingly clever) adventure series. Not for everyone!
• Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis: (Medium) A fantastic adventure game with multiple branching paths and a compelling story.

II. Groundbreaking Strategy & Simulation

• Civilization (Sid Meier’s Civilization): (Medium) The game that launched a genre. Build an empire from humble beginnings to world domination.
• SimCity 2000: (Medium) The classic city-building simulator. Design and manage your own metropolis.
• Master of Orion: (Medium) 4X space strategy. Explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate your way to galactic dominance.
• X-COM: UFO Defense (UFO: Enemy Unknown): (Medium) Turn-based tactical combat against alien invaders. Incredibly addictive and challenging.
• Dune II: (Medium) Often credited with popularizing the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. Control one of three factions in a battle for control of the spice melange.
• Command & Conquer: Red Alert: (Medium-High) Fast-paced, action-packed RTS with a memorable storyline and iconic units.
• Transport Tycoon Deluxe: (Medium) Build and manage a transportation empire. Trains, planes, ships, and more!
• Theme Hospital: (Low-Medium) Hilarious hospital management simulator. Cure bizarre illnesses and keep your patients happy.
• Populous: (Low) God game where you raise and lower land to guide your followers.

III. Fast-Paced Action & Shooters

• Doom: (Medium-High) The granddaddy of first-person shooters. Demons, shotguns, and relentless action.
• Wolfenstein 3D: (Low-Medium) The game that arguably started the FPS genre. Kill Nazis and find the secret of Castle Wolfenstein.
• Duke Nukem 3D: (Medium-High) Over-the-top action, crude humor, and interactive environments. “Hail to the king, baby!”
• Quake: (High) A significant leap forward in 3D graphics and multiplayer gaming.
• Rise of the Triad: Dark War: (High) Extremely fast-paced and violent FPS. Known for its over-the-top weapons and gore.
• Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold: (Low-Medium) An early FPS from id Software, predating Doom.
• Shadow Warrior: (High) Fast-paced FPS with a martial arts theme and a wisecracking protagonist.
• One Must Fall: 2097: (Medium) Fighting game with customizable robots. A cult classic.
• Jill of the Jungle: (Low-Medium) A colorful and challenging platformer.

IV. Flight & Racing Sims

• F-19 Stealth Fighter: (Medium-High) Realistic flight simulator with a focus on stealth tactics.
• Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe: (Medium-High) Another excellent flight simulator, allowing you to fly a variety of WWII aircraft.
• X-Wing & TIE Fighter: (Medium-High) Star Wars space combat simulators. Immersive and challenging.
• Stunts: (Medium) A groundbreaking racing game with a track editor that allowed you to create your own courses.
• Lotus Esprit Turbo Challenge: (Low-Medium) Fast-paced top-down racing game.
• Test Drive Series: (Low-Medium) Realistic racing simulators with a focus on exotic cars.

V. Unique & Cult Classics

• The Incredible Machine: (Low) Puzzle game where you build Rube Goldberg machines to solve challenges.
• Lemmings: (Low-Medium) Guide hordes of lemmings to safety. Charming and addictive.
• Epic Pinball: (Low) One of the best pinball simulations ever made.
• Alone in the Dark: (Medium) A pioneer of the survival horror genre. Atmospheric and suspenseful.
• Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers: (Medium) A critically acclaimed adventure game with a mature storyline and compelling characters.
• Star Control II: (Medium) Space exploration and combat with a unique and quirky universe.
• Little Big Adventure (Twin’Sens): (Medium) Action RPG with a unique world and engaging story.

Resources for Finding & Playing

• GOG.com: https://www.gog.com/ – DRM-free versions of many classic DOS games.
• Abandonware Sites: (Use caution and a good antivirus!) Many sites host abandonware, but legality is questionable.
• DOSBox: https://www.dosbox.com/ – Essential for running DOS games on modern systems.
• PCGamingWiki: https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page – Excellent resource for compatibility fixes and information.

This is just a starting point, of course. The DOS era was incredibly diverse, and there are countless other great games out there waiting to be discovered. Happy gaming! Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific game or genre.