There are countless classic DOS games out there, so it’s difficult to narrow them down to just a few. However, here are some of the most popular and iconic DOS games of all time, along with their features, pros and cons, and official website links:
- Doom (1993) Features: First-person shooter, sci-fi horror, fast-paced gameplay, intense action, atmospheric soundtrack. Pros: Influential and groundbreaking game that revolutionized the FPS genre, addictive and challenging gameplay, iconic enemies and weapons, impressive graphics and sound for its time. Cons: May feel dated to modern gamers, limited level design and AI. Official website link: https://slayersclub.bethesda.net/en/game/doom
- Prince of Persia (1989) Features: Platformer, puzzle-solving, Middle Eastern setting, realistic animation, sword-fighting. Pros: Immersive and engaging gameplay, impressive animation and graphics for its time, memorable protagonist and setting, challenging puzzles and combat. Cons: May feel slow-paced or frustrating to some players, limited replay value. Official website link: https://www.princeofpersiagame.com/
- The Oregon Trail (1971) Features: Educational, historical, resource management, survival, text-based gameplay. Pros: Classic and influential educational game that has been played by generations of school children, fun and challenging gameplay, interesting historical content, unique and memorable gameplay mechanics. Cons: May feel simplistic or outdated to modern gamers, limited visual and audio presentation. Official website link: https://archive.org/details/msdos_Oregon_Trail_The_1990
- SimCity (1989) Features: Simulation, city-building, resource management, real-world maps, urban planning. Pros: One of the most influential and iconic simulation games of all time, engaging and challenging gameplay, deep and complex systems for players to master, impressive graphics and sound for its time. Cons: May feel overwhelming or frustrating to some players, steep learning curve, limited replay value. Official website link: https://www.ea.com/games/simcity
- Civilization (1991) Features: Turn-based strategy, historical, empire-building, diplomacy, technology research. Pros: One of the most iconic and influential strategy games of all time, deep and complex gameplay systems, engaging and addictive gameplay, impressive graphics and sound for its time, vast replay value. Cons: May feel overwhelming or frustrating to some players, steep learning curve, slow-paced gameplay. Official website link: https://www.civilization.com/
- Lemmings (1991) Features: Puzzle-solving, platformer, resource management, cute and colorful graphics. Pros: Fun and addictive gameplay, unique and memorable game mechanics, charming and humorous presentation, challenging and engaging puzzles. Cons: May feel repetitive or simplistic to some players, limited replay value. Official website link: https://classicreload.com/lemmings.html
- Wolfenstein 3D (1992) Features: First-person shooter, sci-fi, World War II setting, fast-paced action, intense violence. Pros: Influential and groundbreaking game that helped popularize the FPS genre, addictive and challenging gameplay, iconic enemies and weapons, impressive graphics and sound for its time. Cons: May feel dated to modern gamers, limited level design and AI. Official website link: https://bethesda.net/en/game/wolfenstein-3d
- Myst (1993) Features: Puzzle-solving, exploration, point-and-click adventure, immersive story, beautiful graphics. Pros: Innovative and unique game that popularized the adventure game genre, beautiful and immersive presentation, engaging and challenging puzzles, deep and intriguing story. Cons: May feel slow-paced or frustrating to some players, limited replay value. Official website link: https://cyan