Classic MS-DOS Action Games

Action games were one of the most popular genres in the MS-DOS era, offering fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled gameplay that pushed early PC hardware to its limits. From side-scrolling platform shooters to top-down brawlers, DOS action games demanded quick reflexes and sharp timing. Iconic titles like Commander Keen, Duke Nukem, Dangerous Dave and Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure were staples of the shareware scene, often distributed on floppy disks through Apogee Software. If you like your games immediate, kinetic and challenging, DOS action titles deliver.

Games in the action genre (recently added)

Quarantine

Quarantine – MS-DOS cover art
Quarantine, released in 1996 by GameTek, is a gritty, futuristic vehicular combat game that blends high-speed driving with first-person shooter elements. Set in the dystopian city of Kemo, where a failed corporate experiment has turned the…
Genre: Action
Release: 1996
Developer: Imagexcel
Publisher: GameTek

The Simpsons

The Simpsons – MS-DOS cover art
The Simpsons, released in 1991 by Novotrade, is a side-scrolling action game based on the hit animated TV series. Originally an arcade game developed by Konami, this MS-DOS adaptation offers a single-player experience where players take on the role…
Genre: Action
Release: 1991
Developer: Novotrade
Publisher: Konami

Cannon Fodder

Cannon Fodder – MS-DOS cover art
Cannon Fodder, released in 1993 by Sensible Software, is a tactical action-strategy game that blends humor, fast-paced combat, and strategic squad-based gameplay. Players command a small team of soldiers as they embark on deadly missions across…
Genre: Action
Release: 1993
Developer: Sensible Software
Publisher: Virgin Interactive

The Chaos Engine

The Chaos Engine – MS-DOS cover art
The Chaos Engine, released in 1993 by The Bitmap Brothers, is a top-down run-and-gun shooter set in a steampunk-inspired alternate history. In a world where a rogue inventor’s machine has twisted time and unleashed monstrous cybernetic creatures,…
Genre: Action
Release: 1993
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Renegade Software

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park – MS-DOS cover art
Jurassic Park, released in 1994 by Ocean Software, is an action-adventure game based on the blockbuster movie and novel by Michael Crichton. Combining top-down exploration with first-person shooter sequences, the game puts players in the role of Dr.…
Genre: Action
Release: 1994
Developer: Ocean Software
Publisher: -

Metal Mutant

Metal Mutant – MS-DOS cover art
Metal Mutant, released in 1991 by Silmarils, is a unique side-scrolling action-adventure game that puts players in control of a powerful biomechanical warrior on a mission to overthrow an evil robotic empire. What sets Metal Mutant apart is its…
Genre: Action
Release: 1991
Developer: Silmarils
Publisher: -

Marble Madness

Marble Madness – MS-DOS cover art
Marble Madness, released in 1984 by Electronic Arts, is a fast-paced and innovative arcade-style game that challenges players to navigate a rolling marble through a series of treacherous, obstacle-filled courses. Originally developed by Atari Games…
Genre: Action
Release: 1984
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

Dyna Blaster

Dyna Blaster – MS-DOS cover art
Dyna Blaster, released in 1990 by Hudson Soft, is a fast-paced action-puzzle game better known as Bomberman in other regions. This classic arcade-style game challenges players to strategically place bombs, destroy obstacles, and defeat enemies while…
Genre: Action
Release: 1990
Developer: Hudson Soft
Publisher: -

D/Generation

D/Generation – MS-DOS cover art
D/Generation, released in 1991 by Mindscape, is a sci-fi action-puzzle game that immerses players in a suspenseful and challenging mission. Set in a high-tech skyscraper in near-future Singapore, players take on the role of a courier tasked with…
Genre: Action
Release: 1991
Developer: Robert Cook
Publisher: Mindscape

Desert Strike

Desert Strike – MS-DOS cover art
Desert Strike, released in 1992 by Electronic Arts, is an isometric shoot-'em-up that combines fast-paced action with light strategy elements. Set in the Middle East, players pilot an Apache attack helicopter on a series of high-risk missions to…
Genre: Action
Release: 1992
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: -

Syndicate

Syndicate – MS-DOS cover art
Syndicate, released in 1993 by Electronic Arts, is a gritty real-time tactical game set in a cyberpunk future where corporations rule the world through violence and espionage. Developed by Bullfrog Productions, the game places players at the head of…
Genre: Action
Release: 1993
Developer: Bullfrog Productions
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight

Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight – MS-DOS cover art
Moonstone: A Hard Days Knight, released in 1992 by Mindscape, is a brutal action-RPG that blends arcade-style combat with strategic exploration and a touch of fantasy. Set in a mythical world, players take on the role of a knight chosen to retrieve…
Genre: Action
Release: 1992
Developer: Rob Anderson
Publisher: Mindscape

Golden Axe

Golden Axe – MS-DOS cover art
Golden Axe, released in 1989 by Sega, is a classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up set in a mythical fantasy world. Players choose from three distinct heroes—a barbarian, a valkyrie, and a dwarf—each seeking vengeance against the evil Death Adder, who…
Genre: Action
Release: 1989
Developer: Sega
Publisher: -

Ugh!

Ugh! – MS-DOS cover art
Ugh!, released in 1992 by Play Byte, is a charming and quirky arcade-style game that blends action, strategy, and humor. Set in prehistoric times, players take on the role of a caveman who pilots a stone-age helicopter to transport passengers across…
Genre: Action
Release: 1992
Developer: Egosoft
Publisher: Play Byte

Alley Cat

Alley Cat – MS-DOS cover art
Alley Cat, is a classic action game released in 1984 by Synapse Software. In this charming and whimsical game, players control a stray cat named Freddy, who navigates through an urban environment in search of food, companionship, and adventure. The…
Genre: Action
Release: 1984
Developer: Synapse Software
Publisher: -